Bidet Etiquette Around the World: How Different Cultures Approach Hygiene
Posted by Dave S. on 28th Oct 2024
In many cultures, a bidet is more than a porcelain throne accessory - it's a reflection of values that prioritize cleanliness and self-care. Cultures reveal their true priorities when it comes to cleanliness, and bidets, despite being rare in some areas, demonstrate this globally. Roll up your sleeves (or should we say, put on your thinking bidet?) and join us as we venture into the surprising world of bidet habits. From the water-saving wizards of Europe to the serene toilet spaces of Asia, we're making it a journey.
1. France: The Birthplace of the Bidet
The bidet has its origins in 18th-century France, where it was initially designed as a basin for personal cleansing. Looking to class up their bathrooms, the French introduced the bidet to the world. In a swift bid to dominate Europe's hearts (and hips), this sleek, low-key marvel trumped traditional methods, touted for its ease, purity, and immeasurable fabulousness. From royal estates to nobility's manors, the bidet held a esteemed position, broadcasting a clear message: personal cleanliness mattered to the elite.
Today, bidets are still widely used in France, although the country’s use of traditional bidets has gradually evolved with the introduction of modern plumbing and bathrooms. French households proudly hold onto their bidets, remnants of a rich history and beacons of practical comfort in daily routine.
2. Japan: High-Tech Hygiene Practices
In Japan, the bidet has been transformed into a high-tech marvel. Japanese bidet toilets, commonly known as Washlets, are equipped with advanced features such as heated seats, adjustable water temperature, air dryers, and deodorizers. To the Japanese, cleanliness is not just a habit, but a way of life, and these revolutionary bidets have been designed to simplify the process, delivering a hygienic experience that's as much about health as it is about personal dignity.
Using the Washlet is a standard part of Japanese bathroom etiquette, and it’s common to find them in public restrooms, hotels, and homes. Embracing futuristic tech, Japan has become the pinnacle of bathroom refinement, masterfully merging immaculate cleanliness with indulgent extravagance that spoils the user rotten.
3. Italy and Southern Europe: A Bathroom Staple
In Italy, the bidet is considered a non-negotiable part of every bathroom. Nearly every Italian household includes a bidet, and it is seen as a standard of personal hygiene. Daily habits in Italy often include a trip to the bidet, where people take cleanliness seriously and make it a regular part of their routine.
Italy's enthusiasm for bidets isn't a solo act – Spain and Portugal are also huge fans, looking at them as absolute must-haves in the bathroom. Bidet etiquette in Southern Europe is straightforward: it’s simply part of the daily hygiene routine, and people expect it in bathrooms, whether at home or when traveling.
4. The Middle East: A Cultural Emphasis on Cleanliness
In the Middle East, the use of water for personal hygiene is deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions. Islamic hygiene practices prioritize water-based cleansing, known as “Istinja,” as a requirement after using the bathroom. This makes the bidet, or handheld bidet sprayer (known as a "shattaf"), a common fixture in Middle Eastern bathrooms.
Using water for cleanliness is considered a religious obligation in many parts of the region, making bidet use not just a cultural practice but a part of daily ritual. The cultural importance of cleanliness in the Middle East is reflected in the bathrooms, where you'll often find bidet sprays or similar water-based cleaning options. This attention to detail speaks to a deeper commitment to personal hygiene.
5. South Korea: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Technology
South Korea’s approach to bidet use is heavily inspired by neighboring Japan. In Korea, the high-tech bidet has become the new standard. With fancy features like warmth under your seat, pressure controls that get it just right, and calming music to round out the experience, it's no wonder these flashy commodes are taking over.
South Korean culture places a high value on cleanliness, which aligns well with the introduction of bidets in modern bathrooms. Forget your grandparents' perception of bidets as old-fashioned or über-rich – today's young adults are bringing this bathroom staple back in a big way, drawn to its sleek, digitally-boosted vibe.
6. South America: Growing Popularity of Bidets
Bidets are also quite common in several South American countries, especially in Argentina and Brazil. The cultural influence of European immigrants, particularly from Italy and Spain, introduced the bidet to South America, where it has since become a standard fixture in many bathrooms.
In countries like Argentina, bidets are a normal part of daily hygiene and are expected in most bathrooms. While other South American countries may not be as consistent with bidet use, there is a growing interest in personal hygiene and water-based cleansing practices across the region.
7. The United States and Canada: A Growing Interest
Historically, bidets have not been a common fixture in North America, where toilet paper has long been the preferred method of cleansing. In the U.S. and Canada, bidets were often viewed as a luxury item or an unfamiliar European custom. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift.
With health and eco-awareness growing, bidets are no longer a nicety but a necessity for many North Americans, driven by a quest for cleanliness and sustainability. As people wise up to the planet-saving benefits of ditching toilet paper, bidet attachments and bidet seats are rising to the top of many homeowners' must-have lists, promising a cleaner, greener you.
8. India and Southeast Asia: Water-Based Cleansing Practices
In countries like India, Thailand, and Indonesia, water-based cleansing has always been the preferred method of hygiene. Traditional water jugs, handheld sprays, or even small buckets are commonly used in place of conventional bidets, emphasizing the cultural value of water for cleanliness.
In these countries, water is seen as the most effective way to ensure cleanliness, and its use aligns with religious customs in some regions. The bidet as it’s known in the West may not be widely used, but similar water-based methods play a crucial role in personal hygiene.
The final countdown begins. In this last section, we'll package up our findings and put a nice bow on it, so you can walk away with a clear understanding of what we've accomplished.
Everywhere you go, you'll find vastly different ways people use bidets and water-based cleansing methods, an outgrowth of traditional values surrounding hygiene that vary wildly from place to place. While France and Southern Europe hold onto their historical ties to the bidet, countries like Japan and South Korea have embraced high-tech innovations. In the Middle East and Southeast Asia, a centuries-old fascination with water has remained unwavering, preserving sacred customs and spiritual bonds.
With bidets growing in popularity, people are discovering the perks of a cleaner, greener bathroom experience that goes beyond mere hygiene. Step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the ways people from other cultures prioritize cleanliness – it's an eye-opening adventure that'll alter your perception of personal hygiene forever.