4. Societal Perceptions: Cleft Lips Through History
Throughout history, cultures around the world have had varied perceptions of cleft lips. In some ancient civilizations, babies born with clefts were considered divine, bearing special marks from the gods. In contrast, other cultures deemed them ill omens or cursed, leading to tragic fates for these innocent beings.
Jumping into medieval Europe, the scenario wasn’t any rosier. Amidst the superstitions of the time, children with cleft lips often found themselves marginalized. Their condition was misunderstood, misconstrued, and maligned. The lack of medical knowledge meant that most lived their lives without treatment.
However, as the Renaissance bloomed, so did the understanding of cleft lips. Artists began portraying individuals with clefts in their works, hinting at a subtle shift in societal perceptions. These depictions, albeit few, showed them as regular folks, going about their daily lives.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, with medical science advancing, corrective surgeries started becoming commonplace. This medical attention began changing the narrative around cleft lips, transforming it from a curse to a correctable condition.
Today, global awareness campaigns and initiatives aim to eradicate the misconceptions surrounding cleft lips. Stories of success, resilience, and achievements of those with clefts are shared widely, reshaping perspectives and breaking age-old stigmas. (4)
