I commend you for this video. In the Paphos area people were still washing clothes this way some 15 years ago (I've been absent since then). The use of soda ash for washing clothes is not restricted to Cyprus, but a very traditional way originating in the Middle East, and the basis of soap before it became industrialised.It was in fact 'soap' or its basis. In the Western Mediterranean (e.g. Marseille) soap was made also with olive oil and soda, also in Greece I believe (I'm not so sure about Cyprus). Blue powder (ultramarine/ or an iron compound) was also added to the water to make "whites whiter" in Malta and the UK, but I can't remember whether it was used in Cyprus. In any case, I commend you on your engagement in exploring the technologies and traditional knowledge of everyday life which blends archaeology, folklore, and historical reconstruction, before it disappears. In a way, it becomes a type of art-form. Well done.
Tough work. No wonder one whole day was needed for washing clothes. What is the point of the wooden bat? You are wringing the clothes by taking out the water. What does slapping the wet clothes achieve?
Hi there! That's a nice question! By tapping the clothe, the water was driven out in a sharper way or in a faster pace, and so it helped get the harder dirt out. But to be honest, I think in that time it was just inherited knowledge from generation to generation.
I commend you for this video. In the Paphos area people were still washing clothes this way some 15 years ago (I've been absent since then). The use of soda ash for washing clothes is not restricted to Cyprus, but a very traditional way originating in the Middle East, and the basis of soap before it became industrialised.It was in fact 'soap' or its basis. In the Western Mediterranean (e.g. Marseille) soap was made also with olive oil and soda, also in Greece I believe (I'm not so sure about Cyprus). Blue powder (ultramarine/ or an iron compound) was also added to the water to make "whites whiter" in Malta and the UK, but I can't remember whether it was used in Cyprus. In any case, I commend you on your engagement in exploring the technologies and traditional knowledge of everyday life which blends archaeology, folklore, and historical reconstruction, before it disappears. In a way, it becomes a type of art-form. Well done.
Thank you for adding all these valuable and amazing information here!! And I'm glad you liked the video! 😊😊
wM
Wow!!It was such a long process!! These videos are great in showing the culture!! 👏
Wow what a great video of much beloved Cyprus! Just discovered your beautiful channel Charis and on the spot subscribed!
I'm so glad you like it ☺️
@@JoyofOrigins I did not only liked it, I love it!)
So beautiful Joy! I had no idea we used to use ash for washing clothes, thank you!
The ash is changing the pH of the water and make it softer and very good for cleaning. 😊
My washing machine sends me a tweet when it’s done
👞
Your videos need more attention! Honestly, well done!
Thank you Stelio ☺️
@@JoyofOrigins you are very welcome 😁
Loving the kolokoui 💖💖💖
Tough work. No wonder one whole day was needed for washing clothes. What is the point of the wooden bat? You are wringing the clothes by taking out the water. What does slapping the wet clothes achieve?
Hi there! That's a nice question! By tapping the clothe, the water was driven out in a sharper way or in a faster pace, and so it helped get the harder dirt out. But to be honest, I think in that time it was just inherited knowledge from generation to generation.
@@JoyofOrigins ok that makes sense.
Very Nice👍👍