It's interesting to find out how the hatred for dirt and anything associated with microbes has evolved throughout the years.
The beginnings of proper hygiene cannot be established, for even the most ancient of all civilizations have already codes on how to maintain a clean and healthy living. This is nothing new to the people of the 20th and 21st centuries. In fact, unlike popular belief, hygiene did not fall out of practice during the Dark Ages. Even the people of these times also knew how to maintain clean living, though early Church condemned this practiced as unspiritual. I can only guess why they could think of this, and I am not about to give my arguments against it.
However, it cannot be denied that what was considered as 'proper' hygiene evolved. I won't go to the earliest trends since, as I have said, the origin of hygiene cannot be traced. But We all know that it used to be that cities before do not have their own sewerage systems that will facilitate relieving bodily functions. This is because it is not yet discovered at that time, or at least, not widely accepted, that cholera can be transmitted if water is contaminated with waste. There was also a time when perfume is used rather than water because of the belief that diseases can be easily transmitted when bathing in it.
Today is a different story. Many people are practically afraid of being in contact with microbes. That is evident with the sales of items such as antimicrobial health equipments (e.g. x-ray jackets), antimicrobial perfumes, pillows, gadgets, clothes, and even magazine covers!
With this trend, I wonder what will be afraid of next? No more touching people, perhaps?
All UPSable
