“But, before there was Eve there was Lilith.”

Everyone knows who Adam and Eve are—whether you believe in their religious reference or not—and you have to agree that they are the original power couple. But, before there was Eve there was Lilith.

In Jewish folklore, Lilith was Adam’s first wife. She was the deceiver and is often portrayed as the cunning serpent. Lilith’s tale begins with her leaving the garden of Eden because she felt woman was being treated as an inferior to man. From then on scripture depicts Lilith as an evil demon… Yes, I was shocked by this knowledge as well! In very early translations of common religious texts, and folklore, Lilith’s name can be found. However, in newly published versions the word “demon” or “beast” are commonly used as substitutes.

“Lilith’s tale begins with her leaving the garden of Eden because she felt woman was being treated as an inferior to man”

It wasn’t just in Hebrew text that Lilith could be found, she is also portrayed in old Irish myths as the patron saint of abortions.

Lilith was doomed to walk Earth for hundreds of years after choosing to leave the garden of Eden. She is then marked as the nightmare of pregnant women, hanging her name on their doorways to keep her away in fear that she would cause them to miscarry if she came near.

“Lilith was also a representation of female sexuality. For thousands of years female sexuality has been depicted as “dirty” or “sinful”, even demonic—as it was assigned to embody Lilith.”

Lilith was also a representation of female sexuality. For thousands of years female sexuality has been depicted as “dirty” or “sinful”, even demonic—as it was assigned to embody Lilith. Present day, you rarely hear of Lilith in common texts where she is referenced—her name somehow having been replaced. It wasn’t until recent that Lilith’s religious presence has been reclaimed. Multiple woman’s rights platforms—like magazines, non-profit organizations, and fundraising events—have been named after Lilith, harkening to her tale of leaving the garden of Eden due to feelings of being treated as inferior to Adam.

Maybe we all have a little bit of that Nay-Saying-Demon Lilith in us, and that’s why we’re here. We took to walk the earth for a number of years, but instead have taken to igniting joy, love, and intellect in the hearts of other women; rather than scorn and terror.

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Source found here.

Before Eve