Mongolian 13th century

Mongol Empire 13th Century

"Traditionally, the Mongols did not wash their clothes or bodies, as it was feared that polluting the water would anger the dragons that control the water cycle and bring thunderstorms. Except for holidays, clothes were not changed until they fell apart. The smell attached to these constantly worn unwashed clothes was seen as a precious memento of the wearer. Thus, a gift of clothes actually worn by a khan and carrying his smell was a high honor."Atwood, Christopher P. "Clothing". The Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. 1 vol. New York: Facts on File, 2004.