What Ancient Chinese Used Before Toilet Paper: Life in Ancient China

How hard did ancient Chinese have it? How often did they bathe? What did they use before toilet paper? Did students have vacations? How did they predict the weather? How was life in Ancient China?
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[@ianbryant6499]

Its always water for me... Here in Malaysia, we have toilet water host all over the place... Its cleaner and feels much much more comfortable than toilet paper...

[@umadey8493]

Same in india

[@yiyiyibo9671]

soap and water is cleaner and more efficient than using toilet paper

[@elinikolai7493]

@@yiyiyibo9671 The guy in your profile pic poops stinks.

[@melissaroldan7242]

I lol'd at the thumbnail image! Even though I've already seen this vid I only just noticed your faces animated into the drawing! So funny

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Melissa Roldan we're immortals :-)

[@pangularasian6896]

Melissa Roldan most people will think your comment is racist but , its actually true There faces are really on thumbnail 😂

[@venusivityy]

I'm actually really glad you guys made a video like this because I have an odd fascination with daily life in ancient times around the world. Another question I have is what did Asian women use before sanitary pads and tampons? Thanks for another interesting vid guys!

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Quinn Thanks :-)

[@foreverinbloom14]

Idk about asians but they used rags and soaking sponges in other countries

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Quinn I have a guess that I've formulated in my brain after having a child. So in the past 3 years I've had 2 periods. How did I achieve this naturally? Well, I was pregnant, then I breastfed for 2 years (breastfeeding suppresses ovulation), then I got my period back and then I got pregnant again. I'm guessing that's about how it went back then :) They got married/pregnant younger. Also, cloth menstrual pads. You can buy those now too!

[@johnvonshepard9373]

+Quinn Their use Bamboo Nuff said!!

[@jaydekukahikokealohanui2016]

turntbishoujo I'm going through this phase rn

[@babyfingers9874]

i prefer without toilet paper because I could just use water (and soap) to wash my butt. Like a true Filipino!

[@mari_000]

jup and like arabs / and most muslims wash with water

[@edwardthelongshanks6387]

+habibiheni i use toilet paper and a bit of water and then dry toilet paper to dry. im not a muslim.

[@subswithoutvids-dw6dv]

yes, Filipino really do that.

[@cirenrose]

lol I'm a Filipino and lol.. they do this.. lol hehe..

[@umadey8493]

The same with us.True Indian ✌

[@AngelineP]

You guys always have the most interesting and educational videos! Love them!

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

angelineforever Thanks :-)

[@sapphodils]

5:17 "IT MADE HER PRETTY THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS" lol

[@TaiGekTou]

Oh my gosh! Was the toilet paper part inspired by a comment I made in your Chinese Inventions video? I don't comment a lot but it's so awesome to see that it made it into one of your videos!

[@shootingstar3371]

TaiGekTou no I said it

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Yea...mentioned the wrong movie....Doh!!!

[@TheSaneHatter]

Just think of how badly we'd all misquote CHINESE movies . . . I forgive you.

[@mkvision]

Lol, as soon as I heard "remember Judge Dredd" I immediately knew it was Demolition Man and the 3 seashells. I proceeded to pause the video and look for some "um, actually" comments, but I see you've addressed the mistake. :p

[@carrots087]

Nick Hentschel it was an american movie...

[@TheSaneHatter]

Jeremy Beaudet I think that was quite clear; I was talking about something else entirely. Why are you correcting me over something I didn't say?

[@phantasma05]

its demolition man

[@littlebluedolphin]

Some other cosmetics used in ancient China: pearl powder, ground pigmented minerals from rocks, stained paper (as lip stain), charcoal powder, floral water (as perfume), ground/mashed plants with pigments etc.

[@NowhereBeats]

My housemate doesn't use toilet paper, no joke. I'll have to keep an eye out for bamboo. At my university have school 7 days a week, but we get a 4 month summer holiday.

[@darkservantofheaven]

I love your videos guys. I've always loved Chinese history, folklore and culture along with Japanese and Thai. Is there channels like this about japan?

