Eleanor Janega, a historian and author known for her expertise in medieval history, joins the host for a playful exploration of medieval beauty standards. They discuss how societal norms tied beauty to virtue, the surprising skincare routines of the time, and how the Black Death shifted fashion. The conversation humorously navigates the standards of male attractiveness and challenges faced by women, revealed through intriguing anecdotes. Plus, they touch on the social implications of ugliness and the myths surrounding dental health in the medieval era.
Medieval beauty standards equated physical attractiveness with spiritual virtue, privileging pale skin while marginalizing those with darker complexions.
The portrayal of women in medieval literature reflects conflicting ideals, where beauty was tied to both allure and moral purity, creating societal contradictions.
Men faced their own beauty standards, characterized by robust physiques and grooming practices, which highlighted unique masculine ideals during the medieval period.
Deep dives
Medieval Beauty Standards
Beauty standards in the medieval period were heavily influenced by a notion of purity and morality, where physical attractiveness was often associated with spiritual virtue. Women were expected to maintain a pale complexion, which signified wealth and status, as those with darker skin were typically seen as laborers. This preference for light skin led to the use of various skin whitening products, some of which were harmful, such as those containing quicklime. Moreover, the idea that beauty equated to goodness created a societal pressure where unattractive individuals were frequently deemed morally inferior or sinful.
The Duality of Female Beauty
Medieval literature often reflected conflicting ideals of female beauty, portraying women as both alluring and morally upright. For instance, while texts like the Canterbury Tales showcased characters like Alison, who was described as overtly made-up and sexually liberated, there were also depictions of women whose beauty was linked to their purity and innocence. This dichotomy suggests that while women were expected to attract men, they also had to remain naive about their beauty to avoid being perceived as sinful. Thus, the societal expectations placed upon women created a complex and often contradictory view of feminine allure.
Men's Appearance and Societal Pressure
Just as women faced beauty standards, men in the medieval period also experienced societal pressure regarding their appearance, albeit with different expectations. A desirable male figure was typically characterized by a strong yet slightly robust physique, signifying health and the ability to provide. Cleanliness and grooming were valued attributes, alongside the fashion of displaying one's legs through tights, which became controversial over time. Interestingly, baldness was viewed positively as a sign of masculinity and strength, revealing the unique standards of attractiveness that existed for men at that time.
The Impact of Christianity on Beauty
Christianity played a significant role in shaping the prevailing beauty ideals during the medieval era, intertwining physical allure with spiritual judgment. The concept of original sin, especially through the narrative of Eve, suggested that beauty could lead to moral downfall, leading to a suppression of overt sexuality in women. Medieval literature often depicted the most attractive women as virtuous and sinless, reinforcing the notion that physical beauty should be modest and unassuming. The expectation of remaining oblivious to one’s allure further complicated the relationship between beauty and morality within this religious context.
Social Exclusion Based on Appearance
The medieval period was marked by a harsh critique of unattractiveness, where disfigurement or lack of conventional beauty often resulted in social ostracization. Conditions like leprosy were synonymous with sin, and individuals afflicted with visible deformities were frequently shunned, as beauty was linked to righteousness. This social exclusion created an environment where moral judgments were cast based on appearance, therefore justifying mistreatment of those who did not fit societal norms. Ultimately, the intertwining of physical beauty with morality highlights how deeply ingrained societal attitudes were in shaping individual worth.
Beauty fads come and go - remember super low-rise jeans in the 90s? IYKYK.
What was considered cool and beautiful in the medieval period? What skincare routines were medieval people doing? And how did the Black Death affect how people dressed and presented themselves?
In this new mini-series, we'll be exploring the beauty standards - and ideas of ugliness - throughout time periods in history.
In this second episode Kate is joined by historian and author Dr. Eleanor Janega, co-host of our sister podcast Gone Medieval, to find out why wearing make-up was a crime.
This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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