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Bedding that we use to sleep every day. We change sheets, replace bedding itself, and sometimes research which ones to use.
However, surprisingly few people know the history of bedding. It's no exaggeration to say that almost no one knows it.
This time, we'll unravel the surprisingly little-known history of bedding. Reading this article will increase your interest in sleep even more!
1. We don't really know the history of the bedding we sleep in every day.
Even though we sleep every day, we don't really know much about bedding, do we? Especially the history of bedding, since it's not taught anywhere, many people remain unaware of it.
Nowadays, there's bedding made from various materials, such as down and cotton, which can be chosen according to preference and situation. Recently, there are even waterbeds.
However, cotton, for instance, was originally intended for use in clothing. Its use in bedding was extremely rare. Knowing such things might slightly change your perception of bedding.
2. What is the history of bedding around the world?
In fact, from a global perspective, the clear origin of bedding is unknown. Although it is believed to have been used for a very long time, there is no definitive evidence to support this.
It is estimated that around 77,000 years ago during the Middle Stone Age, in an archaeological site in South Africa, what is presumed to be a bed made from cut leaves was discovered. Given that it was an ancient bed, it is believed to have served purposes beyond simply improving comfort, such as pest control.
The form of bedding that more closely resembles modern beds is thought to have originated with the Egyptian civilization approximately 5,200 years ago.
Its shape can be confirmed through numerous burial items and murals, and it featured only a footboard, with no headboard. Furthermore, pillows do not seem to have been used during this period. Looking back at the history of bedding worldwide, it's clear that bedding existed from quite a long time ago.
3. The history of bedding is long! Japan's oldest bed dates back to the Nara period.
The history of bedding in Japan begins in the Nara period. Japan's oldest bed was presented in Tenpyo Shoho 8 (756 AD), approximately 1,600 years ago. It was used by Emperor Shomu, and is now enshrined at Todai-ji Temple as a cherished possession.
It was very simple, and it is presumed that a mat-like object was placed on a platform and used as a bed.
Incidentally, in ancient Japan, what we now call a futon mattress was referred to as "mushiro." It was primarily made of straw or kaya (a type of tall grass), and its shape was not significantly different from today's woven mats (goza).
The beginning of bedding in Japan was in the Nara period, but what kind of history did it follow from there? Let's take a look.
3-1. In the past, even high-ranking people slept on tatami mats.
In the past, there were no fluffy futons like today; tatami mats were used instead.
The oldest existing tatami mat in Japan is the "Gojo no Tatami" (御床畳) at Shosoin, Todai-ji Temple in Nara. As mentioned earlier, Emperor Shomu used it. However, since a single mat was thin, several were likely stacked and used. When you think about it that way, today's futons are quite comfortable.
In the Heian period, "yaedatami" (八重畳), or layered tatami, appeared. It is mentioned in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," referring to tatami mats stacked to create thickness.
Hearing about stacked tatami mats might give the impression of luxury, but since there were no thick tatami mats like today, they were apparently quite thin. It's hard to imagine now, but even high-ranking individuals seemed to lie directly on tatami mats.
3-2. Futons appeared during the Sengoku and Edo periods!
During the Sengoku period, cotton began to spread and was also used in futons.
A notable feature was that people slept using the kimono they wore that day as a掛け布団 (kakebuton - duvet). Also, it was common to sleep unclothed. The bedding of this period was called yogi (夜着), and it is said that cotton was stuffed into kimono-shaped garments. Being wrapped up to the shoulders made sleep much more comfortable and warm. Of course, only a limited number of people could afford them, and they were out of reach for the common folk.
Incidentally, they are still used in some parts of Tohoku today.
3-3. It became popular among common people around the Meiji period.
Such expensive futons began to spread among the general populace around the Meiji era. The price of cotton also dropped, leading to a rapid distribution. In addition to regular futons, kotatsu futons also spread nationwide. In an era when heating was naturally nonexistent, they were also utilized as a substitute for heating.
However, since futons were not yet common, mold often developed. To combat this mold, the custom of storing futons in closets emerged. Futon shops also began to appear around this time. Although they started to spread among common people, futons remained luxury items, and there are records that they were targets for thieves.
Overcoming such historical challenges, bedding gradually became more affordable and evolved into the futons of today.
4. Bedding wasn't just beds! Pillows also have a history.
The history of bedding isn't limited to beds. Pillows, of course, also have a history. Although there is no clear origin for them either, it's believed that they existed from quite a long time ago.
So, let's look at what kind of history they have.
4-1. The exact beginning of pillows is unknown.
According to one theory, pillows already existed during the time of early humans. This is because the origin of pillows is thought to be from placing one's arm under the head or resting one's head on someone's lap while sleeping. Perhaps there was a sense of discomfort in placing one's head directly on the rough ground.
However, none of these theories have clear evidence, and nothing definitive is known.
4-2. There were many changes in size and material.
The history of pillows shows many changes in shape and material, including round and square pillows. Sizes also varied, from pillows just big enough for the head to slightly larger ones.
In fact, there are descriptions that when multi-layered tatami mats were used as bedding, smaller multi-layered tatami mats were used as pillows.
It is said that the current form became widespread relatively recently, around 1965.
Larger pillows are now mainstream to accommodate tossing and turning during sleep. Nowadays, in addition to size, there are many types of pillows, including those made of washable materials and those with excellent breathability.
Also, it's important to choose a pillow with the right height for you. There's an article explaining how to choose a pillow, so please take a look if you'd like.
How to choose a pillow varies by gender and age! Explaining how to choose the right one for you5. Was bedding expensive? Let's trace back its history.
As mentioned earlier, bedding was originally an expensive item, completely out of reach for the common people.
Its origin in Japan is attributed to Emperor Shomu, and while the history of bedding itself is long, for the common people, it might be a relatively recent development. Early layered tatami mats, for example, had no concept of price; they were luxurious furnishings created by court nobles to flaunt their wealth. They weren't sold for a price, but rather specifically commissioned.
Originally something like a tatami mat, futons finally began to use cotton in the Sengoku period. However, cotton was scarce and very valuable. Naturally, only prominent daimyo and the like could use it.
In an era where one ryo was said to be equivalent to 300,000 yen today, these yogi were traded for over 30 ryo. This means that a yogi cost approximately 9 million yen. It must have been that expensive. No wonder common people couldn't afford it.
Considering that, we are fortunate to have futons as commonplace today.
Summary: The history of bedding goes back a long way.
Globally, it's clear that the history of bedding dates back quite a long time. While the history of bedding in Japan is also long, the widespread distribution of futons is surprisingly recent.
Let's summarize this article:
- Globally, the history of bedding is thought to have begun with the Egyptian civilization approximately 5,200 years ago.
- In Japan, something similar to a bed was introduced during the Nara period.
- Until the Sengoku period, even nobles slept on tatami mats.
- During the Sengoku period, cotton futon-like items appeared.
- It began to spread among common people from the Meiji period.
The history of bedding, which was surprisingly unknown. It's surprising to learn about the materials and prices that are unimaginable today. For people of the past, the modern world with an endless choice of bedding would be like a dream.
