Today, the world of gloves is full of amazing patterns. They are made of lace, leather, fabric, rubber and other materials. And what were they like in the ancient era? Why were they worn before?
The origin of the word glove
Do you think the words gloves, finger, thimble and ring are related? All these words are united by one ancient common root - finger. The Slavs used to call a finger a finger. Therefore, the etymological origin of the word “glove” goes back to the finger. All of the above words indicate an object that was put on a finger (thimble, ring), and in the case of gloves - on fingers. Words of foreign origin have nothing to do with it.
The etymology of the word glove has several versions:
- Everyone knows a thing similar to gloves - mittens. From them, the sewing masters began to model the very gloves - “finger gloves”.
- The origin of the word “glove” is also associated with the word “change”, from the Pudozh dialect (modern Karelia), transformed into “gloves”.
- In the Pskov Chronicle of 1722, a “first-timer” was recorded, which was also later transformed into “gloves”.
Thus, to date, linguists do not have a single opinion explaining the origin of the word “glove”. These three versions were described by a German linguist, lexicographer and Slavic born in the Russian Empire of the XIX century - Max Fasmer. In addition, the scientist was a foreign corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences. He became famous as the compiler of the “Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language”. The main works of Fasmer are devoted to the study of Slavic languages. The origin of the word “glove” is most fully described in Max Fasmer’s etymological dictionary .
Who was the first to put on gloves?
It so happened historically that gloves played a different role in their fashionable life of several millennia. These were means to protect hands from the cold and dirt. In another era, this thing was an accessory, an ornament on an elegant female handle. And also with the help of a glove it was possible to challenge a foe!
The first to wear gloves were the inhabitants of ancient Egypt. These were bags that were worn on the hands and tied around the wrists. Later, a thumb section appeared on them. This thing began to resemble modern mittens. In parallel with the mittens, gloves also appear. They were discovered during excavations of the tomb of Tutankhamun. They had a compartment for each finger. These gloves were not yet distinguished by elegance, but they did not allow their hands to freeze or get dirty.
The Greeks, unlike the Egyptians, wore gloves when they had to do physical work. And the latter attributed them to the accessories of worthy persons! The Romans, with the help of gloves, protected their hands from the cold, hot food and dirt.
Middle Ages
Gloves were especially popular in the Middle Ages. They were made of metal for knights, of animal skin for hunters. True, in their form they were more like mittens. This is due to the fact that the little finger and ring finger "lived" in a glove together. The other three fingers were assigned a second fingertip. The royal gloves were considered special, since they had five branches. Masters decorated them with precious stones and gold. In order to keep up with the ruling power, ordinary people decorated them with embroidery and glass beads.
The Middle Ages endowed the glove with a symbol of monarchy. It is from this period that the glove is worn not as a necessity, but as an accessory and addition to the outfit. With a glove in his hand, the knight swore allegiance to the lord. Upon entering the dignity, the bishop received his treasured pair. To get a glove for a commoner from the king meant his blessing on some activity. For example, sewing clothes, minting coins, collecting taxes. If the beautiful lady gave her glove to sir in armor, this spoke of favor to his person. So in the XII century, the glove became a sign of luxury.
Interesting Facts
There are many interesting facts in the history of gloves. In the Middle Ages, the glove presented to the knight did not hide him, but proudly wore on Sir's hat. Why did the famous Catherine de Medici need a pair of waterproof gloves? To poison unwanted people!
Zealous fans of gloves are Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. The French emperor in his wardrobe had about 300 pairs of these accessories. It is believed that Josephine wore elongated models in order to hide the lack of beauty of her hands.
In the XIX century, the mortality of the male half of the population increased sharply. And what do you think this was connected with? Yes Yes! It is with a glove. A challenge to a duel was considered accepted if the opponent picked up this thing.
Conclusion
Words of foreign origin did not affect the name of the gloves. This thing belongs to the category of native Russian words in a great and powerful language.
Learn the etymology of the Russian language, and you will learn even more interesting and exciting facts!