Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

An Evaluation of the Historical Importance of Fertility and Its Reflection in Ancient Mythology

Authors
Zohreh Behjati Ardakani 1
Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi 2
Homa Mahmoodzadeh 3
Seyed Hasan Hosseini 4
1 Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Sociology, Aras International Campus, Unive
2 Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3 Avicenna Infertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Sociology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Sociology, Aras International Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Myths are reflective of human concerns and needs during ancient times. By reviewing them, it turns out that many human problems today, have a historical background. Among the main themes of ancient mythologies, fertility and reproduction have various representations in ancient civilizations. The purpose of this paper was to review myths and common symbols of fertility and reproduction in ancient civilizations and evaluate the reasons of their continuous importance in different cultures. The data in this review study was obtained by scrutinizing the related literature. The gathered data indicated the multiplicity and variety of fertility symbols in ancient myths. Most ancient fertility symbols were inspired by the nature and some of them like earth and water were common in mythology of different civilizations. Therefore, the symbols consolidate the concept of conformity between human reproductive concerns and the nature’s necessities.
Keywords
Ceremonial behavior
culture
Fertility
Human
Infertility
mythology
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Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 17, Issue 1
Winter 2016
Pages 2-9