Background Information
Spitting as an expression of contempt, derision or disgust dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans particularly, who had a custom of spitting at people they perceived as inferior, have passed down the phrase ‘spit in somebody’s face’ as an insult.
This phrase has been popularized by films, books and songs and has evolved over time, with the act of spitting becoming antiquated. But why were spitting and the phrase, ‘spit in somebody’s face’, ever so important to the Romans?
Spitting in Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, people of a lower class, including slaves and freedmen, were expected to show deference to people of higher status, either by looking down or by averting their gaze. In some cases, they would even walk around either barefoot or on their knees to show their subservience.
Spitting was a sign of outright disrespect and an insult for those of lower class. It was a way of shaming those people, acting as a reminder that the higher-class person was superior and in control. It showed anger, lack of respect and disdain – all in one single simple act.
Ancient Roman Punishments
According to Roman law, if a person spat at someone of higher status, it was an offence and punishable by death. This shows that for Ancient Romans, spitting was a serious matter and something that should have been avoided in all circumstances. Although it may have been used as a sign of defiance by the lower class, it was still a very dangerous act, with dire consequences.
Spitting in Ancient Rome wasn’t just used as a sign of disrespect or aggression. It was also seen as a sign of openness, acceptance and friendship. Although this was more common among the upper classes, it was an accepted practice amongst all social classes, and it still has some relevance today in many cultures.
The Role of Religion
The Roman religion had a profound influence on the way people lived their lives and the attitudes that were held. It was believed that if someone spat in another person’s face, it was a sign that their soul had been taken from them. Spitting on someone was believed to offer protection from evil forces and was even thought to be a way of removing bad spirits from a person. Furthermore, it was even believed that spitting on a person would bring good fortune.
These beliefs were engrained in the Ancient Roman culture, and it is clear that religion played a major role in why spitting at someone was seen as an act of disrespect and aggression. This practice was so widely believed that it was a common occurrence in Ancient Rome and it is likely that this has been the source of the phrase ‘spit in somebody’s face’.
The Significance of Spitting in Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, spitting was not just an expression of disdain but it was a way of punishing those who were of a lower class or status. It was a sign of disrespect and a reminder that the higher-class person was superior. It also had a spiritual significance, with some believing that spitting could offer protection from evil forces or remove bad spirits from a person. These beliefs were engrained in the Roman religion and culture and it is likely that this is the basis for why spitting was an accepted practice in Ancient Rome.
How Spitting is Part of Modern Culture
Although spitting at someone as an act of aggression is no longer seen as acceptable in modern society, it is still used as a sign of welcome and friendship. In many parts of the world, it is a sign of respect and admiration, and it is common to see people spitting at each other as a sign of greeting.
Spitting is even used in the modern day as a form of art or performance, with spit artists creating works of art by spitting coloured pigments onto a canvas. While this is certainly not a traditional form of art, it is a testament to the importance of spitting in various cultures and its continued relevance today.
Spitting as a Sign of Disrespect
Spitting has long been an expression of disrespect and anger, and this sentiment dates back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In Ancient Rome, spitting was seen as an insult, particularly for those of a lower class. It was a way of shaming and reminding people who were of lower status that the higher-class person was superior and in control. This practice was so widely believed and accepted that it was even punishable by death if someone spat at someone of higher status.
Although in modern society spitting at someone as an act of aggression is no longer socially acceptable, it is still used as a sign of welcome and friendship in many parts of the world. Spitting is even seen as a form of art and is used as a performance in some cultures. Thus, although spitting at someone can have negative connotations, there are still some positive connotations that stem from the Ancient Roman practice and its relevance in modern society.
Cultural Evolution
Spitting has gone through an evolutionary process over time and its meaning has changed from one culture to another. In Ancient Rome, it was seen as an expression of derision, commonly used to humiliate those of a lower class. This sentiment has been passed down over the years, and the phrase ‘spit in somebody’s face’ is still used today as an insult.
At the same time, spitting is still used today as a sign of respect and friendship in some cultures, as a performance and even as a form of art. Thus, while the Ancient Roman practice of spitting has been largely overlooked and even forgotten, it still has relevance in modern society.
Impact on Society
The practice of spitting has had a long-lasting impact on society, and it is clear that the Ancient Romans had an important role to play in this. From a spiritual perspective, it was believed that spitting could offer protection from evil and remove bad spirits, something that is still evident in certain cultures.
From a more practical sense, spitting was used as a way of punishing those who were of a lower class or status. It was seen as a sign of disrespect and a reminder that the higher-class person was superior, an attitude which is still seen in some parts of the world today.
Although the act of spitting at someone is no longer socially acceptable, its historical significance and relevance in modern society should not be overlooked. The phrase ‘spit in somebody’s face’, which has its roots in the Ancient Roman practice, still has its place in modern society and is likely to remain so for many years to come.
