It is difficult to imagine a sweet and comfortable dream without pillows. In addition, these familiar items help to give home decor a cozy and finished look. And pillows appeared in antiquity, however, they looked different and were used not only for the convenience of sleeping.
Instructions
Step 1
Many people think that the structure of the word "pillow" indicates a direct relationship to an object that can be put under the ear. But this interpretation of the meaning is popular. In fact, the etymological dictionary explains differently. The first in the Old Russian language was the word "dodukha", meaning something airy or inflated. The widespread use of the word "pillow" begins in the 13th century, and the meaning is literally defined as "something dear and close, kindred."
Step 2
The history of the first pillows is preserved in the ancient Egyptian pyramids. True, the purpose of these items among the pharaohs and noble Egyptians was different: they kept their hairstyles during sleep. These could be wooden concave pillows on a stand, as well as stone, metal or porcelain, on which gods were depicted protecting people during sleep. The Japanese used similar items until the 19th century. Popular in China, jade pillows were in the shape of a lying tiger with a special comfortable recess for the head. Gradually, people came to the conclusion that a pillow is necessary not for the safety of the hairstyle, but for a comfortable stay.
Step 3
Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of the first soft pillows, and these common everyday objects began to represent wonderful works of art, as the covers were embroidered with beautiful patterns. The noble Greeks were very fond of reclining on a soft bed, and the presence of pillows added significance to the owner.
Step 4
The ancient Romans received the first pillows as booty during military conquests. They especially liked the ones filled with goose down, so the most well-aimed arrows were sent by the generals to hunt wild geese. But most Romans used sleeping objects made from grass, bird feathers, or animal hair. Not everyone had the opportunity to purchase these items, since they were very expensive, so only wealthy people could use them.
Step 5
If we imagine a medieval castle, with a cold stone floor, constant drafts, then the introduction of an innovation becomes clear: pillows became not only an attribute of a luxurious warm bed, but also, placed under our feet, represented a means of protecting them from the cold. The comfort of soft pillows was fully realized for a long time. They did not forget to put them under their knees during prayers, on the saddle of a horse, in stretchers and carriages.
Step 6
In the old days in Russia, soft feather and down pillows were a means of luxury for the rich, and the common people stuffed them with hay or horsehair. They formed an integral part of the bride's dowry. In the East, there was a custom to fill pillows with plants emitting pleasant smells, later made for medicinal purposes.
Step 7
All kinds of pillows do not exist now! The Japanese distinguished themselves by a special invention. For example, for women who love resting on the shoulder of men, they came up with sleep items in the form of a male body without a head and one arm. People who do not want to wake up in the morning can choose a special alarm clock pillow. At first, it will wake up the owner at a certain time with a slight tremor, and if a person is overcome by an unremitting sleep, the pillow will make you wake up with a light discharge of current.
Step 8
Now this common object has become firmly established in human life. Skillfully designed, tastefully matched in color, shape and size, the pillows add comfort and coziness to the home environment.
