Colonial Americans' Hygiene Habits That Are Turning People's Stomachs
Our morning routines require a tremendous amount of care and effort, and most of us can't imagine going through our days without them. But not so long ago, Americans had a very different idea of standard hygiene. Some of their common practices — or lack thereof — were downright disgusting. So next time you think twice about flossing, remember these daily health routines from colonial America — you'll never not wash your hands ever again.
1. Warning against baths
Though keeping yourself clean is common practice today, hygiene was a somewhat controversial topic in the 18th century. Some doctors actually advocated against bathing regularly, as they believed the body's oils were essential to good health. We shudder to think of how the 13 colonies must have smelled...
2. Cleanliness is next to...
On the flip side, you may have heard the expression "cleanliness is next to godliness." It's possible that some colonists felt the same way, as religion and cleanliness once went hand in hand. Filth and dirt were often equated with sin and the devil. Morality came into play as well, as those who were clean were looked at as less likely to commit wrongdoings.
3. Harden your babies
While most rinsed their hands and faces each morning, full-body baths were uncommon among most men, women, and children. Infants, on the other hand, were bathed regularly, though this was more so in an effort to "harden" them than to clean them. What exactly does "harden" mean, you ask? Apparently, it was to boost their immunity against various diseases.
4. In defense of stink
In some cases, women actually preferred not to bathe, and they used their uncleanliness as a means of self-defense. Using their body odor, they hoped to repel the unwanted advances of overly persistent men. What a sad state of affairs — and things haven't changed too much since then, either, though at least women generally smell better.