[@aprilshower7799]

Here in the Philippines....when the Spanish ppl first arrived.....they noticed that our ppl bathe everyday....and were always in the river....especially the ethnic "Tagalog" ppl... that translates to "taga ilog"... or "people from the river"

[@flyflavorfulguy100]

Great informational video

[@DarthJF]

Reading about everyday lives of people from ancient cultures is really interesting. It's really fascinating when you realise that some things have stayed exactly the same for thousands of years, or to learn how people coped without some of the everyday necessities (like toilet paper) that we take for granted.

[@KenichiTMD]

Do more of this series. :D

[@MrLinguist88]

Guys, besides the movie, please check the background sound, it is way too loud

[@faeriiXD]

my grandma always told us stories about the poor old days, and she said that they would use leaves, the smooth kinds, as toilet paper.

[@N192K001]

Wow, I never thought of that. Thanks for the lesson!

[@bhallanger006]

Another awesome video 🌎

[@asianpop6032]

Hey dan and mike, I love your video. My fave r the historical ones cuz i learn more bout my heritage Keep up the good work thx

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

asianpop Thanks :-)

[@luciefortin1721]

I love this channel! You guys are great!

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Lucie Fortin Thanks :-)

[@allithehylian292]

I was in the Philippines last month and you had to PAY for toilet paper in public washrooms. Some public washrooms didn't have any toilet paper at all....

[@darrenmacqueen9884]

That's pretty common throughout China here. Even the public washrooms at my school don't have toilet paper, soap, or hot water.

[@stillinthe70s14]

around my place, we pay to use the toilet

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Andee Villapando That must suck for a pregnant girl who needs to pee every 30 minutes...

[@chilloutboy5170]

great vids oooooooooooooh! great variety :-)

[@StewartMiles1]

Nice show guys

[@shanouboubou]

Thank for all your videos on Chinese dynasties, I'm just learning so much from it :D It's very nice :D

[@Andrei-yv8fz]

I actually feel lost in modern times and feel that so many things are strange and unfamiliar. I am very old fashioned and have kept a lot of old Korean lifesyle and culture and would rather live in ancient Korea. Of course things were not perfect, but it's my feeling. Things are not perfect today, either. Also, it's easy to live without toilet paper. Just use water (and wash your hands well after). They still do this in India. That's why they don't eat or do holy ritual with left hand.

[@BushidoIslander8689]

Great informative video. Just wanna know what chinese music you guys playing on the background? It's a good music for martial arts training. Thanks

[@LeizhiLi]

I love this video a lot!! and not only bc its smart but you learn a lot!! I feel like I am learning more in this video than one hour Chinese history in school XD sorry teachers!!

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Leizhi Li Thanks :-)

[@thekuan7002]

Nice video guys, loved the 3 sea shell reference. BTW could you make a video about Chinese culture in video games or other media, and how accurate or how poorly they represent the culture. Love your work guys!

[@MaddysinLeigh]

I told my dad once that I was born in the wrong time period and that I felt like I was supposed to be born long ago. His response? "They didn't have video games." Mine? "You can't miss what you never had."

[@atsuyak768]

Me too xD born in the 1920's

[@tiffanyacuff9450]

Bamboo and seashells are popular bathroom decorations...

[@MrLANHOLMES]

Hi, the BGM is nice.. Anyone can suggest where i can get it? Thanks :) Off the Great Wall

[@samiraa6593]

Pretty cool stuff:)

[@MeiWang]

hahhaha I actually never thought of the toilet paper when talking about going back in time xD It is a great tip for time travellers lol

[@author.jessica.greyson]

This was awesome. I totally want to see you guys in traditional garb now...

[@icycannonball]

Great video guys! Like the new background as well. However, the music can be a bit distracting at times so maybe turning it a tad down if possible? Also if you bring your own toilet paper back to Ancient China, I wonder if you would get arrested for using the "sacred" material (for writing) for bathroom purposes.

[@zeetran]

don't know why these kind of video put a smile on my face

[@GwenApMannanan]

do more like this! =D

[@stinkmeister2287]

What's the background song?

[@tenagliac]

And the debate on roll over/role under. With a book ? Do you start with the table of contents or the index ?

