To Be Unbending Like a Tree: Aphrodisiacs among the Albanians of the Western Balkans

Abstract

Based on many years of field research, the article analyzes machismo strategies in the Albanian society, the role of aphrodisiacs in everyday culture, love magic, customs, and ritual practices. For this purpose, we consider medicines and magical actions, food products, tonic drinks, hygiene culture, aromatic substances, etc. We further focus on the medicinal herbs and fruit that are significant for the region and that have passed a long test of time both in folk and professional medicine – from healers to doctors. Recently, the once patriarchal way of life in the Balkan hinterland is losing ground or is being transformed under the influence of global trends and challenges of the time. However, the traditional means of “masculine affirmation” retain their strong positions and acquire new meanings in public discourse.