When we think about the Mongol Empire, we often imagine fierce warriors and vast conquests. However, there’s more to this empire than just battles. Surprisingly, the Mongols had some interesting and progressive ideas about beauty. Let’s dive into the unique beauty standards of the Mongol Empire during the 13th century.
The 13th century was a tough time for women in many parts of the world. In Western societies, women were expected to have extremely pale skin, while in Asia, practices like foot binding were common. Women faced many challenges in maintaining their status as the “fairer sex.”
In Mongolia, things were a bit different. Mongol women enjoyed more freedom and had equal status with men. While beauty was appreciated, it was not as important as intelligence and strength. Ancient Mongol literature suggested that a beautiful woman should have “light in her face and fire in her eyes,” which meant that attractiveness was more about being smart and brave.
Mongol men valued women who were hardworking and wise, focusing less on physical appearance. This is quite surprising, especially considering that Genghis Khan had women from different cultures compete for his entertainment. Despite this, Mongol society was quite progressive for its time.
Even though intelligence was prioritized, the Mongols still had some beauty standards. Rosy cheeks and unique clothing were part of their look. The cold Mongolian winters naturally gave them a healthy glow, and royal families would enhance this with red paint on their cheeks.
Both men and women used soot from castor oils as eyeliner, making Genghis Khan a trendsetter in makeup. Unlike today’s beauty routines, the Mongols believed that using water for cleansing would anger the dragon god of the water cycle, so they rarely washed their clothes and only changed them for special occasions.
Despite their aversion to bathing, Mongols had good skin. Women used a paste made from fresh yogurt for moisturizing, and sheep tail fat was a popular skincare solution, believed to be very effective.
Long hair was important in Mongol beauty, with both men and women braiding their hair. Men usually braided their hair behind their backs, while women had two braids over their shoulders. They decorated their braids with fabric and silver or coral ornaments. Women also wore elaborate headdresses made from mutton fat, silver, and turquoise, which were symbols of wealth and even inspired some fashion in the Star Wars movies.
So, what do you think? Could you give up bathing and live in a dry climate for a natural glow, or do you prefer modern beauty routines? Feel free to share your thoughts and any other fascinating beauty topics you’d like to explore. Thanks for joining us on this journey through Nutty History!
Design a poster that highlights the beauty standards of the Mongol Empire. Include elements like rosy cheeks, braided hair, and the use of soot as eyeliner. Use drawings or digital tools to make your poster visually appealing and informative.
Participate in a debate where you take on the role of a Mongol citizen. Argue whether beauty or intelligence was more important in Mongol society. Use evidence from the article to support your points and engage with your classmates in a respectful discussion.
Conduct a simple experiment by creating a yogurt-based skincare product. Apply it to your hands or face and observe any changes in your skin’s texture. Discuss the effectiveness of traditional Mongol skincare practices compared to modern products.
Design a modern version of a Mongol headdress using materials like fabric, beads, and other decorative items. Present your creation to the class and explain how it was inspired by traditional Mongol fashion.
Research beauty practices from another historical culture and compare them to those of the Mongol Empire. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting similarities and differences in beauty standards and practices.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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[Applause] With the ruler known for his formidable conquests, the Mongol Empire is considered one of the most effective military expansions in history. Perhaps that’s why beauty and grace aren’t the first words that come to mind for this empire. But surprisingly, their beauty standards were quite progressive. Today on Nutty History, we’re exploring the unique concept of beauty in the Mongol Empire.
The 13th century was not an easy time to be a woman. In Western civilization, women were expected to have such pale skin that they might be mistaken for a ghost at night. Things weren’t much better in Asia, where female subjugation was common, and practices like foot binding were prevalent. In summary, women faced significant challenges in maintaining their status as the “fairer sex.”
