![]() 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. ![]()
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