Spit Bath
Spit bath, also known as a "spit", "face wash," or "hand wash," has been a traditional method of washing the face since ancient times. The practice involves using saliva or water, which is typically obtained from a cupped hand, to clean the face. This method of washing the face is particularly common among people living in areas with limited access to running water, such as Appalachia in the 1930s.
According to one account, spit bath was first introduced by travelers staying in the region who did not have access to running water. They were taught to clean their faces with a bowl of water, wash their hands, arms, chest, and belly, as well as their feet and legs. After cleaning these areas, the washwater should be spat out into the air to avoid contaminating the face or clothing.
Despite being such a simple and effective method of washing the face, the practice has been largely overlooked in modern times. However, its use has not entirely disappeared, and it continues to be practiced by some individuals in remote mountainous regions or in communities with limited resources.
There are several theories about how the term "spit bath" was derived. One possibility is that it refers to the practice of spitting into a bowl of water to clean the face, which could have led to the term being coined. Another possible explanation is that it was named after the Spitbank Mountains in England, where spits of water are known to form on the surface.
Regardless of its origins, spit bath remains a unique and historic method of washing the face, still performed by some individuals today.