[@EmsIsFab]

Love all the interesting facts! Would love more facts about ancient china!

[@Da.ni.da.ni.]

May i know title bmg background? Thanks

[@susanwyliu]

lol even if you're traveling to china today DONT FORGET YOUR TOILET PAPER

[@claireliu1219]

Oooooh good thing I was born in the right century

[@n.akarem9000]

Okay , I was drinking a cup of tea , not so annoying thought XD

[@sophiatace5918]

2:19 i am still eating😂😂😂

[@mamabear6990]

so did familys have to share the same bamboo stick or did everyone have their own or did they use a new one each time

[@jiminsjamsinspace4341]

I can never live without KZbin.

[@lamarawilson7735]

me neither😁😂

[@edmeri_1526]

I'm going to study "China's history" for the exam i'll have nex semester... This will be helpful for sure! :D Off the Great Wall

[@candyluna2929]

I live in a Caribbean country and we constantly have blackouts they were actually kind of fun so I would rather be without light then without toilet paper

[@ElegantDreamCatcher05FJC]

OMG... the hair tying method. My mom did that when she was younger to study. Wow.

[@ajriver8131]

I heard in France people use to use a rope to abrase there… and in public toilets the rope is also public...

[@ZiyueLan]

I can't even think about how my life would be without any of thing you mention, like internet, TOILET PAPER, WI-FI!!! I really can't imagine!! OMG!!

[@SkindoctorMd]

I hope there’s more about ancient China

[@angelmontoya175]

I feel like there would have been specific bamboo shards made for it like in ancient times people's had spoons specifically made to clean their ears I feel like the same idea might have been done with the bamboo at least for nobility and Royalty

[@angelmontoya175]

I could be wrong though I'm just theorizing lol

[@thickbrianq]

We North American Indians were chastised by first contact because our ancestors bathes every day, the Christians said it was evil. I am surprised to hear the 1 bath every 5 day motto, yuuck.

[@SailorsDaBomb]

I'm surprised people didn't use a piece of cloth to wipe with. Dampen it, wipe, wash and dry. I guess without soap it wouldn't have been easy to wash. I use a bidet, don't think paper cleans well enough. I wish I could remember my past life, I was Chinese. :)

[@cat_pb]

i use a bidet too, but also toilet paper! lol much better

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Tempérance of Thérèse de Lisieux Right, that's what I'm saying. Cloth. But I use cloth diapers with my babies so I'm used to the idea. It's super easy if you're already washing a load of diapers.

[@Jeanne09]

I'm never going to take toilet paper for granted ever again.

[@SoumiSu]

This is kind of gross but I've wondered from time to time how women in ancient China dealt with their menstrual cycles?

[@RedStingBlogs]

I'm not alone then lol

[@taigongting]

好吧，我来告诉你，In ancient times Chinese woman with the linen,cotton, silk.., wrapped in plant ash,cottonwool ,Treat as sanitary napkin，it have belt, can fastened at the waist. traditional Chinese medicine books Records plant ash can dispel cold, detumescence, sterilization, disinfection... ... And this is true.:-)

[@RedStingBlogs]

Taigong Ting ahh cool! :) thanks

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Soumi They probably had a lot of kids, and most of the time there's no bleeding in pregnancy, and most of them probably breastfed for a couple of years so might not have had a period for a year and a half or more postpartum. Then you get pregnant again :) This method has been working for me. 2 periods in 3 years! Breastfeeding made it so I didn't get my period until 20 months postpartum! My goal is to have as few periods as possible and as many little blessings running around :)

[@Aristocratic13]

+Homebirth Homeschool Homestead Are you human?

[@vilstas]

You guys look good in this video.

[@sunflowersongs9403]

when he said put it down i stopped with a piece of turkey on my fork mid air lol

[@user-rn6he3kh2t]

Avery Fine China At the Thanksgiving day?

[@sunflowersongs9403]

Арав Квра I believe it was. or maybe it was the day after.

[@amberleycanegitta8403]

went to the Philippines a while ago. We used a bucket of water and cleaned with our hands. It was like taking a shower for just the lower body multiple times a day. Almost like a older version of a bidet.

