End of Summer, 2024!

 

Within the Northern Hemisphere, one of the more popular of summer activities is skinny-dipping (swimming naked)! As the idea of an actual "swim-suit" gaining popularity and becoming fashionable during the Victorian Era (middle 1800's), it is not surprising that swimming without any aquatic apparel whatsoever is once again becoming the "stylish" thing to do!

Before the introduction of garments specifically designed to wear while swimming, everyone engaged in nude aquatics. The widespread growth of modesty and the Christian religion led to the practice of gender segregated swimming (such as the females in the morning, males in the afternoon). Most swimming was limited to natural sources of water, such as beaches (oceanic), lakes, rivers, etc. The massive construction of man-made pools didn't begin until the early 1900's. Almost everyone complied with the gender restrictions by municipality.

In the books written by Mark Twain (Thomas Clemens), such as Tom Sawyer and then Huckleberry Finn, the popularity of swimming clothes free was introduced to the audiences. This was at the time of the growth of the idea of swimsuits.

The term skinny-dipping originated in the rural south, USA. It was colloquial for "wear-your-skin-and-take-a-dip-into-the-water." The enlarged mobilization of men that happened during World War II (1939-1945) led to the term gaining acceptance and understanding throughout the USA and beyond. Skinny-dipping began to slowly regain convenience and popularity with the "free love" movement during the late 1960's. By this time, gender segregation had lost appeal and practice!

Skinny-dipping and the season of summer have a shared identity and for quite a number of us who are bare practitioners have long been considered synonymous. Skinny-dipping has no equipment needed as the only mandatory requirement is access to water source for swimming. Summer is practically the same with the mandated material being sunshine and warmth (environmental air temperature). 

So, if our outdoor weather conditions cooperate, an encouraging reason to celebrate the final weekend of the Summer of 2024 is to skinny-dip on Saturday, 21 September in order to say farewell and then repeat on Sunday to welcome the autumn!

Addendum:

Of course, skinny-dipping does not require a friend or a partner in order to be fun and relaxing.

Some enjoy a naked dip into the water even while alone (solo). Each to his own!

No matter the number of persons or the body of water, a skinny-dipping is always fun and refreshing, especially on a hot day!

Strip and dip!

Naked hugs!

~ Roger ~