kupanje 

it's a myth that people in the past never took baths. Well, in the 13th century Most rich
people did, using a large barrel-shaped construction for bathing in hot water. The water
was heated from the log fires nearby and carried by servants to the tub. However, the
downside was that many of these buildings caught fire and usually took down a number
of other structures before the fire died out. Additionally, when firewood became more
scarce due to the decimation of forests, it was expensive to have a bath. Whole families
and groups of friends shared the water, or many had to remain dirty. Poor people
bathed in cold water, but for obvious reasons, they probably washed less frequently.
They would use water where it was convenient to do so – a river, a lake, or by carrying
water to the home. Additionally, most large houses and castles had areas for washing
hands both before and after a meal. Nevertheless, in other areas of life, hygiene was
practically non-existent, mainly due to ignorance of bacteria.
WC
In Tudor houses they were called 'privies'. Many were basically a bowl with a slab of
wood and a hole carved in the top. This would be set into a recess or cupboard-like
area called a garderobe.
The castles were not much better. The slab of wood often just covered a hole in the
floor that took waste products straight into the moat - now you know why there are no
picturesque paintings of some cute rustic fishing in a castle moat.
Peasants did not have the luxury of any form of toilet no matter how crude. They were
forced to relieve themselves where they could and then bury any waste matter.
Washing your hands after doing your business was not practiced by anyone.
Of course, rich or poor, neither had toilet paper. Poor people would use leaves or moss
to wipe their bottoms. If you had a bit more money then you would use lambs wool.
However, if you were the King, then you employed someone to wipe your bottom for
you. The position of royal bum wiper was officially called 'The Groom of the Stool'.  As
disgusting as this job may seem to be, it was a much sought after position. advancing to
powerful roles such as Private Secretary to the King. The reason for the promotion was
that the groom, who knew the King's most intimate secrets, often became his most
trusted advisor and friend.
EDINBURGH
If you ever find yourself transported back in time to old Edinburgh be prepared for the
shout of 'garde loo '. If you were not quick enough - or if you were disliked - you could
find yourself being showered with the contents of chamber pots hurled from the
tenement windows. Chamber pots were of course used to collect urine overnight. The
streets all year round were covered in faeces - human and animal - urine, rotting food,
corpses of animals and so on. It wasn't until the end of the 18th century that an effective
street cleaning regime came into force.

GROOMING
1. Eyebrows that did not look fashionable were often masked by tiny pieces of skin
from a mouse.
2. Ceruse (sirus) was the foundation make-up of choice for both men and women,
that gave the famous smooth, pale look. However, it contained lead that seeped
into the body through the skin leading to poisoning. This make-up also tended to
crack and had a strong odour.
3. Although the men wore linen drawers, the women wore no knickers at all.
4. The reason why so many marriages took place in June was that most people had
their yearly bath in May so they were still fairly clean when June arrived.
However, as a precaution brides carried bouquets of flowers to cover up any
odious smells. June weddings and carrying bouquets are still traditional today but
most wedding parties smell a lot nicer.
5. When people took their bath it was the man of the house who had the privilege of
the tub filled with clean water. The sons of the house were allowed next, then the
wife, the rest of the females and the babies were last.
6.  if men wanted to remove unwanted hair from any area of the body they should
make a paste that contains - eggs, strong vinegar and cat dung. Once beaten
into a paste, this should be placed on the areas where the hair is to be removed.
7. When Mary Queen of Scots returned to her native Scotland from France she was
astounded and not a little put out that the men continued to wear their hats while
sitting down to eat at her banquets. It was then pointed out to the young Queen
that this was not a sign of disrespect to her but necessity. The men kept their
hats on in order to prevent not only their long hair from touching the food but
head lice from falling into their plates.
8. In the 16th century some members of the church condemned using forks to eat
as against the will of God. One put out minister remarked: "God would not have
given us fingers if He had wanted us to use forks."
WATER
Very well off – water carrier
Poor – BRING YOUR OWN WATER YOU PEASANT
Super rich – private water companies

LAUNDRY
Guess what was used for washing clothes? Urine, of course. The tradition dates back to
Roman times, saying it’s great for removing stains.