ABSTRACT
The celibacy rate for males was slightly lower, but the difference might be attributable to the relatively greater out-migration of single adult males. Sexual license and concubinage were conventional stages in courtship, often leading to marriage. Much of the analysis of premarital sexual customs and concubinage derives from statements of brides and grooms justifying the dispensation of impediments to their marriage. The scarcity of housing, land, and even water subdued the desire for marriage and the pressing obligations of family, but not for sexual intercourse. The extent and diversity of premarital sexual activity is frankly documented in the marriage testimonies. The Church's teachings and the vicars' exhortations strongly condemned sexual licentiousness and concubinage. Many parents sought to delay the marriage of their children and influence the choice of spouse; delay increased the risk that sexual passion would overcome the power of parental restraints and end with the loss of virginity and family honor.
