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Our ancestors love to remind us how much “better” things were back in their day. From buying a gallon of milk for five cents to wearing clothes of a higher quality, they’ll be sure to let us know that the way things operate these days is just no good! Yet, a look through a history book might just prove that the way people lived back in the day (depending on which “day” you’re referring to) might not be all that it’s cracked up to be. In fact, some things were just downright absurd. You’re not going to believe some of the practices that were more common all those years ago… 1. Beauty products made with radioactive ingredients: While people in modern times know better, during the early 20th century, many people believed that radiation was a good thing. It was even possible to purchase beauty products, drinks, and food that contained thorium and radium. foresightinhindsight.com 2. Smoking on airplanes and in public places: It’s no secret that smoking in public places, like on planes and in restaurants, is largely prohibited today. But not long ago, it was completely legal—encouraged even—to smoke on and in these locations. pinterest.com 3. Sleeping twice a day: During the European Middle Ages, people commonly partook in what is known as biphasic sleep. Initially, they would go to sleep from sunset up until about midnight. Then, they would rise for anywhere from two to three hours. Afterwards, they would go back to sleep until the sun came up. historybuff.com 4. Bloodletting to cure diseases: In modern times, people fight diseases with a series of treatments, most common medicines and antibiotics. Yet, prior to the 20th century, the most common way to treat these ailments was by bloodletting. Not surprisingly, the person being treated left in a worse state than when they arrived. commons.wikimedia.org 5. Utilizing bathing machines: When you go to the beach today, you’re free to walk right into the water and go for a swim. During the 18th and 19th centuries, however, this wasn’t the case. First, you frequently had to use a “bathing machine,” which would be pulled out into the water so you could take a dip without anyone seeing you swim. messynessychic.com 6. Wearing “chopines”: It might be hard to believe, but between the 15th and 17th centuries, these uncomfortable, 20-inch-high platformed shoe-covers were in fashion. They were worn over the shoe, and their main purpose was to help the wearer avoid getting their clothes muddy. metmuseum.org 7. Knocker-Uppers or in-person alarm clocks: From the 1750s through the 1950s, many folks employed personal alarm clocks in the form of people who would knock on their clients’ windows using long sticks. They would also shoot at them with peashooters. notechmagazine.com 8. Practicing poor hygiene: During medieval times, many people commonly believed that water would bring on illness. So showering was totally out of the question. Furthermore, many people also believed that lice were special and even referred to them as “the pearls of God.” Yuck. nobility.org 9. Using heroin as a cough suppressant: Everyone knows the dangers of using hard drugs, like heroin, but in the 1800s up until the 1920s, it was commonly used as a cough suppressant. In fact, it was considered harmless, was actually recommended for children, and was sold in pharmacies around the world. businessinsider.com 10. Taking photographs with deceased loved ones: It might seem morbid by today’s standards, but during the 19th century it was somewhat common for families to preserve their memories of their deceased loved ones by taking photographs with their dead bodies. The only stipulation was that the person had to be dressed to appear alive in the picture. It was also common for the family to draw eyes on their eyelids so as to make them appear awake. littlethings.com 11. Boys wearing dresses: Sure, many boys and men can wear what they want even in modern times, but during the 16th century, it was customary for children between four and eight years old to wear dresses. This was because boys tend to grow at a faster rate than girls, so they were able to grow into the dresses, rather than spending lots of money on pants they would outgrow in months. Sounds reasonable, really. commons.wikimedia.org 12. Using rocks as toilet paper: Nowadays, you can get toilet paper in a number of varieties—the softer the better. Yet, for the ancient Greeks, this wasn’t the case. In fact, they commonly used pebbles, rocks, and even sharp shards of pottery to clean themselves. Yikes! pinterest.com Things sure have changed over the years. Can you imagine someone tapping on your window to wake you every morning? So much for the snooze button. Credits: boredomtherapy Share this story on Facebook with your friends.