History of naturism timeline

Human nudity began when humans began. The earliest men and women were naked  they had no concept of clothes, no concept of nudity or shame. The first humans originated in Africa ¹Recent African Origins of modern humans where the temperature didn’t require any clothing. Science has shown that the earliest humanoids lived in Africa ²Wikipedia , a warm place where protection from the elements wasn’t needed. ³National Geographic

Humanity spread out and found that certain places on earth required body covering to stay warm. That covering was functional.

“Anything from complete nakedness to casual body covering was a lifestyle component from prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman civilizations and into part of the Middle Ages.” ⁴ Goodson Aileen, Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology, ch 6 pg 155

The history of naturism can be traced back to ancient times, when people lived in a more natural state and nudity was not considered taboo. In many cultures, nudity was seen as a natural and unashamed state. So called “primitive” tribes like the Yanomamis of Brazil continue to live in society without much need for clothes. They decorate their body without any textile finery. Unfortunately modern civilization is encroaching on their environment and as in previous instances forcing compliance with western dress codes.

Gymnosophy was originally the doctrine of a sect of philosophers who practiced nudity, asceticism and meditation. In the early 20th century, the term was appropriated by several groups to denote a broad philosophy that included as a central thought that the nude human body is a natural condition and should be accepted widely for the betterment of society. ¹²Definitions.net

Naturism (Gymnosophy): A philosophy and lifestyle based around the idea that nudity is a natural condition and should be widely acceptable in society. Wiktionary

In the early 20th century, the term was appropriated by several groups to denote a broad philosophy that included as a central thought that the nude human body is a natural condition and should be accepted widely for the betterment of society. ¹³Definitions.net

The philosophy and practice of clothes free living. Modern naturism (gymnosophy) is  described as an opportunity for humankind to reconnect with nature and fellow human beings.  ¹⁴Parmalee, Maurice Nudism in Modern Life 

According to Parmalee, modern gymnosophy is both philosophy and practice.

…the direct and personal enjoyment of nature can be attained to the highest possible degree only when unclothed, because then there is nothing artificial between man and nature…  ¹⁵Parmalee, Maurice Nudism in Modern Life 

Modern naturism is believed to have originated in Germany in the early 1800s, when the “Frei Körper Kultur” (Free Body Culture) movement emerged. ¹⁶Wikipedia’s FKK page The FKK movement was based on an attitude towards life where the naked body is not a source of shame.

The first European naturist club was founded in Germany in 1898, and the first naturist resort was opened in 1903. Naturism quickly spread to other parts of Europe, and by the early 1920s, there were naturist clubs and resorts all over the continent. Organized naturism at this time was called Freikorperkultur (Free Body Culture) in Germany. German sociologist Heinrich Pudor, sometimes referred to as the “father of nudism”, wrote “The Cult of the Nude” promoting naturism. ¹⁷The History of Nudism Clothes Free International

At the end of the 19th century, Heinrich Pudor published a book that became a milestone in the history of human nakedness – Naked People and the Future of Mankind. Pudor viewed nudity not only as an expression of freedom, but also as something that has a lot to do with hygiene and modesty. He prescribes an austere lifestyle, giving up on everything that is not necessary – including clothes. This is similar to the practice of the naked Sadhus of India.

The first formally organized  naturist club Freilichtpark was open in Hamburg in 1903 by Paul Zimmerman and it immediately received positive attention from many Germans. People were interested in and fascinated by the new, free and independent way of thinking and its application in praxis. The number of the adherents kept on rising until the 1920’s when Adolf Hitler became an important political figure. With his meager body no wonder he was not particularly fond of clothesless life. ¹⁸ The Nudists

Naturism came to the United States in the early 1920s. European immigrants like Kurt Barthel, considered the founder of American naturism, brought the naturist way of life to the United States in the 1920s. Barthel a small group of individuals into a group that became the first naturist club in the United States American League for Physical Culture (ALPC). 

Naturist clubs were established in New York in 1930, in California in 1933 and Florida in 1934. The first was opened on June 21, 1930, near Spring Valley in Rockland County, New York. By 1931, ALPC had welcomed over 200 new members and moved to an area near Dover, New Jersey. Rock Lodge is still in operation today.

Naturism gained popularity in the United States, and by the 1950s, there were naturist clubs and resorts all over the country. Naturism continued to grow in popularity in the US throughout the 20th century, today there are naturist clubs and resorts all over the country.