Chastity Week is observed in the week of Valentine’s Day every year and this year, it takes place from February 9 to 15. It was created to raise the awareness of abstinence from any form of sexual activity until marriage among young men and women. In recent times, the value put toward keeping chastity has shifted — especially among people who see sex as an expression of love and affection. This may be due to rapid civilization that lower concerns for religious and cultural values. The holiday has the aim to reduce the frequency of abortions and emotional trauma in the country due to unplanned pregnancies from premarital sexual encounters.
History of Chastity Week
With the rise of infidelity in marriages and involvement in sexual acts by young men and women, the American Life League decided to create the Chastity Week in 1998. Along with tens of other sponsors, ALL observes the week by encouraging Americans on the option to abstain from having sexual activities until marriage. It also emphasizes the recognition of the sacred nature of sexuality in humans.
Before then, Mary Meyer, a 37-year-old divorcee, who, in 1990, established the National Chastity Association — a Non-Governmental Organization with no religious inclinations, had lamented the scarcity of chaste men for marriage. Her N.G.O. focused on singles who wanted to keep themselves chaste until marriage. Many researchers have linked engagement in sexual affairs before or in marriage to societal vices such as the high rates of abortion, the spread of S.T.Is, and so on. In the early 20th century, Margaret Sanger posits that abstinence from sexual activities leads to greater strength and endurance.
Back in 1970, the abolishment of premarital sexual activities was not taboo in the majority of western countries. In 1981, the U.S. government initiated a program of abstinence for teens to prevent premarital sex and unwanted pregnancies. This was a big effort toward promoting chastity and reducing the frequency of abortions and emotional trauma in the country. Presently, over 100 organizations, mostly concerned with family life, sponsor the observation of the National Week of Chastity.
Chastity Week timeline
Western countries pay little or no attention to premarital sex as before.
A program is put in place to checkmate affairs between teens to avoid premarital sex and unwanted pregnancies.
The American Life League observes the first National Week of Chastity.
Several U.S. states begin to put restrictions on some specific types of abortions.
Ladies in their 20s account for more than 50% of the over 600,000 abortions recorded in the U.S.
Chastity Week FAQs
What is an example of chastity?
Chastity isn’t just about abstaining from premarital sex, it is also about faithfulness in marriages. Examples of chastity are being abstinent before marriage and staying faithful to one’s spouse in matrimony.
How do you practice chastity?
Set boundaries. Dress modestly. Avoid meeting in secluded places. Avoid intimate sexual discussions with the opposite sex.
Is the law of chastity in the Bible?
It is. God has said that only with our spouses should we engage in sexual activities.
How to Observe Chastity Week
Reconsider your lifestyle
If you were previously engaged in premarital sexual affairs, the best way to observe this week is to reassess the habit. It may bring you a newfound sense of self.
Speak to the younger ones
Educate the young boys and girls you know about the benefit of chastity and thinking responsibly of premarital sexual acts. See what you can do on this day to contribute.
Spread the message
Promoting awareness of the week is another way of celebrating it. This can be done by posting on social media platforms using #NationalChastityWeek.
5 Facts About Infidelity That Might Interest You
Not incurable
People who engage in infidelity can change if they truly want to.
Shows a struggling relationship
Couples who feel passionate and strongly about each other rarely engage in infidelity.
Happy marriages experience it too
Even though it is most common in unhappy marriages, it is also found in joyous matrimonial homes.
Gender discrepancy
Infidelity is found more in men than in women because men are generally polygamous.
Common among the rich
Affluent men cheat more than others because of the wealth they control.
Why Chastity Week is Important
It's a reminder
National Week of Chastity is a reminder for us to recognize the effects of unchaste practices and infidelity in marriages. It’s a day to celebrate wholesome ideals.
It can bring change
We are sure a lot of people will renew their vows to maintain their uprightness in chastity during the week's observation. A lot of others may also promise to reconsider their sexual activities.
It reduces societal vices
Since the week can help change people's wayward attitude towards premarital sex, we believe it will also decrease the rates at which societal ills such as random abortions and unwanted pregnancies occur. We love this.
Chastity Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 13 | Sunday |
| 2023 | February 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 9 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 8 | Sunday |
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