Being a Young Naturist

Nudism, also known as naturism in the United States, can refer to both a way of thought as well as a social or family lifestyle. The concept of nudism originated in the Germany in the 20th century as a way for the human race to become one with nature. The idea spread to Europe as well as the United States with the development of clubs, resorts, and nudist beaches. Although the majority of the public views nudism as a form of eroticism, most nudists do not.

In the U.S., the terms naturism and nudism are used synonymously, but in the U.K., there is definite distinction between the two. Nudism is the term used for being naked while naturism is the lifestyle of being nude all the time. Naturalism is a different term that refers to the belief that some hold that the human race should once again become one with nature. It encompasses a whole gamut of ideas such as a love for the environment and fellow man as well as healthy diets and vegetarianism.

There is a large amount of philosophy behind the naturist beliefs. Many nudists themselves do not have as deep of a philosophical background although there is a large amount of historical evidence of nudism. When Alexander the Great traveled to India, he found a large number of religious men who he named “naked philosophers” or gymnosophists. These monks remained naked in order to better espouse their belief that they should possess no goods and should live a life of poverty. Nudism was also seen during the Olympic Games in Greece. It was here that the men would compete in grueling sports while in the nude.

During the 20th century, this same nudist philosophy was initiated in England through the formation of the English Gymnosophical Society. In 1926, Britain founded its first nudist colony which was named at Brickett’s Wood. A nudist club was formed by Gerald Gardner in 1945. However, he created the club so that he and members could practice witchcraft which was still illegal. In the United States, Kurt Barthel immigrated from Germany and created the first ever nudist event in 1929. Since this period, nudism has become more widespread in America.

There are several types of nudism including family, social, nude beaches, as well as variety of other activities catered toward nudists. The first form is referred to as either family or personal. This type refers to persons who either remain naked in either in their own home or in the presence of their family. There are several debates as to whether or not parents should practice nudism around their children, particularly after the age of 6 years old. It is after this point in time that children begin to become self conscious when naked so in order to prevent a feeling of discomfort, many psychiatrists recommend parents to refrain from being naked around their offspring.

The second type is social, which consists of nudist activities with friends as well as nudist clubs or other nudist community activities. Nudist events are typically clothing optional unless the activity is swimming or another outdoor water activities. If this is the case, attendees are expected to remain naked. Persons who work as employees of these nudist clubs are, however, often required to wear clothes due to health concerns.

Nude beaches, which are also known as free beaches, are prolific in many areas of Europe. In fact, all beaches in both Norway and Denmark do not require clothes while other countries such as Germany have specific beaches especially for nudists. A number of other nudist activities also exist such as nude bicycling, hiking, horse-back riding, as well as swimming.