HE EVOLUTION OF SOAP: FROM LUXURY TO EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL
Soap, a ubiquitous item found in every household today, had a vastly different status in the 1800s in England and across Europe. It was once considered a luxury product, accessible only to the wealthy elite. Let's take a journey through time to explore thetransformation of soap from an exclusive commodity to an everyday essential.
The Early Days
During the 1800s, soap production was a handmade craft, primarily carried out in smallworkshops. It was a luxury reserved for the affluent, with limited access to the general public. Queen Victoria, during her reign, imposed taxes on various commodities, including soap, further restricting its availability.
The Royal Decree
Under Queen Victoria's decree, soap production was prohibited if it fell below a certainquantity—requiring large-scale facilities and significant resources. This restriction led tothe demise of small-scale soap producers, as they could no longer compete with thedemands of the regulation.
The Turning Point
The removal of soap taxes in 1853 marked a turning point in England. With the lifting of restrictions, soap production and trade witnessed rapid growth. Simultaneously, thenotion of personal hygiene gained prominence, with Louis Pasteur advocating for its role in reducing the spread of diseases.
Industrial Revolution Impact
As the Industrial Revolution unfolded, soap production transitioned into an industrializedprocess, altering the industry's landscape significantly. However, with increased salesand rising costs, the natural essence of soaps diminished, giving way to the introductionof synthetic additives and chemicals.
The Modern Era
Fast forward to today, and the consequences of synthetic additives in soaps havepersisted. The good news is that small-scale producers committed to traditional methodsand entirely natural ingredients can now distribute their soaps worldwide, thanks toadvancements in technology, transportation, and communication.
A Global Reach
Individuals who prioritize personal, family, environmental, and planetary cleanliness can easily access these natural, healthy soaps produced exclusively from plant-basedingredients, transcending geographical boundaries.
THE FIRST SOAP RECIPE IN HISTORY
The evolution of soap, acquiring its current form and characteristics, has been a journeyspanning millennia. Delving into the pages of history, we uncover the earliest knownsoap recipe, a testament to human ingenuity dating back approximately 4500 years.
The Ancient Recipe
The first documented soap recipe was unearthed in the ancient city of Tello, now locatedwithin the borders of Iraq. Etched on a cuneiform tablet believed to date back to around2500 BCE, this recipe bears the traces of the Sumerian civilization. According to theancient instructions, ashes obtained by burning date palm trees or pine cones weremixed with water, filtered, and combined with one part animal fat to produce soap. Archaeological evidence suggests that this concoction served not only as a cleansingagent but also found applications in hair care. It was believed to be beneficial for skin ailments, leading to its adoption by different cultures and regions.
A Timeless Evolution
For 4500 years, soap has undergone transformations with various ingredients, methodsreflecting the spirit of the times, colors, scents, and plant extracts. From the ancientSumerians to diverse cultures and landscapes, the journey of soap has been marked byinnovation, adaptation, and a commitment to cleanliness and well-being.
THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME ‘SOAP’
From Latin 'sapo', to French 'savon', to English 'soap', and finally to Turkish 'sabun'...
Soap entered human life long before this story and began cleaning dirt, but it wasn'timmediately given the name 'soap.'
The origin of the word dates back to the legends surrounding Mount Sapo, a mythicalmountain near Rome, stretching from the banks of the Tiber River to the sky.
In ancient Rome, women washing laundry in the river noticed that clothes were bettercleaned at a particular spot along the river. The secret was quickly revealed. The fatsfrom animals sacrificed as offerings to the gods on the mountain, mixed with the ashesof the fire, were turning into soap and flowing down the mountain into the river with therain.
Roman women accepted soap as a gift from the Gods.
Now, where is Mount Sapo on the map? You won't find it on the map because, in reality, there is no such mountain.
