When nature calls, we barely think twice about the soft, neatly packaged toilet paper waiting for us. But what did our ancestors use? The answer is a mix of ingenuity, pragmatism, and, in some cases, sheer toughness. Let’s take a deep dive (not literally, please) into the fascinating history of how people cleaned up after doing their business.

Roman Sponges: A Communal Cleaning Tool

The Romans, known for their grand architecture, mighty legions, and love for baths, also had a unique approach to post-toilet hygiene. In public restrooms, they used a tool called a “tersorium”—a sponge attached to a stick. After use, it was rinsed in a channel of saltwater or vinegar, ready for the next person. While this might sound somewhat sanitary, one can’t help but wonder about the risk of disease transmission. Still, the Romans had at least devised a method that was more hygienic than simply using their hands.

China’s “Toilet Stick”: The Original “Wipe”

Moving eastward, early Chinese civilization had a less soft but similarly practical solution: the “ce chou” (厕筹), or “toilet stick.” Made of bamboo or wood, these slim tools were used for personal hygiene as early as the Han Dynasty and likely came to China through Buddhist monastic traditions from India. Some historians argue that Japan also adopted similar toilet sticks from China.

Before toilet sticks became common, what did the Chinese use? Well, much like in later rural settings, options included leaves, straw, pebbles, or even dirt clumps—none of which sound particularly comfortable. Ouch!

Paper Revolution: From Sacred Texts to Wiping Materials

The invention of paper in China during the Han Dynasty didn’t immediately make its way to the bathroom. Paper was too valuable, used for writing and art rather than, well, wiping. But by the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), when the Mongols ruled China, the idea of using paper for hygiene started to gain traction. However, the paper wasn’t exactly Charmin-soft. Users had to crumple and soften it before use, much like characters in the Chinese TV sitcom I Love My Family, where “King Kong Sandpaper” was a running joke about rough toilet paper.

In fact, some historical records take the paper obsession to an extreme. According to the Yuan Shi, the wife of a Mongol prince was so devoted to her mother-in-law that she tested the softness of toilet paper on her face before allowing it to be used. Now that’s dedication!

The Luxury of Modern Toilet Paper

Toilet paper as we know it today is a relatively new invention. In the early 20th century, American entrepreneur Scott Paper Company accidentally created modern toilet paper. A batch of paper became wrinkled due to humidity, making it unusable for regular printing. Instead of discarding it, the company perforated it into sheets and marketed it as sanitary tissue for public restrooms. The idea caught on quickly, making toilet paper a must-have in homes worldwide.

In China, modern toilet paper was initially a luxury item. One of the most amusing historical footnotes involves Kuomintang General Wang Yaowu. In 1948, while fleeing the Communist army, Wang disguised himself as a merchant to avoid capture. However, his downfall came in an unexpected way—while using imported white toilet paper. Local villagers, used to more natural wiping methods, were suspicious of this “high-class” habit and reported him to the authorities. The Communist soldiers soon arrested him, proving that sometimes, your hygiene preferences can give you away!

From Past to Present: The Evolution of Cleanliness

Today, toilet paper is ubiquitous, but even now, different cultures have different traditions. In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, water is preferred over paper. Meanwhile, bidets are common in Japan and Europe. And in an ironic twist, environmental concerns have some people rethinking paper altogether, with reusable cloths and even high-tech bidets gaining popularity.

So, next time you reach for that soft roll of toilet paper, take a moment to appreciate the long and sometimes uncomfortable journey human hygiene has taken. From communal sponges to wooden sticks to luxury paper, our ancestors certainly had to be creative when answering nature’s call!