The Vikings were much cleaner and more concerned with personal hygiene than the popular image of them as dirty, unkempt warriors might suggest. Here’s a closer look at their practices:
1. Bathing and Washing
- Regular Bathing: Vikings placed a high value on bathing, and it was common for them to bathe at least once a week. This was more frequent than many other European cultures of the time. The fact that Saturday was known as “Laugardagr” (Washing Day) in Old Norse reflects the importance they placed on cleanliness.
- Saunas and Steam Baths: In colder regions, Vikings often used saunas or steam baths, similar to the modern-day practices in Scandinavia. These were not only for cleaning but also for health and social reasons. Steam baths would involve heating stones and pouring water over them to create steam.
2. Grooming Tools
- Combs, Razors, and Tweezers: Archaeologists have found a variety of grooming tools in Viking graves, including combs made from bone or antler, razors, tweezers, and ear spoons (used for cleaning ears). These items suggest that Vikings took great care in maintaining their appearance.
- Hair and Beard Care: Viking men were known for their well-groomed hair and beards. They often styled their hair in intricate ways and took pride in their appearance. Women, too, were known for their elaborate hairstyles.
3. Clothing Maintenance
- Washing Clothes: Vikings washed their clothes regularly using natural soaps made from animal fat and wood ash. Clean clothing was a sign of status and respectability. Linen and wool, the primary materials for Viking clothing, were relatively easy to clean and maintain.
- Dyes and Bright Colors: Vikings wore brightly colored clothes, dyed using natural substances. Keeping these garments clean and in good condition was important for their overall appearance.
4. Health and Oral Hygiene
- Tooth Care: While not as advanced as today, Vikings did care for their teeth. They used items like toothpicks to clean between their teeth, and some evidence suggests that they even used rudimentary toothbrushes.
- Herbal Remedies: For maintaining health and treating minor ailments, Vikings used herbal remedies. They were knowledgeable about the medicinal properties of local plants.
5. Living Environment
- Clean Homes: Viking longhouses were typically kept clean and orderly. Floors were often covered with rushes or straw, which were replaced regularly to maintain cleanliness and reduce odors.
- Waste Disposal: Vikings had designated areas for waste disposal, including latrines, which were kept separate from living spaces. This practice helped maintain a cleaner living environment.
6. Social Perception
- Cleanliness as a Social Norm: Personal cleanliness was associated with social standing and was important for making a good impression, especially during social gatherings and trade. Clean and well-groomed individuals were more respected and better received in Viking society.
Vikings had a strong culture of cleanliness and personal grooming. Their regular bathing, use of grooming tools, clean clothing, and well-maintained living spaces all point to a society that valued hygiene, health, and appearance. This attention to cleanliness helped the Vikings maintain their health and made them more socially and culturally sophisticated than often portrayed.
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