HIEROFANIE EROTYCZNE W OBRZĘDOWOŚCI RZYMSKIEJ

Abstract

The article presents erotic behaviours by the participants of some sacral ceremonies of ancient Rome. These celebrations belong to the group of sacra publica (sacrum Annae Perennae, Parilia, Floralia, Veneralia, the festival in honour of Juno with the epithet Sororia), as well as of sacra privata (the marriage rites connected to the god Mutunus Tutunus). The basic aim of sacral rites with intensive sexual features was to increase the biological forces cumulated in earth and plants which, through magical references, increase the organic forces in other animated elements of the cosmos, i.e. animals and humans. According to a sacral society, such socially accepted behaviour was voluntary and efficient, it reflected the primary idea of religious celebrations, assisted the activity of divine powers, allowed people to participate in the activities of the numen and co-create the scenario of the festival.