Viking Cleanliness: A Surprising Legacy of Personal Hygiene
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Chapter 1: The Viking Obsession with Cleanliness
In the Viking era, personal hygiene was held in high regard, contrasting sharply with the norms of medieval Europe. Viking warriors were often buried with grooming tools, such as combs, highlighting their dedication to cleanliness.
A significant event in Viking history occurred on November 13, 1002, known as the St. Brice’s Day massacre, when Anglo-Saxons killed numerous Viking warriors across England. This act was largely a retaliatory measure against repeated Viking incursions. However, one chronicler suggested that underlying issues related to hygiene perceptions may have fueled this hostility.
Interestingly, while English men viewed Viking cleanliness as strange and unappealing, many English women found it quite attractive. John of Wallingford noted that the Danes’ commitment to grooming and bathing often led to romantic entanglements with English noblewomen.
The Medieval Cleanliness Crisis
Contrary to Viking practices, medieval Europeans generally neglected personal hygiene. A mere century ago, it was common for individuals to have unpleasant odors due to infrequent washing and clothing changes. Reflecting on the past, it’s evident that our ancestors lived in filth, with even the Arabs—who regularly bathed—finding Europeans repugnant.
When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas during the 16th century, they were accompanied by native bearers of incense, not because they were revered, but to mask the unpleasant odors of the Spaniards.
The Remarkable Hygiene of Vikings
The term "Viking" broadly refers to Scandinavians from the 8th to the 12th century, and they did not identify themselves as such. This term primarily denotes their piratical activities across Europe. Regardless of terminology, both Viking men and women placed immense importance on hygiene. They regularly bathed, groomed their hair, and changed their attire.
Viking men took pride in their beards, maintaining them with care as symbols of masculinity. Grooming rituals included washing their faces, hands, and hair daily, as well as cleansing their hands before meals.
“A wise man shall go combed and washed,” a line from the Viking poem Reginsmol, reflects their values.
The Vikings often aimed for blonde hair, utilizing strong soap to bleach it, which also served to eliminate lice.
Saturdays: The Viking Bathing Day
Saturdays were designated for bathing, with Vikings enjoying refreshing swims in rivers and lakes during warmer months, and heated baths in winter. The Icelandic term for Saturday, "laugardagur," translates to "bathing day," a legacy from their Viking heritage.
The Vikings' affinity for hot baths is noted in sagas, revealing how they relished opportunities for relaxation in hot springs. One notable figure, Snorri Sturluson, constructed an elaborate bath at his Icelandic farm in the early 13th century, equipped with a sophisticated system for regulating water temperature.
Valued Grooming Tools: A Viking Legacy
Vikings valued grooming tools like combs, tweezers, and razors, often made from bone or metal, which were kept in ornate boxes. Surprisingly, combs are the most frequently unearthed artifacts from Viking graves, overshadowing weapons like swords.
For instance, in July 2019, archaeologists discovered a grave near Uppsala, Sweden, containing a sword, spear, shield, and a beautifully crafted comb. The English found the Vikings’ grooming habits off-putting, while contemporary perspectives reveal that their own neglect of hygiene is viewed as repulsive.
This cultural dichotomy illustrates two key insights: societal norms shape perceptions of acceptability, even when they are misguided, and these standards evolve over time.
As we advocate for cleanliness today, it’s hoped that future societies will also embrace inclusivity, valuing individuals for their character rather than superficial traits such as race, religion, or sexuality.
Chapter 2: Insights from Viking Hygiene Practices
The first video, Were The Vikings *Really* Cleaner Than Us?, explores the surprising cleanliness of Viking warriors, contrasting their practices with those of their contemporaries.
The second video, What Viking Hygiene Was Like, delves into the daily hygiene routines and cultural perceptions of cleanliness among Vikings, shedding light on their enduring legacy.