Moderator: “Before we begin our journey through time, let's first set the stage. How has naturism existed across different cultures and eras? What is the broad human experience of social nudity?”
Responder: “For much of human history, non-sexual social nudity has been an integral part of everyday life. Across diverse cultures and time periods, attitudes toward the unclothed body have ranged from practical acceptance to symbolic reverence and - at times - rigid prohibition. The way societies have embraced, regulated or rejected nudity is deeply intertwined with broader themes of social control, cultural identity and human expression. This trail invites you on a journey through time, tracing the complex and often surprising history of naturism as a shared human experience.”
Responder: “From hunter-gatherers of prehistoric Africa to contemporary naturist communities worldwide, communal non-sexual nudity has been a consistent thread in human civilisation. For many Indigenous cultures, minimal or no clothing was the norm due to climate conditions or spiritual beliefs. For instance, many Amazonian tribes continue to embrace social nudity as an expression of harmony with nature and for simple practicality. In Ancient Greece, athletes competed nude as a celebration of the human form; whilst in Japan, communal nude bathing in onsen (hot springs) remains a long-standing tradition. In these contexts, communal non-sexual nudity was not just accepted but often carried positive social or ritual significance.
Yet, throughout history, clothing norms have also been wielded as tools of social control. From sumptuary laws of medieval Europe - which dictated who could wear silk or fur - to colonial impositions of Western dress codes on Indigenous populations, attire has been used to enforce class distinctions, reinforce gender roles and mark social hierarchies. The introduction of modesty laws in Victorian England, for example, reflected shifting attitudes toward morality and propriety, leading to the widespread stigmatisation of nudity in public life.”
Responder: "Despite periods of repression, naturism has persisted, adapting to cultural and political landscapes. 19th and 20th centuries CE saw the emergence of organised naturist movements in Europe and North America, often linked to broader philosophies of health, wellness and personal freedom. Today, naturism continues to be practiced worldwide, from beaches of Brazil to forests of Scandinavia, reflecting humanity’s enduring connection to the unclothed body. Whereas, in most modern societies, it is either extinct or severely endangered.
As we embark on this exploration of naturism’s past and present, it is crucial to recognise its historical fluidity. By examining how different cultures have understood and regulated nudity, we gain insight into the ways societies define propriety, individuality and community. Through the next nineteen waypoints, this trail will uncover many dimensions of naturism - its roots, its struggles and continued significance in the modern world.”