The Image of the Married Woman in Portuguese, Spanish and Russian Proverbs in the Light of Medieval Christian Ethics

Abstract

Purpose. To examine the portrayal of women in matrimonial contexts through an analysis of 437 proverbs originating from Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian traditions. This study aims to explore how these sayings mirror the cultural, societal, and religious beliefs surrounding women's roles in the institution of marriage. Results. The study found that the image of women in marriage within these proverbs is consistent across the cultures studied. It highlighted that while the Christian Church promotes chastity, it also endorses marriage to combat sexual promiscuity. Similarities were identified between Southern European and Russian proverbs regarding the spiritual foundation of Christian marriage, the nature of spousal relationships, and the expected qualities of a wife and mother. Conclusion. Proverbs serve as a cultural repository, mirroring traditions and values shaped by historical and literary influences. The proverbs perpetuate the religious and moral ideals of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, particularly the patriarchal view of marriage. This view enforces a hierarchy within marriage, with the wife subordinated to the husband, who is seen as her spiritual guide and the determinant of roles and responsibilities in the family and the broader society