Naturism is multicultural!
Here are some pithy profiles of nude heroes and heroines
from around the world and throughout history.
Here are some pithy profiles of nude heroes and heroines
from around the world and throughout history.
LADY GODIVA
11th-Century England
Truth, or dare? The truth: Her husband, sure of a refusal, dared her to ride through town unattired. But it was the daring Lady Godiva herself who threw down her gauntlet, and everything else to be worn except her horse’s finery, to protest her Lord spouse’s excessive taxes on his subjects.
She was the sight to see as she cantered through Coventry, although we’re supposed to believe that none of the townsfolk dared admire her alleged alabaster skin, long red tresses, shapely femininity in motion, or, most importantly, her courage.
She was the sight to see as she cantered through Coventry, although we’re supposed to believe that none of the townsfolk dared admire her alleged alabaster skin, long red tresses, shapely femininity in motion, or, most importantly, her courage.
The dare: Her challenge has been met throughout history, and nude public protest of the Lady Godiva kind is one of the most common social nudist phenomena.
 |
| Lady Godiva by John Collier. Another excellent illustration with original poem here. |
EL DORADO
16th-Century Colombia
The Golden One, Chief of the Chibchas, was one of the first pioneers to combine two nudist favorites: skinnydipping and bodypainting. His attendants would blow gold dust over every inch of his resin-coated skin. After incantations and offerings to the lake, he’d dive from a raft in a ceremony of deep purification and glittering rebirth.
The invading Spaniards heard about some handfuls of gold dust and quickly asserted the existence of an entire city of gold. There are also those who, upon hearing of naturists enjoying the elements, breathlessly assert a litany of imagined depravities. But in neither case is it about excesses of wealth or sex. It’s about humanity, spirituality, nature, and just plain fun.
 |
| Ritual of El Dorado, Narrando y Danzando por Colombia |
AKKA MAHADEVI
12th-Century India
Clothes get in the way…in so many ways. Akka Mahadevi wanted none of her garments to obstruct her worship of Lord Shiva. In her society and time period, nudity was acceptable among devout men only. But Akka, after fleeing a forced marriage, decided to abandon clothing altogether and wander southern India sharing her songs and verses, some of which are still conserved. She let her hair grow long enough to cover most of her body, for no purpose other than saving the men she dealt with from their own embarrassment at seeing her.
This “naked saint” is regarded today as one of the first women philosophers and an original feminist whose unorthodox approaches illuminated the clothes-minded.
 |
| Akka Mahadevi, Hinduism Today |
KIRIKOU
18th-Century Mali
He spoke his first words from the womb. He could run with incredible speed as soon as he was born. With indefatigable daring and impeccable logic, naked Kirikou the man-child saved his village from drought, from wild animals, and from the cruel machinations of a sorceress. He even liberated the sorceress herself from the root of her own evil, and then, to marry her, he grew into a strapping youth in an instant.
Yet one of his greatest trials was simply enduring the willful ignorance of his own neighbors, who time and again refused to believe his insights. Were Kirikou’s extraordinary knowledge, bravery, and patience developed more thoroughly by his nudity? Living naturally can only help.
 |
| Scene from Kirikou and the Sorceress |
nudescribe 
Lady Godiva is the one who interests me most. Is the story true? Why did the wife of the local lord even care?
LikeLike
It's a great question. I think her exact motives are lost to history- so you are free to speculate.
LikeLike
You probably already know that Godiva Chocolates has a British patent (since 2007) on the name, and has issued one cease and desist letter to somebody using the name.
LikeLike
It's just sad.
LikeLike
I'd never heard of some of these. Akka sounds very interesting. I'm gonna have to research this.
LikeLike
Thanks for your comment, Nick! I'm glad you found it interesting.
LikeLike
Interesting stories/legends.I inherited a copy of the Lady Godiva print in the article.Whether she actually existed or not she's been a great role model for protests and naturism.
LikeLike
How cool is that! Did you frame the print? Yes, I agree – she continues to be an inspiration for many.
LikeLike
It came framed with a plate at the bottom with the artist's name.I also inherited a copy of the Rokeby Venus.They're both in my guest room.
LikeLike