In the Victorian age, maintaining dental hygiene was a bit of a DIY affair. Toothpaste, as we know it today, had not yet been invented, but the resourceful Brits found their own solutions. One popular homemade toothpaste recipe involved a simple mixture of charcoal and honey. While the thought of brushing with charcoal may seem odd, it’s worth noting that activated charcoal is actually used in modern dental care to whiten teeth.
So, perhaps the Victorians were onto something with their charcoal-based dentifrice. As for adding honey, it’s unclear how effective or pleasant it was in pursuing oral cleanliness. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see how dental care has evolved over the centuries, moving from humble homemade concoctions to the wide range of oral care products we have today.
The Darwin Diet
While we're sipping our avocado smoothies and enjoying matcha lattes today, in the 1800s, Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist and pioneer of the theory of evolution, was at the forefront of a rather unconventional food trend. It seemed that nothing was off-limits for Darwin and his adventurous palate. From hawks and squirrels to owls and even maggots, these critters were all the rage among the daring food enthusiasts of the time.
Darwin himself was a member of "The Glutton Club," a prestigious society of naturalists who embraced the culinary exploration of these unusual creatures. On his outdoor expeditions, Darwin would extend his "natural selection" to include iguanas, giant tortoises, and armadillos, and he even made headlines for devouring a puma. Talk about pushing the boundaries of gastronomic exploration!
Bizarre Street Food
In the past, before the era of hotdogs and pizzas on street corners, the English had their own peculiar street foods that were surprisingly popular. One of these curious delicacies was none other than sheep's feet, commonly known as "trotters." Street vendors would meticulously prepare these trotters by skinning and parboiling them, resulting in a savory treat (for those with adventurous palates, at least).
Hungry workers would eagerly flock to these street vendors, indulging in the unique experience of sucking the tender meat and flavorful fat off the bones. It may sound unusual to us now, but back then, sheep's feet were a hearty and affordable option that satisfied the hunger and taste buds of many Englishmen and women on the go.
The Widow of Windsor
Following the tragic demise of Queen Victoria's beloved husband, Albert, England's ruler plunged into profound grief that endured for decades. The loss weighed heavily upon the queen, leading her to embrace seclusion for the remainder of her existence. She adamantly declined any public engagements, donning somber black attire for an astonishing four decades until her eventual passing.
The monarch's profound mourning earned her the moniker "the Widow of Windsor." As time passed, whispers of her descending into madness began to circulate, further distorting the image of the once vibrant queen that lingered in people's memories. Throughout those years, she starkly contrasted to the regal figure she had once embodied.
No Makeup
During the Victorian era, adherence to strict societal norms governed the behaviors of high-society women, including their approach to makeup. It was deemed inappropriate for refined ladies to wear any cosmetic enhancement. The use of makeup was associated with women of a different profession, leading to a stigmatized perception. Lipstick, in particular, was considered suspicious, as its allure was considered bewitching and potentially manipulative to men.
Instead, cultured women seeking a touch of color would resort to more acceptable means. Some daring individuals might resort to pinching their cheeks or discreetly applying a hint of rouge, cautiously exploring their risqué side while still conforming to the era's restrictive beauty standards.