In those days society was divided up in two spheres more or less, one for women and another one for men. It was a woman´s duty, and in fact, only prospect in life to get married and to run a home. Normally they were taught weaving and superwising other household manifactures that were part of a Greek home in those days. But if she could master the art of conversation, singing, declamation and playing an instrument, her chances for making a good match increased. Sappho was one who mastered all of these abilities and what more, she taught them to young girls not only those on the island where she lived but they were sent to her from all parts of the Ionic world. The education they revceived was more than just being able to sing and play a little, it is said that they became veritable musicians. Their education period was spent apart from other relatives so in essence staying with Sappho was like being in a boarding school for these young women.

It is around her affection for these girls that much of her poetry is woven. She took care of these girls, she nurtured them, and taught them and when they finally left to be married she wrote their wedding songs.