In Ruth Goodman's book, how to be a Tudor, which was an earlier period than Jamestown, she speaks of how people used linen cloths to rub their bodies. And she quotes a doctor from the time. She also tried it for a while, with a swish of vinegar under the arms, and combing the hair with a fine tooth comb, covering the hair, and weekly linen changes, ie changes of shift under the gowns & hair coverings, with positive results, so those habits might have been still practiced among the poor of later periods. Poorer folks may have had one to wear, one to wash, but could still manage to remain somewhat clean and non-smelly. Also, the cloth clothes were made of: wool is known to hold fewer smells, and clothes were often made of wool & linen (linsey woolsey) or wool or linen alone, which do not hold smells the same way clothes of manmade fibers do today. A good nights airing and an apron will go a long way toward keeping clothes clean in appearance and scent. Plus the washing of face and hands with cold water.... RG mentioned that in Tudor times people thought that infection entered through the pores, so it was important to keep them closed, thus the use of cold water. Ah, and she said cooking with over a fire also helped to cover up any potential odors too.
I remember reading a historical novel that mentioned George Washington powdering his hair to get ready for some social event and I started laughing, it seemed so ridiculous. How do some styles get started?
Makes me grateful for modern plumbing and hygiene products. Another great video. 😋
Very interesting, thanks ladies!
Very educational!
In Ruth Goodman's book, how to be a Tudor, which was an earlier period than Jamestown, she speaks of how people used linen cloths to rub their bodies. And she quotes a doctor from the time. She also tried it for a while, with a swish of vinegar under the arms, and combing the hair with a fine tooth comb, covering the hair, and weekly linen changes, ie changes of shift under the gowns & hair coverings, with positive results, so those habits might have been still practiced among the poor of later periods.
Poorer folks may have had one to wear, one to wash, but could still manage to remain somewhat clean and non-smelly. Also, the cloth clothes were made of: wool is known to hold fewer smells, and clothes were often made of wool & linen (linsey woolsey) or wool or linen alone, which do not hold smells the same way clothes of manmade fibers do today. A good nights airing and an apron will go a long way toward keeping clothes clean in appearance and scent. Plus the washing of face and hands with cold water.... RG mentioned that in Tudor times people thought that infection entered through the pores, so it was important to keep them closed, thus the use of cold water. Ah, and she said cooking with over a fire also helped to cover up any potential odors too.
any chance of a video of the Native version of hygiene?
I remember reading a historical novel that mentioned George Washington powdering his hair to get ready for some social event and I started laughing, it seemed so ridiculous. How do some styles get started?