The problem of traditional popular
cosmetic practices is a multi-layered one. Without covering all its complexity,
I will discuss those means, which traditional Bulgarians used in their quest
for the coveted beauty, health and cleanliness. Despite the imposition of
modern cosmetics and procedures, from the second half of the twentieth century
to these days, many of them still find their applicability. Traditional popular
cosmetics could be viewed from two perspectives – those related to the
mythology of the Bulgarians, on the one hand, and on the other, those based on
popular knowledge and experience invariably associated with traditional popular
medicine.
If we have to make sexual differentiation, the indisputable fact is that women by all the observers of the life in villages and towns. The advantage of women, undoubtedly is due to their desire to be beautiful, to the care for maintaining long hair, and also to their greater cleanliness. In connection with male cosmetics, particular attention should be pay to shaving. Beard was a symbol was an essential element of Bulgarian popular mythology, as it was considered a very important attribute in making charms. For example, when shaving the groom special care was taken to gather all the hairs because they could be used for magic.
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