16 “Modern” Trends That Are Actually Ancient History
Think today’s trends are groundbreaking? Think again! Discover 14 “modern” trends that have been around for centuries and learn how history often has a way of repeating itself in the most stylish ways.
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We often believe that today’s trends are the latest and greatest, crediting our era with groundbreaking fashion, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits. However, a journey through history quickly dispels this notion. Many of the “new” trends we embrace have roots stretching back centuries, if not millennia. Let’s explore 16 of these so-called modern trends that have been making waves for ages.
Body Piercings
While body piercings, especially multiple ear piercings, nose rings, and other body modifications, may seem like a trend of the last few decades, they’ve been practiced by various cultures for millennia. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs had their navels pierced, and many indigenous tribes around the world have practiced body piercing as rites of passage or symbols of status.
Sustainable Living
Today, sustainability and eco-friendly living are buzzwords, but ancient civilizations practiced sustainability out of necessity. From the Native Americans using every part of the buffalo to ancient farming techniques that preserved and enriched the soil, our ancestors knew the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Tattoos
While tattoos might seem like a modern trend, especially with the rise of intricate designs and techniques, they’ve been around for millennia. Ancient Egyptian mummies have been found with tattoos, and Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps, had more than 60 tattoos!
Yoga
Today, yoga is a popular form of exercise and relaxation worldwide. But its origins trace back over 5,000 years to ancient India, where it was a spiritual and ascetic discipline.
Fermented Foods
Kombucha and kimchi might be all the rage now, but fermented foods have been dietary staples in many cultures for centuries. They were an essential way to preserve food and are packed with beneficial probiotics.
Crop Tops
While crop tops have made a comeback in recent fashion trends, they were also popular in ancient times. Ancient Egyptian artwork often depicts women wearing short, fitted tops.
High Heels
High heels might be synonymous with modern fashion, but they’ve been worn since ancient times. Ancient Egyptian murals show both men and women wearing heels, and in ancient Greece, actors wore platform shoes to signify status.
Natural Remedies
The trend of using essential oils and natural remedies might seem modern, but ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese have been using natural ingredients for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Fasting and Detoxing
Intermittent fasting and detox diets are popular now, but the idea of fasting for health or spiritual reasons dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Egyptians.
Public Baths
Spas and public baths are often considered luxurious modern-day retreats, but the Romans loved their public bathhouses, which were places for relaxation and socialization.
Wigs and Hair Extensions
While many turn to wigs and extensions for a modern style boost, ancient Egyptians were already using them thousands of years ago, often made of human hair or sheep’s wool.
Makeup
The makeup industry is booming today, but ancient Egyptians were pioneers in the art of cosmetics. They used kohl for eyeliner and crushed beetles for lipstick!
Urban Farming
The concept of urban farming or rooftop gardens might seem innovative, but ancient civilizations, like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, showcase that the idea is far from new.
Minimalism
The minimalist trend, emphasizing “less is more,” can be traced back to ancient Japanese Zen Buddhism, which promotes simplicity and decluttering both physically and mentally.
Influencers and Celebrities
While social media influencers are a 21st-century phenomenon, the idea of public figures influencing trends isn’t new. From ancient Greek athletes to Roman gladiators, history has always had its celebrities.
Emojis and Hieroglyphs
Emojis have revolutionized digital communication, but the concept of using symbols to convey messages dates back to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. They were the original picture language!
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Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.