Skirt as a Mobile Toilet: Translation and Historical Context

It is true that some noblewomen in medieval Europe used portable devices to relieve themselves within their skirts, but this phenomenon has been exaggerated by later generations as 'skirts becoming mobile toilets.' The actual situation varied depending on the era and social class.

Historical Background and Motivations

Medieval European cities lacked infrastructure, with inadequate drainage systems and poor public sanitation, posing significant challenges for noblewomen's excretion needs. Additionally, strict aristocratic etiquette and the complex dresses worn by women (such as hoop skirts) provided some privacy but also exacerbated excretion difficulties due to restricted mobility. To avoid public embarrassment, some noblewomen opted to use portable devices.

Use of Portable Devices

These portable devices, known as 'bourdaloue,' were typically made of porcelain or metal and resembled modern urinals in shape. They could be concealed within the skirt and operated with the assistance of a servant. The design of these devices fully considered the needs of noblewomen, offering both portability and a degree of privacy.

Application in Specific Occasions and Later Imaginations

Such behavior was not a widespread habit but did occur on specific occasions, such as lengthy court ceremonies. The aristocracy's reliance on perfumes to mask odors further fueled later imaginations of 'filth beneath the skirts.' In reality, noblewomen placed great importance on personal hygiene and appearance, taking various measures to maintain cleanliness and elegance, such as frequent changes of clothing and the use of perfumes.

Exaggeration in Historical Descriptions

It should be noted that descriptions of 'skirts becoming mobile toilets' are largely exaggerated interpretations of historical scenes by later generations. This exaggeration is evident not only in descriptions of noblewomen's excretion methods but also in portrayals of overall sanitation conditions in medieval Europe. In fact, sanitation conditions varied by region, social class, and era and cannot be generalized.