How is hygiene different in Shakespeare's time?

Answer 1

Although medieval and renaissance era society bathed less than modern society on the whole, their hygiene was held to a higher standard than that of the ensuing centuries. It's a common myth and misconception that the last few centuries "invented" regular bathing. Medieval society, particularly nobility, gentry, and even wealthy commoners probably bathed once a week, and washed their faces, hands, and private areas daily. There are records of heated bathhouses existing in London since the early middle ages. Soap was also manufactured and used commonly by those of means,

Dental hygiene in particular was of concern to respectable medieval society, and many people combined regular cleanings with herbs to ensure than bad breath was avoided. Queen Elizabeth was known to be somewhat vain about her looks and supposedly would not tolerate "smelly" individuals in her presence. She never specified the frequency of her bathing, but it can be estimated that it was at least once a week, perhaps twice given her interest in remaining clean. Bathroom hygiene was also quite good among nobles, and some were known to maintain in-house bathrooms with padded leather seats, ventilation systems, and stacks of linen cloths for wiping. The beds of the wealthy were often stuffed with cotton, which discouraged lice and bug infestations.

The author of this answer is unsure as to the origins of the "dirty middle ages' myth. Perhaps people took the living conditions of some serfs and applied them pan-society. Peasants, especially those located in heavily populated urban areas could be quite foul, bathing only a handful of times a year and rarely changing clothing. Some urban areas, particularly the poorer areas of large cities had very low quality waste and water management. Rural areas and villages were generally significantly cleaner.

Answer 2

If my knowledge on the subject is correct, in the 1500's the annual bath was taken during the month of May. Men went first, then women, then children, and lastly' the babies. Thus, the term, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water", was probably invented. also, due to this annual yearly bath, most brides would get married in June, because the still smelled pretty good. But, not as good as they would carrying a bouquet of flowers down the aisle and jumping into their hubby's arms to be carried over the block of wood that held all the hay and thresh in.

Hope this was a help!

P.S. I am not held responsible for any incorrectness on this subject.

Answer 3

Just think of the things they didn't have: toilet paper, flush toilets (except Queen Elizabeth I who had a cast iron one), any feminine hygiene products, deodorant, detergent, enclosed sewers, water treatment plants, shampoo, toothbrushes or toothpaste and any effective way of dealing with bedbugs, flies, fleas, or rats.

They did have soap and there were baths, which were thought of particularly as a cure for syphilis and not something to do as a regular thing. They also had perfume and boy did they need it.

Answer 4

The often repeated quote is that she had a bath every month "whether I need it or not". Bathing was not a frequent and regular activity in those days, and even up to the last century many (especially children) were sewn into their clothes for the winter and straw was scattered on the floor instead of cleaning, which gives a whole new meaning and reason to do 'spring cleaning'.

Answer 5

In the time of William Shakespeare bathing was considered a practice that could make a person sick. Most people did not bathe more often than once per year, often much less that that.

Answer 6

no but it was very uncommon to bath as they didn't know about germs in Shakespeares time.

Answer 7

probably not very often...

Answer 8

nah they had holes.