Eccentric things previously considered to be decent. Photo

Our ancestors did not see anything strange.

If you think that people in the past were less eccentric, than the current generation, remember their fashion and traditions — there are many amazing.

We have compiled a small list of what our ancestors considered normal, and found out that we are not so strange.

The first and second sleep

Europeans living in the Middle ages, practiced what nowadays is called biphasic sleep. The first dream began at sundown and lasted until approximately midnight, then people woke up and was awake for 2-3 hours. Someone was praying or reading, while others talked with family or neighbors. Then it was time for the second sleep, which lasted until sunrise.

Live alarms

Knocker-up or man-up service is a profession that has existed since the late XVIII century to 1920. The duties of these people were part of a revival of those who had to go to work. Wake up banging in the Windows of their clients with sticks or shot them with peas from the brass tube. It is not quite clear who woke themselves knocker-up, but there is a version that they didn’t go to bed until work.

Dresses for boys

Starting from the XVI century until around 1920 boys under a certain age (4-8 years), it was decided to dress in dresses, and it does not bother anyone. Probably the main reason for this was the high cost of clothing, and dresses were easier to sew for growth. Tradition is not immune to the family of Nicholas II — photo of his son Tsarevich Alexei in a dress similar to those worn by his sister.

Chopina

Copany, also known as zoccoli and pianelli, — of the Shoe on the platform, whose height can reach 50 cm it is not Surprising that wearing these shoes required the assistance of servants, to literally not fall victim to fashion. However, were copini not only from a desire for beauty, but also in order not to stain your clothes in the mire of the streets.

Bleeding from all diseases

This treatment method has been popular for 2,000 years until the beginning of XX century. Bloodletting was practiced for any disease, sometimes causing patients more harm than good, only further weakening their body.

The fear of water treatments

In the Middle ages in some countries it was believed that the water brings only disease and lice were called “pearls of God”. These beliefs are shared, and monarchs. Isabella of Castile was proud that in his life washed only twice: at birth and before the wedding. As the cavalier drew attention to her dirty hands and nails, to which the Queen replied: “Oh, you should have seen my feet!”

Post-mortem photos

Another custom, which nowadays looks if not creepy, then at least very strange. But in the XIX century it was a way to preserve the memory of departed loved ones. Usually dead before shooting, gave a “live” view: seated in poses and painted eyes on closed eyelids, the same as in this picture.

Radioactive products and cosmetics

In the early twentieth century, radiation was seen as an exceptionally positive phenomenon than not fail to take advantage of the crooks: appeared in the sale of cosmetics, foods and beverages enriched with radium and thorium, radioactive Souvenirs and even devices for saturation of water with radioactive elements.

Alas, has not done without victims: athlete Eben Byers drank a huge dose of the drink Radithor, resulting died. “Wall Street Journal” reacted to this sad event a malicious note: “Water with radium well he helped. Until then, until his jaw dropped”.

Heroin as cough medicine

Surprisingly, 100 years ago, heroin was considered a harmless alternative to morphine and was sold in pharmacies as a remedy for cough. And recommend even for children. Subsequently, it was discovered that heroin is converted into morphine in the liver, and in 1924 its use was banned, but in Germany it was possible to buy in pharmacies until 1971.

Smoking on Board the aircraft

Some 50-60 years ago Smoking was not considered such a bad habit. People indulged in this dubious pleasure even during flights, regardless of the presence of other passengers. Currently, Smoking is prohibited in flight, but in some countries (e.g., in Iran) this prohibition does not apply.

Bathing machine

Unlike us, people of the XVIII–XIX century could not just walk into the water on the beach. They had to use bathing machines, special wagons, similar to beach houses. Vans were imported into the water so that bathers could swim away from prying eyes, and women’s bathing machines were set aside from men.

Stones as toilet paper

The only not people used before the advent of toilet paper! In the course were plant leaves, corn cobs, coconut shells, fleece and fabric (for those who could afford it), stick with the sponge or just water. But the inhabitants of Ancient Greece surprised us most of all: they are, for hygienic reasons, used the stones, pebbles or shards from broken dishes.

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