In ancient times, it seemed to be a fashion for cousins to marry cousins, but modern medicine tells us that marriage between close relatives is prone to giving birth to deformed children. Why, then, did the union of brother and cousin in ancient times seldom give birth to deformed children? Let's explore this interesting and perplexing question through the fog of history.
1. Ancient Marriage Concepts and Xi
In ancient times, marriage was often influenced by familial, political, and economic factors, while personal affection was on the back burner. Marriages between cousins and cousins were regarded as close to each other at the time, which was conducive to the consolidation of the family and the establishment of political alliances. This concept and Xi of marriage was widespread in the social context of the time.
2. Limitations of medical knowledge
In ancient times, medical knowledge was relatively backward, and people's understanding of physiology and heredity was limited. Although some genetic diseases are also known, little is known about their mechanisms and prevention methods. Therefore, even if there is a blood relationship between cousins and cousins, they may not know that this relationship increases the risk of having a deformed baby.
3. Social environment and living conditions
The living conditions of ancient societies were relatively difficult, and people's nutrition and medical conditions were generally poor. This affects the growth and development of the fetus to a certain extent, and may also mask some genetic defects and malformations. In addition, the concept of fertility in ancient times is also different from that of modern times, and the phenomenon of having more children and more blessings, early marriage and early childbearing is widespread, which also affects the birth rate of deformed children to a certain extent.
4. Definition and scope of consanguineous marriage
In ancient times, the definition and scope of consanguineous marriage may have been broader than in modern times. The relationship between cousins and cousins may not be considered consanguineous marriage, but rather as a relationship of intimacy. In addition, marriages in ancient times tended to be multi-generational, and blood ties may be more ambiguous, which also reduced the risk of deformed children to a certain extent.
5. Individual differences and probability
Even within the same environment and conditions, genetic differences between individuals can lead to different outcomes. Not all unions between cousins and cousins give birth to deformed children, and many healthy children exist. In addition, the fertility rate in ancient times was relatively high, and many families had multiple children, which also reduced the birth rate of malformed children.
6. The influence of culture and beliefs
Ancient cultures and beliefs have had a profound impact on people's perceptions and behaviors. In some cultures, the blessings of gods or ancestors are believed to bless couples with peace and healthy children. These beliefs give people psychological comfort and support to a certain extent.
VII. Limitations of Historical Records and Records
Ancient historical records and records often have limitations, and many details and circumstances may not be presented in their entirety. Therefore, we cannot know exactly the actual proportion and circumstances of the union between the elder brother and cousin. Some historical records of "deformed" children may have been considered "deformed" simply due to limited medical knowledge at the time, but in fact they were not.
8. The interweaving of history and modernity
Through the above analysis, we can understand that there are many reasons why the union between the elder brother and cousin rarely gives birth to deformed children, including the limitations of the social environment, cultural concepts and medical knowledge at that time, as well as various factors such as individual differences and living conditions. The development of modern medicine has made us pay more attention to the issues of heredity and eugenics, but we should also draw wisdom from history and respect the choices and values of each person, rather than judging the past solely on the basis of science.
Finally, I would like to ask you: How do you view the conflict and integration between the ancient concept of marriage and the modern concept of eugenics? In modern society, how should we balance the relationship between personal choice and scientific knowledge? Welcome to leave a message below to share your views! Let's explore the interweaving and collision between history and modernity!