14 Everyday Objects With Shocking Histories
We often surround ourselves with things that seem simple or harmless. Yet, many of these common items have backgrounds that reveal a very different story.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Many of the objects we use without a second thought have surprising, often disturbing origins. From tools of war to medical devices rooted in pseudoscience, history has a way of hiding in plain sight. These everyday items carry stories that are far stranger than their modern forms suggest. Learning about their past changes how we see the ordinary and challenges what we think we know.
1. High Heels
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Originally worn by Persian soldiers, high heels were designed to help keep feet secure in stirrups. They later became fashionable among European aristocrats, especially men, as a symbol of power. Eventually, the trend shifted toward women’s fashion, gaining popularity in French courts. Their history is rooted in practicality and class distinction, not glamour. What began as battlefield gear is now a staple of high fashion.
2. Forks
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Once considered scandalous and even blasphemous, forks were met with resistance in medieval Europe. Religious leaders claimed that using them insulted God’s natural utensils: fingers. They were first used in the Middle East and only gained Western acceptance centuries later. The shift happened slowly, with aristocrats adopting them for etiquette. What we now see as polite table manners was once a source of public outrage.
3. Lipstick
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Ancient civilizations used lipstick for spiritual and social reasons, but during certain periods, it was seen as a sign of witchcraft or promiscuity. In the Middle Ages, women wearing it were sometimes accused of trying to seduce men through supernatural means. Queen Elizabeth I helped revive its use with her trademark red lips. Later, the cosmetics industry rebranded lipstick as elegance and beauty. Its journey from scandal to sophistication is surprisingly dramatic.
4. Alarm Clocks
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Before mechanical alarm clocks, people relied on “knocker-uppers,” individuals who would tap on windows with sticks. Ancient versions of alarm devices go back to the Greeks, who used water clocks with bells. The first adjustable mechanical alarm clock was invented in the 18th century but could only ring at one time. The mass production of alarm clocks began during the Industrial Revolution to ensure worker punctuality. The tool we now use to wake up has roots in labor discipline and urban life.
5. Tea Bags
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Invented by accident, tea bags were originally silk pouches used by a New York tea merchant to ship samples. Customers mistakenly dunked the bags into hot water, thinking they were meant to be used that way. The convenience caught on, and soon, tea bags were produced deliberately. This simple packaging revolutionized how tea was consumed globally. What started as a shipping method became a daily ritual.
6. Umbrellas
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In ancient Egypt, umbrellas symbolized wealth and divine power, reserved for royalty and religious leaders. Early versions were used to block the sun, not rain. The Chinese were among the first to waterproof umbrellas using wax and lacquer. When umbrellas appeared in Europe, men initially avoided them for fear of looking feminine. Their evolution from sacred shade to weather tool is a fascinating shift in cultural values.
7. Chainsaws
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The chainsaw was originally created in the 18th century to assist in childbirth, particularly during symphysiotomies. It allowed doctors to cut through the pelvic bone when babies were stuck during labor. The early version was small, hand-cranked, and far from the lumber-cutting machines we know now. Over time, the tool was adapted for forestry and construction. Its medical roots are disturbing compared to its modern uses.
8. Coca-Cola
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Invented by a pharmacist, Coca-Cola originally contained coca leaf extract and was marketed as a medicinal tonic. The drink was claimed to relieve headaches, fatigue, and even morphine addiction. Its popularity grew quickly, especially after the formula was altered to remove the narcotic effects. Coca-Cola became one of the most iconic brands in history. Few know its early days were tied to drugstore remedies.
9. Sunglasses
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Sunglasses were first used in ancient China, not for blocking sunlight but to hide emotions in court. They were made of smoky quartz and helped judges conceal their facial expressions during trials. In 12th-century Italy, tinted glasses were also used by those with vision problems. Only in the 20th century did sunglasses become fashionable and protective. Their origin lies more in secrecy than style.
10. Treadmills
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Originally used as punishment in Victorian prisons, treadmills were massive wheels inmates walked to generate power. They were seen as a way to instill discipline through hard labor. Some of the energy produced was used to grind grain or pump water. Eventually, the concept faded until fitness culture revived it in a new form. What is now an exercise tool was once a source of forced suffering.
11. Buttons
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Before becoming decorative fasteners, buttons were luxury items that signaled status. They were not originally used to close clothing but were ornamental in early fashion. In medieval Europe, buttons lined garments that were still tied with laces or cords. It took centuries before they became practical. Their long road from symbol to function is often overlooked.
12. Rubber Ducks
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Rubber ducks were not originally toys but promotional items and experiments in material durability. The earliest versions were made of hard rubber and not intended to float. It was only later that softer materials made them suitable for bathtime fun. Their popularity soared after being featured on children’s TV. The duck’s transformation from lab curiosity to beloved toy is unexpected.
13. Toilet Paper
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While toilet paper feels like a modern necessity, it was not mass-produced until the late 1800s. Before that, people used materials like leaves, corncobs, and even seashells. The Chinese were among the first to document the use of paper for hygiene. The product was considered taboo to advertise at first. Its quiet entrance into public life belies its revolutionary impact.
14. Q-Tips
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Invented by a man who saw his wife cleaning their baby’s ears with a cotton-wrapped toothpick, Q-Tips were designed for gentle hygiene. However, doctors now warn against inserting them into the ears due to health risks. The product’s original purpose was baby care, but it quickly became a household staple. Overuse has led to injuries and misinformation about ear cleaning. What began as a caring tool is now one of the most misused items in medicine.