Background:
The fig-leaf is the legendary original covering (natural) used to conceal the genitalia when early humankind introduced the deceitful practices of modesty and shame. The idea of hiding a part of ourselves from others. Tradition holds that this natural element – the fig-leaf – was first employed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. From the Garden of Eden to the serpent to the apple to exile. Thus began the practice of wearing clothes to cover-up our beauty: our nudity. All of the curse of biting into the forbidden apple. Humanity has suffered the consequences of this fateful action even to this day.
The fig is the edible fruit of the ficus carica, a small tree in the flowering plant family. It is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and also western and southern Asia. It is now grown throughout the world in a variety of climates.
***************
Wikipedia offers this justification for the use of the fig leaf. “The expression “fig leaf” is widely used figuratively to convey the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance.” In other words, it is potentially offensive to some viewers so the intention is to reduce the level of discomfort felt by as many as possible. Hence the gentlemen in the above picture are posing in an image of self-censorship!
Their facial expressions let us all know that this posing was entirely in the spirit of fun and humour. They clearly understand that holding a fig-leaf over their penis in no way conceals the reality of their communal nudity. Plus, how likely is the fact that simply “holding” a fig-leaf in any way protects their genital privacy?
The “fig-leaf” has a pejorative metaphorical sense meaning a “flimsy or minimal cover for anything or behaviour that might be considered shameful, with the implication that the cover is only a token gesture and the truth is obvious to all who choose to see it.”
The visual message from the above photograph is quite plain for us all to see. His body language shouts: Stop! The fiddle fig-leaf shows us that single leaf does not afford ample coverage as his pubic hair is visible, even with his left hand holding nature’s foliage! The question being asked here is: Why bother to continue the fantasy? If we all know the fig-leaf is a lame attempt of deception, why even try?
The questions are valid, at least in my humble opinion. The use of the fig-leaf as a posing tool is honest and sincere. Is it worth all the effort involved? It provides a theme or a focus for the image but in all honesty, it offers a message of confusion. If being textile (clothes wearing) is the choice, then a more convincing gesture or token is necessary. There are virtually no instances where a single leaf fails to obscure the fact of one’s being bare.
Therefore, the best interpretation of the fig-leaf is to extol the act of nakedness or nudity as opposed to modesty. A reality that supports both body and clothes freedom and ridicules the religious and social “norms” or standards of compliance and decency. Actually, natural is a better concept to promote over deception!
The truth is that fig-leaf serves a dual purpose. It does represent an effort of compliance with social practices that encourage modesty. At the same time, it also idealizes the freedom and independence of an individual in exposing her/his body and in nudity. After all, natural is nature’s way of being ourselves – all the way!
We bare practitioners endorse being natural – all year long!
Freedom from the fig-leaf reaffirms our shared comfort, confidence, pleasure and satisfaction in being true to our collective preference in being proud as what and who we all are: bare practitioners!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “August Fun: A Photo Essay!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 