Оксана Вячеславовна Иванова "Did You Know That ? Encyclopedia of Curious and Interesting Facts"

Other Mourning Practices

Eyebrow shaving was just one aspect of a broader mourning repertoire. Other practices included:

? Wearing dark clothing and covering the face with dust or mud

? Refraining from bathing, perfuming, or using cosmetics

? Cutting off fingernails and hair

? Weeping and wailing in public processions

Gendered Mourning Rituals

Mourning practices differed slightly between men and women. While both shaved their eyebrows, men were also known to grow their beards as a sign of grief. Women, on the other hand, typically wore long, disheveled hair.

Duration of Mourning

The duration of mourning varied depending on the social status of the deceased. For high-ranking individuals, such as pharaohs and priests, mourning could last up to 70 days. For ordinary citizens, it typically lasted between 30 and 40 days.

Hygiene and Religious Beliefs

In addition to its symbolic significance, eyebrow shaving was also a practical hygiene measure. During mourning, Egyptians were expected to remain in a state of ritual purity. Shaving eyebrows helped preventlice and other parasites from infesting the face.

Evolution of Mourning Practices

Over time, Egyptian mourning practices evolved. During the Roman period, eyebrow shaving became less common, while other forms of mourning, such as covering the face with a veil, gained prominence.

Legacy of Egyptian Grooming

The grooming practices of ancient Egyptians continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike. By understanding the cultural and symbolic significance of these practices, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of their society and their beliefs about life and death.

WORDLIST:

intriguing – интригующий

elaborate – сложный

grooming rituals – ритуалы ухода

glimpse – проблеск

mourning – траур

ancient – древний

intense grief – сильное горе

sorrow – печаль

deceased – умерший

pain – боль

various – различные

shaving their eyebrows – бритье бровей

immediate family – ближайшие родственники

servants – слуги

significance – значение

depicted as – изображались как

youth – молодость

vitality – жизненная сила

absence – отсутствие

therefore – поэтому

detachment – отчуждение

dust – пыль

refraining – воздержание

fingernails – ногти

weeping – плач

wailing – стенание

slightly – немного

beards – бороды

on the other hand – с другой стороны

disheveled hair – растрепанные волосы

duration – продолжительность

priests – жрецы

ordinary citizens – простые граждане

purity – чистота

prevent – предотвращать

lice – вши

from infesting – от заражения

grooming practices – практики ухода

scholars – ученые

appreciation – признательность

QUESTIONS:

What was the significance of shaving eyebrows in ancient Egyptian mourning practices?

How did the duration of mourning vary in ancient Egypt?

What other mourning practices were common in ancient Egypt besides shaving eyebrows?

How did mourning practices differ between men and women in ancient Egypt?

What practical hygiene benefit did eyebrow shaving provide during mourning?

How did Egyptian mourning practices evolve over time?

What is the legacy of ancient Egyptian grooming practices?

What can we learn about ancient Egyptian society and beliefs from their grooming practices?

How did ancient Egyptians depict eyebrows in their art?

What is the cultural context of mourning in ancient Egypt?

Fact 5. Did you know that the average lifespan of a goldfish is about 10 years?

The averagelifespan of a goldfish is about 10 years. However, with proper care, some goldfish can live for much longer. The oldest known goldfish, named Tish, lived for an incredible 43 years!

Factors Affecting Lifespan

Several factors can affect a goldfish's lifespan, including:

? Genetics: Some breeds of goldfish, such as the Ryukin and the Oranda, have a shorter average lifespan than others like the Shubunkin and the Comet.

? Water Quality: Poor water conditions can stress goldfish and shorten their lives. Regular tank cleaning, proper filtration, and optimal water chemistry are essential.

?Diet: A balanced and nutritious diet is vital for goldfish health. Avoid overfeeding, as goldfish are prone to obesity.

? Stress: Environmental stressors, such as overcrowding, aggressive tank mates, or frequent handling, can negatively impact goldfish lifespan.

? Temperature: Goldfish prefer cool water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 72°F (16°C to 22°C). Extreme temperatures can shorten their life.

Maximizing Goldfish Lifespan

By understanding the factors that influence a goldfish's lifespan, we can take steps to maximize it:

? Choose Healthy Fish: Start with healthy goldfish that are free from disease

and have a good body shape.

? Provide a Spacious Tank: Avoid overcrowding by choosing a tank that is large enough for all the goldfish.

? Maintain Clean Water: Perform regular water changes and use a suitable

filter to keep the water free of toxins.

? Feed a Balanced Diet: Feed goldfish a variety of foods, including high-quality

pellets, flakes, and frozen or live food.

? Minimize Stress: Provide a peaceful environment with ample hiding places and tank mates that are compatible with goldfish.