Generally speaking, there’s an image that Medieval Europeans did not take baths. Surprisingly, however, for a period of time, they enjoyed going to public bathhouses. And there was also mixed bathing. Also at that time, there were nearly 30 public bathhouses in Paris.
However, as people could see others naked, some would become aroused. It is said that professionals of the oldest occupation started to congregate in these public bathhouses. Soon after, infectious diseases spread across Europe. “Taking a bath will make you sick.” As this rumor spread, the bath culture quickly fell out of favor.
To think “this conduct happening in the baths” or not…
Thus, this custom of bathing in Europe disappeared in order to protect oneself from infectious diseases. Also at this time, there were showers so it’s not as if they didn’t bathe at all.
Incidentally, Hungary taught its love of hot spring culture to Turkey, which still follows it to this day. In the past, Turkey built a grand hot spring that still survives today for the general public to enjoy. Of course, there is also mixed bathing.
■That Time on April Fool’s Day■
■After the Matter■
■The Others Join In■
Scanlation: moriyama-umi, xue
Original Translated Version | Original