If You Bathed Often, You Were Probably Rich
Contrary to popular belief, taking a bath was considered to be very important in the Middle Ages. After all, no one enjoys smelling their own stink. The Romans used communal bath houses, rather than cleaning themselves at home.
The Vikings were bathing for both cleanliness and religion, while nuns and monks made bathing a part of their spiritual practice. For commoners, their options for bathing were limited to streams, rivers, lakes, or hot springs.
This meant that they were always cleaning themselves in cold water, and it was really only available in spring and summer. In the winter months, people would have to go longer periods of time without taking a bath, because being out in the cold with a wet head could lead to hypothermia, pneumonia, and an early grave.
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.”