Things You Didn't Know About Hitler That Will Blow Your Mind

French Royalty Never Cut Their Hair

There is a story originating from the 6th century in Paris, France about two princes who were going to ascend to the throne. They were kidnapped, and the queen consort was given the choice: Allow her grandson's hair to be cut, or let him die with his luscious locks intact. 

She chose the sword over scissors. One of the princes escaped, cut his own air, and became a monk. In modern times, that sounds crazy. But back then, men who had long hair showed their power and wealth. According to The Byzantine poet historian Agathias (c.532-c.582), “It is the rule for Frankish kings never to be shorn; indeed their hair is never cut from childhood on, and hangs down in abundance on their shoulders…their subjects have their hair cut all round and are not permitted to grow it further.”

People Exposed to Black Dead Stayed in Quarantine For 40 Days

Nowadays, people are up in arms about having to wait 2 weeks in quarantine. We get so stir-crazy that we can’t handle it. However, this was no match for the precautions people took during The Black Death during the 14th Century. This disease formed sores called “buboes” all over the victim’s body, along with aches, fever, and exhaustion. It poisoned the bloodstream and eventually led to their death. At first, travelers arriving in port had to wait on their ships for a 30-day isolation period. They later realized the incubation period was longer, so they raised it to 40. The word “quarantine” comes from the term 40 days.

Women Waited Until Saturday to Wash Their Hair

In today’s world, some people wash their hair every day. Or, if they’re trying to keep from stripping their scalp of its natural oils, they might go 2-3 days. However, during the medieval period, commoners only washed their hair on Saturdays. This was because they believed that you should wait until the end of the work week to wash off all the sweat dirt. (After all, why wash your hair if you’re just going to get dirty again on Tuesday?) The process of washing hair needed at least two people. Women had to remove their clothes from the waist up, while someone else rubbed their hair with oils, herbs, and minerals before pouring a pitcher of water over their head. After they were clean on Saturday, they would look nice for Sunday service at church.