Rotina de Higiene Medieval | A VERDADE QUE ESCONDERAM DE VOCÊ!

Summary

This video delves into the evolution of hygiene, cosmetics, and beauty standards from the medieval period, focusing on how people’s relationship with cleanliness and scents has changed over time. It discusses the use of animal fats in cosmetics, the rise of private baths, and the luxurious nature of perfumes and soaps. The video also challenges the modern stereotype of the medieval era being dirty, tracing it back to Victorian times. Additionally, the host explores medieval makeup practices, including blush and lip tint, and how these historical beauty techniques might be recreated today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medieval people had different tolerances to odors compared to modern standards, with certain smells like animal fat and natural musk being more accepted.
• 😀 The homes in medieval times had strong, often unpleasant smells due to lack of modern heating, ventilation, and sanitation systems, with the burning of wood and the presence of dampness contributing to the odor.
• 😀 Wealthier people could afford imported incense to mask bad smells, while the poorer population often used dried herbs in their homes to improve the air.
• 😀 The perception of bad hygiene in the Middle Ages is a modern myth, largely influenced by Victorian-era ideals and exaggerated portrayals in films and media.
• 😀 Public baths in medieval times were often associated with prostitution and eventually declined during the Renaissance due to the spread of syphilis and concerns over their health risks.
• 😀 With the decline of public baths, the wealthy began bathing privately in their homes, while the poor adopted simpler methods like 'cat baths' using a damp cloth.
• 😀 The production of soap in medieval times split into two categories: basic soap for cleaning and refined, perfumed soap for the wealthy, marking the early stages of luxury personal care products.
• 😀 The Middle Ages were not as unsanitary as often portrayed, with the perceived filthiness of the period largely a result of modern-day historical misconceptions.
• 😀 Despite being widely known for rough conditions, medieval beauty practices, such as skincare and cosmetics, were more advanced than commonly assumed.
• 😀 The book *De Ornatu Mulierum* (On the Decoration of Women) contained practical advice for medieval skincare, including recipes for cosmetics like blush and lip tints, indicating a more sophisticated approach to personal care than expected.

Q & A

How did medieval people perceive smells differently from us?

Medieval people had a higher tolerance for certain smells, like animal fats and musk, which would be considered overpowering or unpleasant today. The smells associated with daily life, such as cooking odors or the burning of wood in homes, were common and accepted.

Why were public baths eventually closed during the medieval period?

Public baths were linked to the spread of syphilis during the 1500s, which led to their closure across much of Europe. The baths were also associated with prostitution, further stigmatizing them.

What was the impact of the Renaissance on hygiene practices?

The Renaissance revived classical Greek and Roman texts, which led to a growing belief that bathing was harmful to health. This belief contributed to the decline of public bath usage and the rise of alternative hygiene practices.

What were the two types of soap produced in the 1500s?

In the 1500s, soap production split into two categories: rough, odorless soap used for washing and more refined, perfumed soap used by the wealthy as a luxury item.

How did the idea of medieval filth emerge in modern culture?

The concept of the 'filthy Middle Ages' is largely a modern invention, particularly from the Victorian era. It was reinforced by movies and media that depicted the medieval period as dark, unsanitary, and cruel to make contemporary society feel superior.

Why were medieval women not sent to the stake for using cosmetics?

Contrary to popular belief, medieval women were not burned at the stake for using cosmetics. The stereotype of witch hunts and public burnings largely comes from the later period of the Inquisition, not the medieval era.

What led to the decline in the use of public baths in medieval Europe?

The decline of public baths was caused by the spread of syphilis in the 1500s and the association of these baths with prostitution, which ultimately led to their closure and the adoption of private bathing practices.

What was the 'bath of cat' adopted by the poor in medieval cities?

The 'bath of cat' refers to a minimal bathing method used by the poor, particularly in urban areas, due to a lack of access to water. It involved washing with a cloth, much like how one might bathe a small child in cold weather.

What is the historical connection between medieval cosmetics and the book 'De Trotula'?

'De Trotula' is a medieval book that contains various beauty recipes, including some for skincare, which were considered surprisingly reasonable compared to the common beauty standards of the time.

How did medieval illumination art reveal details about women's makeup?

Medieval illumination art often depicted women with makeup, especially highlighting the use of blush and lip tints. This prompted the video creator to explore historical beauty practices in greater detail and even consider recreating a medieval-inspired makeup look.