Viking's Uncleanliness
The modern image of a Viking is generally portrayed as a group of men with barbaric
behaviour, unkempt hair and poor hygiene. This is actually one of the false
portrayals of these Scandinavian warriors.
As historians unearth Viking relics, they discovered that they used hygienic
tools for grooming. They have seen Viking remains such as combs, tweezers and
ear spoons. The unhygienic image is also far from reality since the Vikings
actually make their own soap. They use soaps to clean and bleach their hair.
They try as they might to keep their hair blonde in color. Blonde is actually
the ideal shade and the customary hair color of Vikings. Also, a comb is something
that they are familiar with, since most of artefacts found, that relates to
Vikings, are actually combs.
During the era when bathing is seldom done, bathing once a week is already
considered as good amount of hygiene. Vikings who settled in England are even
known for their "excessive cleanliness" because of their habit of
bathing every week. One particular tradition was even related to the said regular
hygiene of the Vikings. Laugardagur, a term referred to as "wash day",
is related to the Viking's routine of taking a bath every Saturday.
Original Authors: Jennifer
Tumanda
Edit Update Authors: Ryan Norfolk
Updated On: 29/11/2006
