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The History of the Dildo
"Hey, don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I
love!" - Woody Allen
The word dildo is described in the Merriam
Webster Dictionary as "an object serving as a penis substitute for vaginal
insertion". Its etymology is unknown but it has been dated to the 1500’s.
Some believe it comes from the Italian word "diletto" or to delight.
Sounds reasonable, but chances are good that its roots are Latin.
The dildo has had a very sordid history. It
has been used for the same basic function for humankind's existence. Yet
its evolution stretches from "I can't believe I'm using camel dung" to
"I'm out of batteries but I don't care".
Records of the dildo's history are scant. Its
image is often depicted as a decoration or statuary for celebrations of
fertility and crop success. The vaginal images and phalluses have been
obvious choices for humankind when referring to fertility rituals. The
earlier humans had no idea that the egg and sperm were in fact the crux of
fertility. However, the egg has always been looked upon as another symbol
of fertility, without humans knowing of the microscopic eggs females
carry. The fact that an egg, once laid by a bird, became a chick was
enough to convince our earliest ancestors of their potency.
Back to the misunderstood dildo. Early toys,
in many parts of the Mid-eastern world consisted of dried camel dung
coated with a hard resin, served their purpose. It would seem that this
early dildo might have had a few definite drawbacks though. The smell for
one. Can you imagine? The resin may have served to block the odor, but it
certainly could not have eliminated it. Unless of course camel dung when
dried did not retain its aroma. I suppose it is entirely possible that the
hot dry desert climes may have dried it to potential marble-like
hardness.
Women's personal toys have often been
disguised as items of health. Not an unreasonable image. Satisfied women
are generally happier women. Completely logical. However, a great deal of
our history as humans has been rooted in shame concerning our bodies and
sexuality. Therefore, the inanimate objects of women’s' affection became
something to be hidden.
During the mid 1800's women were treated for
what physicians called "hysteria". The symptoms? Irritability, excessive
vaginal fluids, heavy uterus and fantasies. Women frustrated in their
sexual release. But this in an era when women were not seen as being
sexual in any way. The treatment? You may not believe this. The physician
would massage his patient's clitoris until "paroxysm" was achieved. Or as
is commonly referred to today....orgasm. He would often dispense an
apparatus that, although phallus shaped, was referred to as a therapeutic
device. Perhaps the world would be a better place if dildos were dispensed
instead of medications for anxiety. It's rather improbable that Medicare
would cover it however. Although imagine the money they would save.
Boggles the mind.
In the earlier part of the 20th century,
dildos and vibrators began to make their appearance in women's magazines
and catalogues. "A device for anxiety and female tension". Sold through
Sears Roebuck, these toys were described as aids that every woman would
love. Their uses were encouraged as a way to keep women relaxed and
content.
As the toys became more prevalent in society,
they were eventually seen for the sexual devices they are and began their
decent to the underground world of unspoken delight. No longer the public
cure for the ills of women, they did not reemerge into the light of human
sexuality until mid century again.
Today the varieties are countless and the
camel dung dildo has gone the way of the physician's massage. Extinction.
And I think I speak for all women when I say that this can certainly not
be considered a bad thing. Imagine the insurance claim for "massage of the
clitoris due to anxiety"?
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Copyright - 2001
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