In the 1970s, while researching in the Library of Congress, I found an obscure history of religious architecture that assumed a fact as if it were common knowledge: the traditional design of most patriarchal buildings of worship imitates the female body. Thus, there is an outer and inner entrance, labia majora and labia minora; a central vaginal aisle toward the altar; two curved ovarian structures on either side; and then in the sacred center, the altar or womb, where the miracle takes place - where males gives birth. Though this comparison was new to to me, it struck home like a rock down a well. Of course, I thought. The central ceremony of patriarchal religions is one in which men take over the yoni-power of creation by giving birth symbolically. No wonder male religious leaders so often say that humans were born in sin - because we were born to female creatures. Only by obeying the rules of the patriarchy can we be reborn through men. No wonder priests and ministers in skirts sprinkle imitation birth fluid over our heads, give us new names, and promise rebirth into everlasting life. No wonder the male priesthood tries to keep women away from the altar, just as women are kept away from control of our own powers of reproduction. Symbolic or real, it's all devoted to controlling the power that resides in the female body. . Gloria Steinem
About This Quote

It is a well known fact that the traditional design of most patriarchal buildings of worship imitates the female body. The outer and inner entrance, labia majora and labia minora, a central vaginal aisle toward the altar, two curved ovarian structures on either side , and then in the sacred center, the altar or womb, where the miracle takes place - where males gives birth.The symbol of that sacred center, where males gives birth to females by giving them birth is the vagina. Many people know about this because it has been taught from a young age. They may not know why it is taught or by whom but they know this information as a fact.

This is because it has been passed down from generation to generation.This idea of male dominance over women can be seen in all aspects of life, even in modern day society. The reason why men say that we were born in sin is because we were born to female creatures. Only by obeying the rules of patriarchy can we be reborn through men.

No wonder priests and ministers in skirts sprinkle imitation birth fluid over our heads, give us new names, and promise rebirth into everlasting life.No wonder the male priesthood tries to keep women away from the altar, just as women are kept away from control of our own powers of reproduction. Symbolic or real, it's all devoted to controlling the power that resides in the female body.

Source: The Vagina Monologues

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