It is no longer possible to imagine a comfortable dream without a comfortable pillow. Many centuries ago, only rich people could take advantage of the privilege of buying pillows, and the poor did not even have a clue about such luxury. The history of the pillow (briefly) will be told to the reader in the article. We will talk about classic products, decorative, sofas and pillows, toys. So, let's begin.
Pillow history
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, they were depicted of the gods, so that the ruler could rest calmly after day cares. In Japan, pillows made of wood, metal, stone or porcelain were used everywhere until the 19th century.
The story of the creation of the pillow told that in the territory of Ancient Greece they came up with the idea of sewing the first soft products in order to conduct long philosophical conversations in a luxurious setting. Pillows and mattresses served to ensure a comfortable pastime for noble citizens. They judged the high status of the patrician, and the richness of the finish emphasized his financial capabilities. Sewed pillows made of fabric or leather, gave a different shape. Feathers or down of birds, as well as animal hair, were used as filler.
In ancient Rome, pillows soon came into use. Gradually, items filled with fluff gained unprecedented popularity among the Romans. The military leaders liked to rest on them so much that they sent subordinates to get goose down for pillows.
The magical properties of pillows
The history of the pillow is also interesting because from ancient times it was believed that this product has magical powers. For a sound sleep, Emperor Nero placed a snake skin bracelet under his pillow. Octavian Augustus could not sleep for a long time at night, so he wanted to get a pillow of one ruined patrician. The emperor believed that, in addition to the pillow, he would provide himself with a calm and sweet sleep, because on it an incredibly person could fall asleep to his ears in debt.
During the Middle Ages, small pillows were sewn under the legs to keep warm in the cold season. Such an invention saved from frost in stone castles, where fireplaces could not heat huge arches, and drafts were a common occurrence. Also then, people were extremely religious, and not everyone could spend several hours on their knees during prayer. Therefore, for convenience, they used pillows to withstand night vigils.
In Russia, divination with a pillow is connected with divination, when a twig from a broom was put under it to dream about the future bridegroom. At Christmas, a spruce branch should be hidden in a pillow to ensure happiness and health for the whole year. Richly embroidered pillows always gave the girl a dowry. The poor stuffed items with horsehair or hay, and the rich, in dowry to their daughters, gave feather and down pillows from expensive cloth.
Decorative pillows - beauty from time immemorial
The history of decorative pillows tells that for the first time they appeared in the dwellings of aristocrats and the mansions of Arab sultans. Many catchy silk items decorated with silver or gold embroidery randomly scattered on lush oriental sofas and armchairs. Sewing pillows of various shapes and sizes, and the more there were, the more generous and rich the king’s palace was considered. Chaste Muslims were also addicted to decorating the home’s interior, where jeweled pillows stood out against the backdrop of luxury and splendor.
How sofa cushions appeared
The history of the sofa cushion tells that in Russia, the first sofa variants were called “thoughts”. Zealous housewives decorated the rooms with them, which was considered a sign of good taste of the owners. Later, from "little thoughts" they turned into sofa cushions. Living rooms, boudoirs, cabinets were furnished with sofas, couches, canapes and similar furniture, giving rise to an abundance of various pillows. They began to accompany people when writing love letters or during the time of languid thoughts about the futility of being.
In the 19th century, the Biedermeier style develops, suggesting a cozy cramped room, so sofa cushions have become even more popular in the interior of living rooms. Upholstery and pillowcases on pillows were made of the same material to achieve a single composition. For the manufacture of day pillows used rep, silk, velvet, embroidered patterns with satin stitch, richelieu or decorated with bright applications. A little later they began to embroider pillowcases with a cross: simple or “Bulgarian”. Pillows, decorated with elaborate embroidery, have become a necessary detail in the interior of living rooms. They were presented to each other, shared sketches of embroideries, purchased in fashion stores.
The severity and conciseness of the 60s
The 1960s arrived, a strict laconic style reigned everywhere, and the presence of “thoughts” was not welcomed, it was even considered a sign of philistinism. But on the sofas there were pillows without unnecessary decorations sewn from less expensive and catchy materials. For some time they were in the shade to meet the heyday of the modern world. “Doomcoats” are back in fashion, decorating living rooms and offices. Thanks to them, that laid-back charm of aristocracy and subtle luxury is created, the warmth of the interior, which is unlikely to be achieved by other methods. For sewing such a “highlight” you do not need to spend money on expensive materials and jewelry, just a little patience and a little skills in embroidery.
The story of pillow toys
Along with the advent of pillows, “pillows” arose pillows-toys. The craftswomen began to sew them from shreds of fabric, decorate them with funny applications. Now it was not difficult to put the baby to sleep, the prankster fell asleep with pleasure with a funny pillow, similar to a dog or cat. Such pillows make smile not only children but also adults.
Funny pillows play a special role in the house; they create comfort and are able to emphasize the creative abilities of the owners. Funny soft toys will relieve stress after a working day, give calm and bliss. Toy pillows, sewn in the form of funny tigers, kittens, frogs, cows, can be laid out in your favorite places of rest - on a sofa, armchair or bed. Also, a funny pillow will turn into a hearty gift for loved ones, especially if you try to sew it yourself from improvised materials. No one else will have such a presentation, because it was made with pure intentions and contains the warmth of the hands of the donor.
Currently on sale, you can find funny pillows, inside which is placed a blanket made of plis or a small plaid. They will help out on a long journey by car. On the way, the baby will be able to play with such a soft toy, and when he wants to take a nap, he will wrap himself in a blanket.
Pillow Use Studies
The history of the pillow also contains some unpleasant moments. For example, in the 19th century, Otto Steiner added a little negative to the product’s reputation. Well-known physician conducted research, and highlighted the results in the book "Bed". If the air humidity rises even slightly, the feather pillow starts to smell unpleasant. Steiner suggested that this is due to residues on the feathers of particles of skin, fat and poultry. All this content begins to decompose and release harmful and badly smelling substances.
Researchers have proven that feather pillows have dozens of parasitic microorganisms. Therefore, allergy sufferers and asthmatics should not sleep on such pillows so as not to provoke an attack. To avoid trouble, you must follow the rules: air and dry the pillow in the sun, at least once a year to change for a new one. In Europe, they tried to avoid the problem by filling the pillows with goose down, and the material was also subject to additional processing. Although the necessary sanitary standards have not been achieved.
Modern tendencies
Everyone knows that over time, the pillow becomes heavier. Even with the automatic plucking of bird feathers, it is not possible to completely clean the feather from the tiny pieces of tissue that the ticks feed on. One centimeter of feathers can accommodate more than 200 dust mites. They tried to solve the problem with foam pillows, but here they saw flaws. In the 20th century, scientists synthesized artificial fiber. Such a pillow can be easily washed and dried; it does not lose its original shape. Parasites and dangerous microorganisms do not settle in the product.
Different styles and trends in fashion succeeded each other, the functions assigned to the pillows changed. Invariably one thing - thanks to the pillows, comfort and coziness of home decoration is provided. In the apartments for many years, "settled" sofa cushions, as well as products in the form of funny animals for the smallest.