Enter Mongolia: Mongol women enjoyed a relatively liberal lifestyle for their time, enjoying equal status with Mongol men. While beauty was valued, it was often considered less important than intelligence and strength. According to ancient Mongol literature, to be considered beautiful, a woman should have light in her face and fire in her eyes—not in the literal sense, of course. The general sentiment was that attractiveness was more about intelligence and bravery.
Mongol men also preferred women who were hardworking and wise, placing less emphasis on outer beauty. This is surprising, considering Genghis Khan had conquered women from other cultures perform in competitions for his amusement. However, we can appreciate the historical progressiveness of Mongol society.
Of course, prioritizing intelligence didn’t mean the Mongols were completely free from beauty standards. For example, rosy cheeks and distinctive attire were part of their look. The cold winters and high altitudes of Mongolia naturally gave them a healthy glow, and royal families would enhance their appearance with red paint on their cheeks.
Mongols used soot from castor oils as eyeliner, a practice common among both men and women. This makes Genghis Khan a bit of a trendsetter in the world of makeup.
In today’s world, beauty practices often begin with thorough cleansing routines. However, the Mongols had a different approach. They believed that using water for cleansing would pollute it and anger the dragon god controlling the water cycle. As a result, they rarely washed their clothes and only changed them for special occasions.
Despite their aversion to bathing, Mongols maintained good skin. Mongol women used a paste made from fresh yogurt for moisturizing, and sheep tail fat was also a popular skincare solution, believed to be more effective than many modern products.
Long hair was an important aspect of Mongol beauty, with both men and women braiding their hair. There wasn’t much distinction between genders in old Mongol society, and practices like hair care were shared. Men typically braided their hair behind their backs, while women opted for two braids over their shoulders.
Mongol men and women adorned their braids with fabric and silver or coral ornaments. Women also wore elaborate headdresses made from mutton fat, silver, and turquoise, which were symbols of wealth and inspired various cultural references, including fashion in the Star Wars franchise.
So, what do you think? Could you give up bathing and live in a dry climate for a natural glow, or would you prefer the comfort of modern beauty routines? Share your thoughts in the comments, along with any other fascinating beauty topics you’d like us to explore next. Thanks for watching Nutty History!
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This version removes any inappropriate language and maintains a respectful tone while conveying the original content.
Mongol – A member of the nomadic peoples of Mongolia, known for creating one of the largest empires in history under the leadership of Genghis Khan. – The Mongol Empire, established by Genghis Khan, stretched from Eastern Europe to Asia, showcasing their incredible military prowess.
Beauty – A quality or combination of qualities that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially sight, often influenced by cultural and historical contexts. – During the Renaissance, beauty was often depicted in art as a reflection of divine perfection and harmony.
Women – Adult human females who have played crucial roles in shaping societies and histories through various contributions in different fields. – Women like Susan B. Anthony were pivotal in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States.
Intelligence – The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, often celebrated in historical figures who have made significant contributions to society. – Albert Einstein’s intelligence led to groundbreaking theories that changed our understanding of physics.
Strength – The quality or state of being physically strong or having the ability to withstand great force or pressure, often admired in historical leaders and societies. – The strength of the Roman legions was a key factor in the expansion and maintenance of the Roman Empire.
Standards – Accepted levels of quality or attainment, often set by societies to maintain order and consistency in various aspects of life. – Educational standards have evolved over time to ensure that students receive a comprehensive and relevant education.
Skincare – The practice of maintaining and enhancing the health and appearance of the skin, which has varied across cultures and historical periods. – In ancient Egypt, skincare was important, and people used natural ingredients like honey and milk to keep their skin healthy.
Haircare – The practice of maintaining and styling hair, which has held cultural significance throughout history. – In the 1920s, haircare trends shifted dramatically as women embraced shorter hairstyles like the bob as a symbol of independence.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and practices found in human societies, which are passed down through generations and shape identities. – The culture of ancient Greece has had a lasting impact on Western civilization, influencing art, philosophy, and government.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, which helps us understand how societies have evolved over time. – By studying history, we can learn about the causes and effects of major events like the Industrial Revolution.
