The Origin of the Bidet: From the 'Little Horse' to Modern Intimate Hygiene
Did you know that "bidet" in French means "little horse"? The reason for this somewhat odd-sounding name lies in history. Back then, a bidet looked very different from today and was mounted on a high frame that you had to climb onto. Hence, the connection to mounting a horse.
Over time, the design has changed repeatedly, which is why today it comes in various versions. Traditionally, the bidet is installed in the bathroom, much like the toilet, and looks similar to it.
France – The Birthplace of the Bidet
Although the bidet is now primarily found in Italy and Portugal in Europe, it first appeared in France at the end of the 17th century. The exact date or the name of the inventor is unknown, but it is known to have been made by a furniture manufacturer.
However, the bidet was not only popular in France. Other cultures also developed forms of bidet-like devices that still exist today.
Intimate Hygiene from Around the World
- Turkey – The "Dusch-WC," also called "Taharet," looks like a conventional toilet but has a built-in bidet function, with a water jet coming from the back wall of the toilet.
- Japan – The "Washlet" not only offers warm water showers but can also play music or use lighting effects, turning the toilet visit into a special experience.
- Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos – A water hose is often hung next to the toilet, allowing people to clean themselves with water after using the toilet.
Reasons for the Low Familiarity of the Bidet in Germany
As we can see, cleaning with water is widespread around the world. So why has toilet paper become the norm in Germany? Both historical and religious reasons play a role here..
Intimate Hygiene in Antiquity
Before the first bidet appeared in France, the use of water for cleansing was already well-established in antiquity. In Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire, there were advanced water systems and public baths. Personal hygiene, and specifically intimate hygiene, was already considered very important at that time. However, historical events such as the fall of the Roman Empire led to the loss of both water systems and the knowledge of the benefits of cleaning with water.
Only in the Byzantine Empire and the Arab world did the bathing culture remain preserved, and it was spread through conquests to what are now Spain and Portugal. The rest of Northern Europe was not reached by these hygiene practices and remained distant from this fresh approach.
Religion in Conflict with Hygiene
In a religious context, the use of water for cleaning had a bad reputation. In Christian countries, regular bathing was rejected as a sign of decadence and luxury.
In Protestant and Puritan-influenced countries (such as Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain), people believed in an ascetic lifestyle that manifested in strict abstinence. This also included avoiding cosmetics and personal care, as well as sexual abstinence. The difficulty of establishing the bidet in these areas can largely be attributed to this mindset.
Gentle Cleansing for the Intimate Area
Luckily, we now know that water cleans gently and hygienically, preventing illness (Link to Health: Hygiene - Water instead of Paper). With Bidetlity, you do something good for your intimate area, replacing toilet paper and wet wipes, as well as complex bidet installations.
