Author Topic: Are these rumors real? (Read 583 times)

spouse of Jesus · « **on:** July 22, 2009, 12:24:08 PM »

I have heard that there is palace in France, called Elize or sth like that. I think it is the one that belonged to the royal family before the revolution. I know that many untrue things are said about those possible martyrs, but there is still a question in my mind.

It is said that in that palace, people didn't wash themselves after answering a call of nature. and they say that it is the reason why there are so many excellent french perfumes, because people wanted to avoid smelling bad. (I am sorry to have to ask such a question).

In some of our history books it is written that the custom of washing yourself after every time you use the bathroom, was introduced by moslems into Europe. Is it true?

Dulcamara · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2009, 10:14:53 PM »

I personally would be suspicious of any rumor that says people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago were somehow backwards or uncivilized. What we do know, in fact, is that while there have been barbarians in virtually every age, there have also been great civilizations. Often times modern scientists are shocked to discover that such-and-such a practice or technology existed way back when... but then they also believe men used to be apes.

The scientific community (and the historians both) would like to skew history to make everything and everyone old seem backwards, stupid, uncivilized... because it goes along with the idea that we are essentially animals. But the truth is that from the first book of the Bible there have been cities, and human beings have always been capable of civilization and advancement.

The truth in this matter, is probably that whatever the reason, people have always washed after such activities (if it were at all possible). I doubt that persons of hundreds of years ago liked the idea of what they did in the outhouse ending up on their food any more than we do. If you think of things in terms of common sense like that, it becomes almost absurd to try and say they wouldn't have bothered. ESPECIALLY when in some places, water and one's left hand were one's "toilet paper". That being the case, I doubt that they would not have taken some precaution to see that what happened in the outhouse, stayed in the outhouse. (Or ditch, as the case may be.)

Of course I can't say that with 100% certainty, but... it does seem like anyone could be mindful of that particular kind of "being dirty" ... even if a little earth didn't bother them. It also seems that those who would have us believe we came from monkeys, would love for us to believe we were uncivilized in all kinds of ways until this "glorious" century.

Alex · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:05:11 PM »

It is true. People of the earlier ages, even during the Renaissance, rarely bathed. That is why the French invented perfume - to mask their odor. They rarely washed their hair too and it was not uncommon for them to become bald because of it. That is why they invented wigs and it became the fashion to wear those big fancy ones -even for men. Queen Elizabeth wore a wig because she was almost bald.

Vladimir · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:10:29 PM »

You have to think about it -- where would we bath if we did not have electricity? Commoners probably never bathed once in their lives, and their houses were filthy by today's standards. Beds of straw, dirt floor, all the rats and insects. Royals had it better of course, but still bathing must have been a rare event.

Of course, the stench would be horrid, so perfume would help, and powder would help cover the dirt on the skin most likely.

Also, I don't know if this applies, but in Asia there is often superstitious belief that going outside to much or bathing to much will make you ill.

Matthew · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:14:24 PM »

Yes, but man's habits in the 21st century (America, for example, since that's all I know first hand) leave a lot to be desired.

My countrymen spend most of their time indoors, or in a climate-controlled space -- they get little or no unfiltered sunshine or fresh air -- or exercise for that matter.

Scientists now know that the sun gives off 2 kinds of UV rays -- A and B. Type A will pass through glass, but is the kind that causes skin cancer. It also destroys the Vitamin D that has built up in your skin. But Type B doesn't pass through glass, and CREATES Vitamin D when it comes in contact with substances in your skin. Essentially, Type A serves as a limiter, to prevent your body from creating too much Vitamin D.

If you are getting sunshine outdoors, you get Types A and B. If you're inside a house (with glass between you and the sun) you're only getting Type A.

But here's the catch -- to absorb most of the Vitamin D into your body, where it actually can help you, you must not wash your body for 2 DAYS after getting some good sunshine. (I'm not sure what % is absorbed after 1 day, etc.) So the American habit of daily showering can actually hurt your health! Vitamin D is VERY, VERY important for your health, especially for pregnant women.

And the other catch? If you're sitting in your car, you only get type A unless your hand is hanging out of the car window, or the sun is shining in through an open window. If not, you're just getting the harmful Type A UV rays. So "getting a little sun on the way to work" DOES NOT COUNT -- in fact it counts against you!

Matthew