By Stephen Kamlasaran
If two people were to fall in love in the midst of politically charged times, under the leadership of wealthy officials, would I be describing the life of Canadians in the 1930s during the Great Depression, or members of Gen Z entering 2025? How about both? History, like romance, doesn’t repeat, but it can rhyme. As far as universal human experiences go, love is among the best rhymes out there, yet its expression and celebration vary significantly across cultures. We’ll explore three cultural lenses through which love is expressed, revealing its depth and diversity: from Indigenous Two-Spirit traditions, to the Imperial bedchambers of China, to the artistic depictions of love in Iran, different cultures offer unique perspectives on love, each reflecting their distinct values and traditions.
1. The Passion of the Cut Sleeve
One of the earliest recorded expressions of love comes from across the Pacific in China, 2000 years ago. One of the most enduring tales of love comes from the Han Dynasty during China’s age of empire. The Emperor in this story, Ai, shared a deep bond with his male companion, Dong Xian.
One morning the emperor awoke and found Dong Xian asleep on his sleeve. Rather than wake Dong, the emperor cut the sleeve of his robe off to let his partner rest undisturbed. This tender act of sacrifice symbolizes profound love and care, transcending societal norms of the time. The story, known as “The Passion of the Cut Sleeve”, has become a poetic reference to same-sex affection, illustrating the timeless nature of love and devotion (Prager, 2020).
The phrase “断袖之恋” (duàn xiù zhī liàn) is still used in Chinese culture as a metaphor for relationships between men, though recently has been replaced by the encompassing term: “tongzhi” (通知) (“comrade”) for all sexual minorities, not just male homosexuals.
2. Harmony and Love in Indigenous Cultures
Crossing the Pacific to North America, we continue by looking at the Indigenous cultures that once flourished here. Individuals that identify as Two-Spirit hold sacred roles that transcend Western gender binaries, and were historically revered as mediators, healers, and spiritual guides. Among them is South Dakotan Reverend Isaiah Brokenleg, who explains, “we walk between the world of the masculine and feminine.
We also walk between the natural and the supernatural” (Kulkarni, 2021). Two-Spirit people were vital to their communities, fostering harmony and balance. Among the Ojibwe for example, Two-Spirit individuals mediated conflicts with empathy, while in the Lakota Nation, they entered same-sex unions that were celebrated as sacred partnerships.
In the Navajo Nation, a Two-Spirit leader unified their people during a drought by combining traditionally male and female roles (Rifkin, 2011). These roles and relationships exemplify love as a force rooted in community well-being and respect for duality. Although colonialism disrupted these traditions, many Indigenous communities are reclaiming and honoring the Two-Spirit identity, celebrating it as a vital expression of cultural resilience and sacred connection.
3. The Divine Journey of Love
And lastly, from North America, we hop across the Atlantic ocean towards Iran, where love is as deeply woven into the fabric of culture like the famous intricacies of Persian rug designs. Spiritually, as well as artistically, romance beyond our Western conception has rarely been as profound as in the works of the famous Persian poet Rumi.
His exploration of ishq—divine love—goes beyond earthly romantic relationships to represent a journey toward spiritual enlightenment and connection with the divine (Ghazzālī, 2012). Rumi’s poetry describes love as a transformative, transcendent force that leads to personal growth and inner peace.
He often portrays love as a guide to breaking down the barriers between the self and the divine. One of his famous lines, “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray,” (Rumi, 1273) captures the essence of this spiritual path, urging individuals to surrender to the power of love and allow it to guide them toward deeper understanding and self-realization.
In Iranian culture, ishq is not limited to romantic love but is also about the passionate pursuit of truth, wisdom, and connection with the universe. This depiction of love continues to influence modern Iranian literature, art, and spiritual practices, making it a central part of Iran’s cultural heritage. In conclusion, despite the diversity in these cultural expressions, a shared theme emerges: love as an act of selflessness, connection, and care. Emperor Ai’s tender gesture, the sacred roles of Two-Spirit individuals, and Rumi’s spiritual pursuit all underscore love’s universal nature. These stories remind us that love is not confined to one definition or form. It is as varied as the cultures it inhabits, yet its essence remains timeless and boundless—a force that deepens human connection and enriches the human experience.
Works Cited
Prager, Sarah. “In Han Dynasty China, Bisexuality Was the Norm.” JSTOR Daily, 10 Jun. 2020, daily.jstor.org/in-han-dynasty-china-bisexuality-was-the-norm/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Rifkin, M. (2011, January 25). When Did Indians Become Straight? Kinship, the History of Sexuality, and Native Sovereignty. Oxford Academic. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://academic.oup.com/book/9906
Kulkarni, Kerry. “Two-Spirited People Have Special Role in Lakota Culture, Watertown Vicar Explains.” Watertown Public Opinion, 2025, www.watertownpublicopinion.com/news/two-spirited-people-have-special-role-in-lakota-culture-watertown-vicar-explains/article_54d517b2-876b-5c9f-8c69-9b8d2da74355.html.
G. (2012). Ghazali on the Principles of Islamic Spirituality (p. 268). SkyLight Paths Publishing. https://doi.org/1594732841, 9781594732843
Ar-Rumi, J. A. D. M. (2004). The Essential Rumi (C. Barks & J. Moyne, Trans.). Harper One. https://doi.org/9780062509598
