The ancient roman nexus of wine and kiss

Throughout the annals of history, countless practices and traditions have intertwined, leading to fascinating tales. One such tale emerges from ancient Rome, where wine held more significance than simply being a drink of leisure—it played a pivotal role in societal structures, gender norms, and even romantic conventions.

The Kiss of Verification

In ancient Rome, women, particularly those of higher societal status, were expected to abstain from wine. This was not merely a suggestion but a stringent rule, which saw husbands and fathers turning to an intimate method to ensure compliance: they would kiss their wives and daughters to detect the scent or aftertaste of wine. Such a measure is indicative of the era's strict gender-based roles and the lengths taken to enforce them.

Romulus, the legendary founder and first king of Rome, was behind the decision to deny women access to wine. In fact, women weren't even allowed to possess the keys to wine cellars. The purpose of this decree? To preserve what was deemed "perfect conduct" among Roman women. Any traces of wine consumption, seen as potential evidence of immoral behavior, were treated severely. Women found guilty faced grave consequences, with some even meeting their death, adjudicated either in a tribunal or a familial assembly.

Wine in the Roman Society: Its Revered Roles

Despite these restrictions, wine was not entirely forbidden for every Roman nor for every occasion:

• Religious Rituals: Wine was exclusively reserved for men during religious ceremonies. A breach of this convention by a woman could have her facing a summary trial by her family, and punishments as severe as death. This particular ritualistic use of wine bore a unique name: Ius osculi, or "the wine kiss."
• Medicinal Use: Wine was universally acknowledged for its healing properties. Both men and women were allowed to consume wine as a remedy. Wine's curative abilities were so well-regarded that it was hailed as one of the most significant medicinals available to mankind. There were even beliefs that wine could act as a contraceptive and induce abortions.
• Dining: Come dinner time, Romans indulged in sweeter, less alcoholic versions of wine. Both genders were permitted to partake, dispelling, at least momentarily, the overarching norms of the society.

A Seductive Kiss: The Tale of Agrippina

The emperor Claudius's niece, Agrippina Minor, utilized the wine kiss not as a test but as a tool of seduction. Through her frequent wine kisses, she eventually persuaded him to overturn laws prohibiting marriage between blood relatives. She also convinced him to adopt her son from a prior marriage. Agrippina's rise to power is storied, marked with moments of both brilliance and bloodshed.

Class Distinctions and Wine

The Roman edicts against women drinking wine were not universally applied. Women of nobility and higher classes bore the brunt of these restrictions. In contrast, those from less privileged backgrounds, such as prostitutes, faced no such limitations. In fact, they utilized wine for its medicinal properties. Additionally, sorceresses of the era often sold remedies crafted from wine.

Sacred Wine and the Cult of Bona Dea

The Bona Dea cult was an exception to many of the prevalent norms. In this sacred space, wine was reserved exclusively for women. Historically, Bona Dea, often referred to as the "Great Mother", had her temple in Aventino. The temple also functioned as a healing center, evidenced by the non-threatening snakes that roamed its grounds and the storehouse of medicinal herbs. However, the cult was strictly women-centric, with men barred from accessing the sacred space.

The Roman Perception of a Kiss

Beyond its use as a wine detector, the act of kissing in Rome had its own set of societal norms. Public displays of affection, especially between couples, were frowned upon— a sentiment that still resonates in various cultures today. Yet, the kiss shared between friends or the peace kiss between consuls and emperors was acceptable. Interestingly, the nuptial kiss, symbolizing the union's consummation, has its roots in ancient Rome but has morphed in meaning and terminology across different cultures over the years.

As Edmond Rostand eloquently put it in his play Cyrano, a kiss is far more than just a physical act—it's a solemn promise, an intimate connection, and a profound expression of love.