3,257
edits
Changes
→Modern Concepts of Cleanliness and Bath Houses
==Modern Concepts of Cleanliness and Bath Houses==
In Europe during the Medieval period, many public bath houses faded away as norms and infrastructure used to sustain bath houses receded after the fall of the Roman Empire. In other regions, such as the Middle East and Asia, bath houses continued to be used as public spaces even after religious change. In fact, in Islamic regions, ritual purity was strongly associated with bathing, requiring public baths to be built in many regions. Similar to the Romans, this extended to the concept of hot springs having a healing element to them. Thus, it was not only cleanliness that was desired but also healing from various physical ailments.During the Medieval period in Europe, we see contrasts in concepts of public bathing. At times, there were possible prohibitions against public bath houses since they could be places for what was seen as illicit sexual behavior. In other cases, bathing was encouraged not only for cleanliness but it was also seen as a way to improve health, including hot and cold baths helping with stomach and heart problems.<ref>For more on Medieval baths, see: Sherrow, V. (2001). <i>For appearance’ sake: the historical encyclopedia of good looks, beauty, and grooming</i>. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press. </ref>
For wealthier classes, baths were not seen of worth for the cleanliness they provided but treatment such as through steam treatment, ointments, massages, and even exercise. Special hotels and dedicated facilities began to open and focus on wealthy clients. This began the development of the modern spas in many regions. It was only after World War I that more typical homes began to have access to indoor plumbing. This began then the trend of bathing more regularly at home rather than in public baths. Soon, many people began to go less to public baths, while in other places baths became solely known for various sexual acts. Overall, major public baths once again faded in many parts of Europe and North America. However, they have never entirely disappeared. In Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asian cultures, public baths are still important social part of life. In Western States, spas have become more common rather than public baths, but larger cities still often retain public swimming pools or even bathing facilities.