A Brief History of Pillow

It is no longer possible to imagine a comfortable sleep without a comfortable pillow. Many centuries ago only rich people could take advantage of the privilege of buying pillows, and the poor even had no idea about such luxury. The history of the pillow (briefly) will be told to the reader in the article. We will talk about classical products, decorative, sofa and pillows-toys. So, let's begin.

History of the pillow

The very first information about the appearance of the pillow refers to the rule of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Although the pillows did not resemble modern ones, their function was performed by wooden planks on a stand. To protect the pharaoh from the dark forces, gods were depicted on them, so that the ruler could calmly rest after the day's worries. In Japan, pillows made of wood, metal, stone or porcelain were used throughout the 19th century.

The history of the creation of a pillow told that in the territory of ancient Greece they came up with the idea of sewing the first soft products to conduct long philosophical conversations among the luxurious surroundings. Pillows and mattresses served to ensure a comfortable pastime of noble citizens. They were judged on the high status of the patrician, and the wealth of decoration emphasized his financial capabilities. They wore cushions of fabric or leather, the shape was given a variety. As a filler, feathers or fluff of birds, as well as animal hair were used.

In ancient Rome, pillows soon became common. Gradually, products filled with fluff, gained unprecedented popularity among the Romans. Warlords liked to rest on them so much that they sent their subordinates to get goose down for pillows.

Magic properties of pillows

The history of the pillow is also interesting because it was believed from ancient times that this product possesses magical power. For a sound sleep Emperor Nero put a bracelet from the skin of the snake under the pillow. Octavian Augustus could not sleep for a long time at night, so he wished to receive a pillow of one bankrupt patrician. The Emperor believed that in addition to the pillow will provide a quiet and sweet sleep, because it was incredibly able to fall asleep man to the ears in debt.

During the Middle Ages, small cushions under their feet were sewed to keep warm during the cold season. Such an invention saved from frost in stone castles, where the fireplaces could not warm huge vaults, and drafts were common. Also then, people were extremely religious, and it was not for everyone to spend several hours on their knees during prayer. Therefore, for convenience, pillows were used to withstand night vigils.

In Russia, with cushions, fortune telling is associated with the betrothed, when a twig from a broom was put under it, so that the future bridegroom would dream. For Christmas, it was necessary to hide a spruce branch in the pillow to ensure happiness and health for the whole year. Richly embroidered pillows always gave the girl a dowry. The poor stuffed products with horsehair or hay, and rich dowry daughters were given feather and down pillows from expensive cloth.

Decorative pillows - beauty from the depths of centuries

The history of decorative pillows tells that for the first time they appeared in the dwellings of aristocrats and the mansions of Arab sultans. A lot of catchy silk products, decorated with silver or gold embroidery, were scattered in chaotic order along the lush oriental sofas and armchairs. They wore various pillows in the shape and size, and the more they were there, the more generous and rich the palace of the ruler was. Chaste Muslims also had a predilection for decorating the interior of the house, where the embroidered pillows stood out against the general background of luxury and splendor.

How the cushions appeared

а Руси первые диванные варианты получили название «думки». The history of the cushion pillow tells that in Russia the first sofa versions were called "dumas". Careful housewives decorated their rooms, which was considered a sign of good taste of the owners. Later, from the "dumas" they turned into cushions. Living rooms, boudoir, cabinets were furnished with sofas, couches, canapes and similar furniture, which gave rise to an abundance of various pillows. They began to accompany people when writing love letters or in the days of languishing meditations about the futility of being.

In the 19th century the Biedermeier style developed, suggesting a cozy crowded room, so the cushions became even more popular in the interior of the living rooms. Upholstery furniture and pillowcases on pillows were sewn from one material to achieve a single composition. For the production of day pillows used rep, silk, velvet, embroidered designs with smooth, Richelieu or decorated with vivid appliqués. A little later they began to embroider pillowcases with a cross: simple or "Bulgarian". Pillows, decorated with elaborate embroidery, have become a necessary detail of the interior of living rooms. They were given to each other, shared sketches of embroideries, purchased in fashion stores.

Strictness and brevity of the 60s

There came the 1960s, everywhere there was a strict laconic style, and the presence of "dumas" was not welcomed, even considered a sign of philistinism. But on the sofas there were pillows without excessive ornaments, sewn from less expensive and catchy materials. For a while they were in the shade to meet the heyday of the modern world. "Dumas" again come into fashion, decorate living rooms and offices. Thanks to them, the unconstrained charm of aristocratism and subtle luxury is created, that warmth of the interior, which is unlikely to be achieved by other means. For sewing such a "zest" you do not need to spend money on expensive materials and jewelry, just a little patience and a few skills in embroidering.

History of pillow-toys

Along with the appearance of pillows "dumas" there were pillows-toys. The craftsmen began to sew them from shreds of cloth, decorate with amusing appliqués. Now put the baby to sleep was not difficult, the prankster with pleasure fell asleep with a funny pillow, like a dog or cat. Such pillows make you smile not only children, but adults.

In the house an especial role is played by amusing pillows, they create a cosiness, are capable to underline creative abilities of owners. Funny soft toys will relieve tension after a working day, will give peace and good humor. Pillows-toys, sewn in the form of funny tigers, kittens, frogs, cows, can be decomposed in favorite places of rest - on the sofa, armchair or bed. Also the amusing pillow will turn into a heart gift for close people, especially if you try to sew it yourself from improvised materials. Such a presentation will no longer have anybody, because it is made with pure intentions and contains the warmth of the hands of the donor.

Now on sale it is possible to find amusing pillows in which the blanket from a plait or a small plaid is placed. They will help out in a long journey by car. On the road the kid can play with such a soft toy, and when he wants to take a nap, wraps himself in a blanket.

Research of the use of a pillow

The history of the pillow also contains some unpleasant moments. For example, in the 19th century, Otto Steiner added a bit of a negative to the reputation of the product. A well-known physician conducted research, and the results were highlighted in the book "Bed". If the air humidity rises slightly, the feather pillow begins to smell unpleasant. Steiner suggested that this is due to residues on the feathers of skin particles, fat and bird meat. All this content begins to decompose and release harmful and terribly smelling substances.

Researchers have proved that feather pillows possess tens kinds of microorganisms-parasites. Therefore, on such pillows it is impossible to sleep allergic people and asthmatics, so as not to provoke an attack. To avoid trouble, it is necessary to follow the rules: to ventilate and dry the pillow in the sun, at least once a year to change to a new one. In Europe, they tried to avoid the problem by filling the pillows with goose down, and the material was further processed. Although the necessary sanitary standards have not been achieved.

Modern tendencies

Everyone knows that over time the pillow becomes heavier. Even with automatic plucking of bird feathers, it is not possible to completely clean the feather from the tiny pieces of tissue that feed the mites. One centimeter of feathers can accommodate more than 200 dust mites. To solve the problem, they tried foam pillows, but here they also saw shortcomings. In the 20th century, scientists synthesized artificial fibers. Such a pillow can be easily washed and dried, it does not lose its original form. The product does not accommodate parasites and dangerous microorganisms.

Different styles and directions in fashion changed each other, the functions assigned to the pillows changed. Always the same - thanks to the pillows provide comfort and coziness at home. In the apartments for many years, "crocheted" cushions, as well as products in the form of funny little animals for the youngest.