E66 英文朗读 | Medieval elites used handwashing as a shrewd power play

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Medieval elites used handwashing as a shrewd ‘power play.’

①People living in the Middle Ages are commonly assumed to have had poor personal hygiene, but in truth many were well-practiced in cleanliness. Born of necessity, handwashing evolved into a highly choreographed demonstration of power and wealth. It was a “sign of civility,” says Amanda Mikolic, curatorial assistant for the Department of Medieval Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.

②Kings and peasants alike washed up before and after meals. Most people ate with their hands—cutlery was rare and food was often consumed using stale bread called trenchers. Washing away the day’s grime was necessary and a sign of respect for whoever was feeding you.

③Medieval nobility and clergy took hand and face washing to new heights.

④Strict guidelines governed how the nobles ate, some of which would likely meet with CDC（Centers for Disease Control and Prevention） approval.

⑤Elaborate rituals required ostentatious tools. Ornate vessels such as aquamaniles (pitchers) and lavabos (essentially a hanging bowl with spouts) were filled with the warm, scented water used during handwashing. In the wealthiest households, servants would pour the fragrant water onto the hands of those dining. 

⑥But eventually handwashing began to fall out of practice. Many scholars blame the fork, which wasn’t commonly used until the 18th century. 

⑦Today, long after aquamaniles and lavabos have gone out of fashion, handwashing can still be a way to show off one’s wealth. From hand-painted vessel sinks to costly soaps made with essential oils to plush Egyptian cotton towels, we continue to create luxurious rituals around washing our hands.

原文链接 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/medieval-elites-used-handwashing-as-shrewd-power-play