# Which cultures have an inherent reluctance to bathe?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cultures-have-an-inherent-reluctance-to-bathe/751012>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 3, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cultures-have-an-inherent-reluctance-to-bathe/751012 "2016-04-03T01:10:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![BwanaBob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bwanabob/32/2985_2.png) [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2016, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cultures-have-an-inherent-reluctance-to-bathe/751012/41 "2016-04-05T12:26:06Z")

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> [@Wallet](#):
>
> I know you’re from NYC as well - have you never been on a crowded midtown train in mid August? No offense meant, but the Hasids in their long woolen coats were _extemely_ whiffy. Seriously, my eyes would water just being near them.  
> Actually, completely understandable, given the 100 degree plus temps on some platforms!

All the baths and showers in the world aren’t going to help if one doesn’t dry clean/wash sweaty coats/clothing.

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**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\
**Post date:** [April 7, 2016, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cultures-have-an-inherent-reluctance-to-bathe/751012/42 "2016-04-07T04:42:24Z")

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Historically, early & Medieval Christianity thought bathing was sinful. Saint Agnes was said never to have bathed in her life, and this contributed to her sainthood. Saint Margaret never even washed. Saint Jerome was another non-bather. From Saint Frances of Assisi to many Popes, there were writings disapproving of bathing.

Much of this probably arose in reaction to the fact that the pagan cultures of Greece, Rome, & Egypt practiced regular (often daily) bathing. And since few individuals could afford their own bathing facilities, this was done in public baths. This meant getting naked in front of other people, which was horrifying to the sex-phobic Christian leaders.

It wasn’t until nearly the 1800’s that the phrase\* cleanliness is next to godliness\* was said byn by John Wesley, founder of Methodism.

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