Hygiene

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Europeans were not familiar with the concept of ‘toilet’ during the middle ages. They were taking care of their ‘needs’ on open fields, or inside their houses. High-heel shoes and umbrellas were in great demand since people used to throw their cr’ap out in the streets of the smelly cities.

The Church also did not welcome the washing and cleaning of the entire body because “it would stimulate lust”. European women were wearing large skirts to conceal the potties they carried underneath. The invention of perfume in France is also often related to Europe’s historical lack of hygene.

While walking down on a street during the time of Louis XIV of France in Paris, nobody was sure that something dirty would not fall on their heads. At any moment, someone could pour a potty out to the street from a window. It was not a pleasant sight at all, and the horrific smell throughout the streets of the city was unbearable. Any corner, even the walls of the churches were covered with feces. ( Max Kemmerich )

In medieval Europe, people were often getting married in June because they used to take their yearly baths in May. But the brides were still carrying a bouquet of flowers to suppress their booming body scent. The nuns were strictly forbidden to wash their bodies except faces and hands. Isabella, the Queen of Castile, only took a bath two times during her 50-years-long life.

The tradition of pouring potties out in the streets continued until the 17th century in Europe. For instance, Louis XIV of France used to spend a considerable amount of time on his potty everyday, including managing the state affairs from there.

The extreme dirt of the old European royal palaces was well-known. That is why, juniper tree was burned to give them a nice scent. ( Frantz Funck Brentano / la Societe Sous l’Ancien Regime )

( The “potty throne” of Louis XIV. )

The bedtime of Louis XIV was like a ceremony. He used to wear his gown first, and then take care of his ‘needs’ by sitting on the potty. Meanwhile, he was also discussing the political and economic matters with the high-ranking officials of the palace. “The right to sit on the potty” was a privilege that the aristocrats could have. Only the ones “with a licence” were allowed to use it. (Primi Visconti)

Europe partially met with a “toilet culture” in the beginning of the 18th century. Crates were placed inside the palaces for the kings and aristocrats to “meet their needs”. There were places in Europe that still did not have any toilets even in the beginning of the 20th century.