Most masks also had a small cane or wooden stick which came out of the mouth area, though its use is not clear.ĭoctors donned this costume in response to an outbreak of plague in 17th century Europe, in particular, France and Italy. The final result was a rather eerie looking face-covering with a pointed beak and round eyeholes. In some cases the mask also contained additional mouth protection or an herb filled sponge to place over the nose and mouth for added protection. The beak shape allowed for the addition of various scented herbs and flowers which were thought to purify the air. The mask had a long beak shaped nose and glass openings in the eye area. This led to the development of a mask which was worn by doctors in order to protect them from dangerous air, as well as to prevent them from infecting their patients. Medical theory at the time held that disease was spread by breathing in poisoned air. The purpose of the mask was to keep away bad smells, known as miasma, which were thought to be the principal cause The “beak” masks were also filled with aromatic items such as dried flowers (including roses and carnations), herbs (including lavender and peppermint), spices, camphor, or a vinegar sponge. Straw or fabric soaked in ammonia, vinegar, or similar strong-smelling substances was placed inside the beak to keep away bad smells, which were thought to be the principal cause of infection! The beak mask had glass openings for the eyes and a curved beak shaped like a bird’s beak with straps that held the beak in front of the doctor’s nose. Their costumes were inspired by the clothing worn by Charles de Lorme in 1619 while treating victims of an epidemic. This was especially important due to the widespread belief that the plague was airborne. The clothing worn by plague doctors was intended to protect them from airborne diseases. The costume consisted of an ankle length overcoat and a bird-like beak mask, often filled with sweet or strong smelling substances. The plague doctor costume is one of the most recognizable costumes of the Middle Ages, though it was only worn by those who treated plague victims. And although this type of mask was only used during outbreaks of plague in Europe for about 200 years, it has become a popular icon for Halloween celebrations and other events. The image of a man wearing this bird-like mask, with its long beak filled with sweet-smelling substances, has been associated with death and pestilence for centuries. The plague doctor mask is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Black Death. What is the significance of the plague doctor costume? Why did the doctors wear masks that looked like birds? Although it did not appear until around 1619, it has been a symbol of medicine and doctors in general ever since. The plague doctor costume is one of the most recognizable medieval outfits. In Italy they also wore long cloaks made of waxed fabric. Plague doctors wore a mask with glass openings in the eyes and a cone nose shaped like a bird’s beak to hold flowers, herbs or spices (commonly lavender or roses) which were thought to protect them from being infected by disease. The plague doctor’s costume was the clothing worn by a special medical physician who treated those who had the plague.

The Black Death, caused by the bubonic plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept Europe in the 1300s killing millions. It has a beak-like mask filled with sweet or strong smelling substances (commonly lavender), and glass eye openings. The Plague Doctor Costume is one of the most recognizable costumes of the middle ages, though it wasn’t worn by doctors.

The suit was given to them when they went into a house where there were people infected with plague. In 1619 he published a treatise recommending a protective suit for physicians treating plague victims. De Lorme recognized that physicians needed protection from being infected by their patients, but also wanted them to be recognizable. The costume, with its leather over-coat, wide-brimmed hat, and mask with glass eye-holes (originally with beak-like nose) and a fabric cane held in front of one’s face (to hold flowers or spices), was designed by Charles de Lorme. While plague doctors have been plying their trade since the Middle Ages, it was only after this period, during the 17th century, that they acquired their creepy trademark costume. Though the image is iconic the relationship may be a little anachronistic. The plague doctor’s mask is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Black Death. But why did doctors wear these outfits? Where did they come from? And who was the first to wear it? The plague doctor costume is one of the most recognizable costumes of the Middle Ages, and is still in use as a Halloween costume.

Who made the plague doctor outfit