What did people do before toilet paper came along?

China was already mass-producing toilet paper in the 14th century, but this product would only reach the West in the 1800s. However, it took time and dedication for the “novelty” to become popular around the world. Until then, many people used to resort to traditional methods and different types of strategies that are considered surprising today, in order to maintain hygiene when physiological needs arise.

Next, the awesome.club brings a list of unexpected things that have been (or still are) used in place of toilet paper.

Native Americans and the first settlers of the United States, around 1700, used dried and empty ears of corn to meet hygiene needs. This can be explained by the fact that corn was abundant in the region at the time, in addition to being soft and still having absorbent properties. It’s certainly not as practical an option as the soft paper we know, but it’s still safer and more comfortable than other things.

Populations from colder regions (such as the Inuit) used snow after relieving themselves. The big disadvantage of the method is obvious (the cold!). However, the body is able to get used to the condition when snow is used in this way every day. Although it looks exotic, the technique is surprisingly one of the most hygienic options.

Using stones for intimate cleansing is one of the oldest techniques. In ancient times, people resorted to what they could most easily find in the surrounding environment. And that included stones and other natural materials. Obviously, from today’s perspective, this is not the most comfortable method, but it was very likely a good way out for our distant ancestors, at a time when nothing better was available.

About 2,000 years ago, people in ancient China used small hygiene slats cut from bamboo or other woods, shaped like spatulas. Traditionally, such objects were called salaka🇧🇷 hooked or chugi🇧🇷 The tips of the instruments were wrapped in fabric, certainly with the aim of making them more comfortable for use in such intimate moments.

In Ancient Greece, there was the habit of using the so-called “pessoi”, or small pieces of pottery. These objects are still found in ancient latrines scattered throughout the Mediterranean. The hygiene pieces ranged from 3 cm to 11 cm in diameter and were purposely cut from old and broken ceramics to obtain smoother angles. There is a Greek proverb that possibly refers to the practice. He says that “three stones are enough to clear”.

The alternative to toilet paper available to residents of ancient Rome was the “tersorium”, a sponge attached to a piece of wood. The tersorium is even mentioned in works by the philosopher Seneca, but the exact way in which it was used still provokes discussions. Most likely, it was for collective use, being cleaned with vinegar or salt water after each use. Then it was reused. However, there is a possibility that the item was used as a toilet brush, not toilet paper.

It may seem unbelievable, but it’s true: populations that lived on islands and in coastal areas used mussel shells to clean themselves after going to the toilet. In the absence of them, the natives bet on coconut shells. Yes, the experience must have been quite uncomfortable because of the roughness and sharp parts. However, our ancestors didn’t have much of a choice.

The new era of “bathroom routines” began in the 18th century with the advent of newspapers and magazines. Publications can be considered the closest predecessors of today’s toilet paper. In the United States, certain places even had their favorites, such as the Farmer’s Almanac and the popular Sears catalog. The first was so widely used that publishers began to punch a hole in the sheets to make it easier to hang.

In the old days in America and Europe, people used old rags for hygiene after going to the bathroom. The fabric scraps were washable and reusable, but ended up in the sewers. The softness of the material is, by far, one of the great advantages of the technique. However, the idea of ​​reusing the rags is beyond questionable, given the obvious health issues.

It stands to reason that for centuries humans have looked to nature to keep the body free of waste. And what could be better for such a purpose than plants? They can be found almost anywhere, are relatively soft and safe to use, and are easy to dispose of. This is one of the most ecological ways to take care of hygiene after physiological needs.

In India, Africa and Arab countries, residents have the custom of using their left hand and a little water to clean themselves. The hand is washed after going to the bathroom. The method is still adopted today in some parts of the world and historians believe that it may be behind the habit of using the right hand to greet people.

Different climatic conditions had an influence on hygiene habits. In arid places, where there is not much material available, people used handfuls of sand or clay to clean their private parts. For us, who fortunately do not live in these times, this is probably one of the least comfortable and hygienic practices. Still, our ancestors had no choice but to take advantage of the resources available to them.

Which of the methods described above seems the strangest to you? Which one would you choose to use in the absence of toilet paper? Comment!