Is this a solely Mormon phenomenon...?

[_Drifting]

I have observed a disturbing activity that takes place during Sacrament Meeting that doesn't seem to happen during any other public gathering of any other group.

Back Rubbing.

During the meeting the female (usually) of a couple (usually younger) will spend much (if not all) of the meeting stroking, caressing, gently scratching, her partners back (he is usually leant forward to show how serious he is about his religion). This happens where the couple are not married and also where they are newly married.

Note: Couples with children are usually too far away from each other because they put the children between them on the pew. Older couples generally don't appear to do this.

Back Rubbing.

What on earth is it?

Is this some kind of Mormon mating ritual, or a sign of 'ownership', or something else?

[_Yoda]

Yeah, I have noticed that, too. Hubby and I really didn't do it that much. Usually, he just has his arm around me, even now. Unless, of course, our 8 year old is in between us, which is about half the time. LOL

Actually, it seemed to be more of a BYU phenomenon.

[Guest]

Yeah, people do that here, all touchy-feely!

The spine is main trunk of the Central Nervous System, I'm sure we use it as a way of tapping in to peoples trust.
the more people trust you the more you can touch them.

I'm sure it is some kind of regressed primate grooming bonding behaviour.
It makes me cringe.

Hence the washing and anointing, getting naked and letting someone touch you is a sure way of knowing you are your in complete submission.

Edit: I think I missed the point... I thought you were talking about back rubbing in general. Couples its about love and affection.

[_Paloma]

I have observed a disturbing activity that takes place during Sacrament Meeting that doesn't seem to happen during any other public gathering of any other group.

Back Rubbing.

During the meeting the female (usually) of a couple (usually younger) will spend much (if not all) of the meeting stroking, caressing, gently scratching, her partners back (he is usually leant forward to show how serious he is about his religion). This happens where the couple are not married and also where they are newly married.

Note: Couples with children are usually too far away from each other because they put the children between them on the pew. Older couples generally don't appear to do this.

Back Rubbing.

What on earth is it?

Is this some kind of Mormon mating ritual, or a sign of 'ownership', or something else?

On the few occasions I've attended sacrament meeting at a Mormon church, I've observed this and pondered what it means. (I've attended Protestant church services regularly over many years and have never been struck by similar behaviour, though I can't say with certainty that it doesn't ever happen.)

I've wondered if the rubbing or caressing (most often by women) is a kind of faith-affirming gesture, whereby the young girlfriend or wife is trying to ensure that her partner is truly locking into the experience of the sacrament. This thought has been reinforced by conversations I've had with Mormon young women (girlfriends and wives). I've heard lots of comments about male partners "coming along in the faith", "being trained", and so forth. I've had the sense that these young women are terribly invested in making sure their partners are grounded in the Mormon faith.

It's not surprising that Mormon couples would strongly want partners equally committed to the faith. But I still find the "rubbing" behaviour during sacrament strange, and wonder if there's some ''anxiety'' or ''fear'' element involved that's more prevalent than in non-Mormon faiths.

I guess the whole bent of Mormon theology (celestial marriage and exaltation) could contribute to such a phenomenon.

Is there anything in the way that young women are taught regarding male/female relationships that would help explain the behaviour seen at sacrament meetings?

And am I correct in thinking that it's mainly women rubbing men's backs, or is it more reciprocal than I'd thought?

[_Yoda]

And am I correct in thinking that it's mainly women rubbing men's backs, or is it more reciprocal than I'd thought?

It does seem to be more women rubbing backs of men than vice versa.

I think it also may have something to do with the social pressure that still exists in the Mormon culture to get married at a young age, and there being less men available than women. I think that, maybe even unconsciously, this could be a sign of "territory" that the women are claiming....a "hey, this guy is mine" type of thing.

[_Tobin]

And am I correct in thinking that it's mainly women rubbing men's backs, or is it more reciprocal than I'd thought?

It does seem to be more women rubbing backs of men than vice versa.

I think it also may have something to do with the social pressure that still exists in the Mormon culture to get married at a young age, and there being less men available than women. I think that, maybe even unconsciously, this could be a sign of "territory" that the women are claiming....a "hey, this guy is mine" type of thing.

They should just buy a flag with a plunger on the end and plant that on their "man" instead. A lot less work.

[_DarkHelmet]

My wife and I rub each other's backs all the time. Maybe we learned it as TBMs. LOL.

[_ludwigm]

Foreplay. Simple.
What can they do at sunday afternoon, if they don't like baseball?


I have cartoons (copyright cartoonstock.com), but
1. They shows female nipples (and/or balls, trumpets, which are queer objects)
2. You know my limits...

here is the first (balls)

Or, there are different arts, for example music (trumpets).

_________________
To be serious, that activity is disgusting in any religious service.

[_just me]

Hmmm, I've been known to rub my kids' backs, too. I think I do it to my kids as a comforting gesture.

[_Yoda]

They should just buy a flag with a plunger on the end and plant that on their "man" instead. A lot less work.

Perhaps...but not nearly as fun!