The invention of the throw pillow can be traced back to ancient times, particularly in the Egyptians and Greeks. It is believed that the first pillows were made from animal feathers. However, it was not until the 19th century that the synthetic and artificial pillows we know today were developed. Today’s throw pillows are made from fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and acrylic.
Ancient Egyptians
One of the oldest civilizations in history, the Ancient Egyptians used a throw pillow. They believed that the head was the seat of spiritual life and was a vital center of the body. As such, they designed cushions that would raise the head to a height where it could be protected from demons and evil spirits.
These pillows were often shaped like animals and other auspicious objects. This practice was probably influenced by the Mesopotamian civilization, which developed headrests around 7,000 BCE.
The Egyptians also wore jewelry shaped as gods or other sacred animals. Some jewelry was a protective amulet, while other items were purely decorative.
Pillows were carved out of stone, wood, and ceramic. The earliest ones were used to protect the head and neck from insects. In addition, they were a way to avoid ear infections. However, these were not comfortable.
Pillows were a sign of wealth and status in ancient Egypt. The wealthy slept on elevated surfaces and opted for pillows that were made from stone.
Stone was expensive, but it was thought to be the best material for head support. To protect the head, the pillows were engraved with images of protective gods.
Egyptians also believed that the pillow was a way to keep bad spirits away. They placed pillows with protective images of gods under the heads of the dead.
Although the ancient Egyptians invented the throw pillow, the Chinese came up with a similar concept. Chinese pillows were also shaped as animals and were made from a variety of materials. Bamboo, porcelain, and jade were some of the most common.
Several funerary texts mention the use of a pillow, with some even making an explicit reference to it. In fact, some funerary texts compare the headrest to the rising sun.
Ancient Greeks
During the ancient times, the pillow became a status symbol. It was used as a way to elevate the head and provide protection against insects and vermin. During this time, many pillows were shaped in the shape of auspicious animals, such as the lion.
Pillows were usually made from cloth or cloth and natural materials. Ancient Greeks also stuffed their pillows with straw or cotton. Until the middle ages, only the rich could afford these items.
The pillow became more common in Europe after the industrial revolution. By the 16th century, soft pillows were more widely used. People in the less wealthy class continued to use sheep skins for their blankets.
In ancient Egypt, cushions were considered to act as a raised platform for the head and were often placed under the dead. They were believed to protect the body from bad spirits and promote blood circulation and body vigor.
Egyptians also had a tradition of putting pillows carved with gods under the dead’s head. These pillows were used by both men and women. Moreover, pillows were used to rest holy texts.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of pillows became rare. Soft pillows were also regarded as weak and unhealthy. Eventually, pillows were banned for everyone except pregnant women.
Before the Industrial Revolution, most of the clothing in the Ancient Greece was handmade. Clothing was based on function rather than fashion. Most of the clothes were simple and loose fitting.
Ancient Greeks dressed in a variety of colorful garments. Dyes were commonly used. Among the dyes were green, yellow and Tyrian purple. Sculptures from this time were painted in bright colors.
Ancient Romans
Romans made some of the world’s best architecture, science, and technology, and their legacy can be seen in the forms they left behind. You’ll find plenty of Roman artifacts in museums around the world. These include statues and other awe-inspiring works of art.
Pillows were an important aspect of ancient civilizations. In fact, ancient Egyptians were the first people to use decorative throw pillows. They used these in burial rituals. Their cushions resembled headrests and were believed to promote blood circulation and keep demons away.
The earliest pillows were made of stone, feathers, or straw. Mostly used to elevate the head, they were also meant to prevent insects from crawling into the mouth. Unlike the modern pillow, which can be filled with soft goose down, the earliest versions were stuffed with whatever soft material was available.
Unlike its predecessors, the modern throw pillow was relatively cheap. Even poor people could afford to buy one. As the Industrial Revolution brought affordable textiles to the masses, pillow making became commonplace.
Eventually, pillows took on a life of their own. Rather than simply being a comforting cushion, they became a status symbol. For wealthy people, a well-made pillow adorned their bedroom and acted as a fashion statement.
During the Middle Ages, pillows were not very common. This may be because most apartment buildings were dark and unventilated. Thankfully, the advent of the Industrial Revolution made it easier to create affordable decorative pillows.
Those lucky enough to be hunters were lucky enough to be able to fill their pillows with goose down. Sadly, this was not the case for the average consumer. Although modern pillows are more comfortable, they still require constant changing and cleaning because of mold and mildew.
Ancient Chinese
The ancient Chinese concocted a lot of stuff, but none quite as impressive as the aforementioned aforementioned cushion. To their credit, they were smart enough to not scrimp on the quality. In particular, they opted for the aforementioned genus which if nothing else, is a reputable source of swag. And, they also did the legwork for you. So, what are you waiting for? You’ll get your fill of the good stuff in no time. Oh, and they can deliver within a day or two of your request, as opposed to weeks. They even have a no quibble money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the purchase. That’s no small feat for a service of this caliber. As such, they’re a great source of swag and not a bad place to start when shopping for your aforementioned prize. After all, they do a lot of business for a reason. Hence, it’s no wonder they’ve got so many happy customers!
Synthetic
When you’re shopping for throw pillows, you may come across synthetic or down alternative options. These pillows are designed to give the feel and softness of down, without the health risks and allergies.
The most popular synthetic pillow filling is polyester. Polyester is a petroleum-based fiber that is very inexpensive to make. However, its production uses a lot of energy and contributes to climate change. Despite its low cost, it isn’t as environmentally friendly as some other pillow materials.
Synthetic pillows are usually machine washable. They are also very lightweight. It’s recommended to replace them every two years or so.
Polyester-filled pillows are also available in different firmness levels. These pillows are often cheaper than down-filled pillows and can be easily washed. If you do have an allergy to down, it’s best to opt for a natural pillow instead.
Feathers and down filling are the traditional materials used to fill pillows. Down is especially durable, but it’s not very easy to care for. A down-filled pillow can take up to a year to degrade, while a cotton pillow might lose its shape and feel after a few months.
Some pillows are made of a synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate pellets, which are small stuffing pellets made from plastic. However, most pillows are made from polyester. Those made from polyethylene terephthalate pellets can be recycled.
Other synthetic fiberfills include acetate and cellulose. Polyethylene terephthalate pellets can also be blended with down to increase the softness of the product.
Pillows can be made of organic or recycled cotton. Organic cotton pillows are hypoallergenic and washable. Natural and recycled cotton pillows are a good choice if you’re sensitive to synthetic chemicals.