[@yumei1119]

In the Philippines, Summer is the only time we can have a vacation because we don't have winter nor spring

[@HuangYanPing]

2:00 A thousand years later... still have to bring your own toilet paper.

[@arjsoriano]

Hehe!!! this is so interesting... :-)

[@DJ-lq6kt]

Cool

[@reannaalam3987]

Can u guys do something about geishas or oiran's

[@ogeid6990]

if you hear construction in the morning, it means is not going to rain,

[@jmsgentiles1192]

No toilet paper, no sanitary pads, no school breaks. I AM SO ALWAYS GONNA STAY IN THIS TIME. 😁😁😁

[@weinantan3680]

Why not just use leaves instead bamboo? It is a lot easy to get and handle plus... no splinter😅

[@nappybunny8221]

Aaaaw, man! I was eating chocolate ice cream!!! >:(

[@shadowspeare1145]

I laughed at this more than I should have.

[@chahanacintury3819]

I like the usage of toilet paper and water.

[@maduraikarthik7654]

💕😍Amazing

[@user-zg3kr7st3s]

i use my fingers usually cause u can just wash them off with water later and get the crusties off

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I cloth diaper my children and I actually think using cloth wipes would be ok (and softer). We still get the washing machine right?

[@snowwyday902]

I want to know how they bathe

[@mangalius9345]

I was eating breakfast during this video

[@muse3992]

Love Chinese culture 😍greeting from east India

[@unoki99]

2:10 I was eating a chocolate cake..... (I'm tuing it dow,,,,,,,,, Slowly,,,,,,,,,,,,and carful...........)

[@Hajewil]

couldn't they have used cloth to clean that area?

[@tinahu90]

+Rainbowdash Williams the upper class might be able to, but regular ppl won't be able to afford it.

[@DeliriousTea]

This reminds me of that tvb show where a guy travels back in time to the first emperor

[@helllokitty138]

Yeah with Raymond lam and Louis ku

[@DeliriousTea]

helllokitty138 yes! yes! yes!! =D

[@mandyzhao9790]

寻秦记！

[@mypiano11]

Water is the best for cleaning oneself. It makes a lot more sense than using just paper.

[@z3020979]

Got the flower thing wrong, google search for 上官婉儿 桃花妆。Although the princess was in the same times, she is a different person. And the story completely wrong.

[@WujiErTaiji]

I was even more surprised when I read that the (cloth) diaper was only invented in the 19th century and before that kids had no pants or open pants with a hole, and in fact this is still used in many parts of the world today.

[@zoltan3554]

eating sugar and extracting semidigested food fro mthe stomack of cows who can digest plants (using electricity impllant comfortable implants into the cows stomack so things can be extracted).

[@Konphetty]

Are we just gonna ignore that the guy on the right side of the screen literally looks like Jackie Chan?

[@Greenwickpress]

He's mentioned the resemblance in many other videos.

[@dallaspowwi6682]

When I go to China, today, I still bring my own toilet paper and wet wipes. Lol

[@DaiReborn]

That was Demolition Man not Judge Dredd! Even your caption saod Demolition Man!

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

DaiReborn YES! our bad :-(

[@bawngtimkh9196]

I live in Cambodia and most people don't use toilet paper. It's not even offered in schools or stores

[@totalwarandcomedy]

Royalty actually used prices of silk

[@apersonwholives738]

Why didn't they use leftover cloth or maybe even leaves or flowers to wipe

[@1958debs]

Wash up between?

[@mikaellaparone701]

well if your a girl and went back to ancient chinese instead of toilet paper I would bring pads xD

[@kuvceebxab1]

we bathed like 3 time a year and we used wood trigs for the behind purpose LOL

[@doryscookingadventure6687]

The guys are so funny. Hahahahha

[@Panda_Roll]

now we know why they all dressed in silk. that area could not handle anything stiff after bamboo XD

[@sunnyl818]

Do a mole reading video!!

[@rexcaliburn]

the romans used a sponge on a stick

[@6Euphoria6]

To amswer that title they use a strip/block of a wood

[@DivaDee44]

you guys are so cute n hilarious...love ya