What was the custom and from whence did it originate?
2007-02-03 16:11:04 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
You mean during the 18th century? It wasn't only formal gatherings - many men wouldn't be seen in public without them!
It was just the fashion. There are stories about how it began, but most think it was people following Louis XIII of France when he began to go bald. In those days, the 17th century, the periwig was fashionable (long curls, like those of our Charles II); from then on it evolved, as fashions will, to the neat little white wigs with, perhaps, a black silk bag at the back and a couple of curls at each side. There were many, many styles in fashion, and it was in the 1730s (I think) when people began to powder them. In white, and then grey.
Towards the end of the 18th century, macaronis (dandies) could wear very high, elaborate wigs. Ladies also wore them, and also supplemented their own hair with false to build up enormous constructions topped with ornaments like a ship in full sail. One reason the powdering was stopped was because of a tax on it. But older people still continued to wear the fashions of their youth for a while - as they still sometimes do!
They began to die out at the end of the century, but the tradition of wearing them is still in evidence in the legal profession.
2007-02-03 16:28:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't just think it was merely a fashion statement. I can't remember clearly anymore, but I seem to recall that those white wigs were a way of signifying one's social status. Only gentlemen of high esteem wore those wigs. I also seem to recall that it has something to do with lice. In the past lice was a big problem and I think that many of the nobles would cut their hair short and were these powered white wigs instead to help prevent lice. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that's the reason.
2007-02-03 16:25:03 · answer #2 · answered by Erik W 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It was an effort to hide baldness. During those times, it was not unusual for people to suffer high fevers that left them bald or nearly so. Both men and women. French royale women actually started the fashion. The men followed suit so as not to emphasize the women's wigs.
2007-02-03 16:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It was the fashion, we do the same thing today. I imagine high heels aren't too comfortable, but people still wear them. Same principle.
2007-02-03 16:15:24 · answer #4 · answered by Skyline 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do women wear ridiculous shoes? Fashion.
2007-02-03 19:17:44 · answer #5 · answered by iansand 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was fashion, just like how people now wear Cap.
2007-02-03 16:48:28 · answer #6 · answered by US Girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