History of the working glove

History of the working glove

The history of the work glove is closely interwoven with the history of the glove in general. Fashion trends play much less of a role in their use at work than they do in those that were and are worn primarily as decorative accessories or items of clothing. Read here our small cultural history of the work glove, which we have extracted for you from the article on the subject of gloves at Wikipedia.

In the beginning was the cold

The first gloves, which were supposed to protect the hands against the cold, were probably used quite early in the work of prehistoric people. They made these important warming aids from raw hides, which were held together with bone clasps.

First mention in the bible

The probably first mention of a glove is dated to approx. 3000 years and is found in the fourth chapter in the book of Ruth. At that time, however, they were not yet widely used articles of daily use, but rather served as part of the ceremonial regalia of kings. Gloves were also used by the Egyptians, Medes, Persians, Greeks and Romans. In the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun († ca. 1323 BC), 27 pairs of leather gloves were found during excavations.

Invention of the work glove

As early as ancient Egypt, women used a type of mitten to protect their hands when cooking, serving and eating. From the time of the ancient Romans, it has been handed down that gladiators equipped themselves with gloves for fighting in order to be able to better hold their oil-soaked opponents. Another proof that gloves were used for work is provided by the polyhistor Marcus Terentius Varro (* 116 BC) in his work De re rustica in which he describes that olives picked by an uncovered hand were preferable to those picked with a glove.

Gloves as an insult

Since the 8th century, the glove was an important symbol of rulership and law. They only became tangible as artifacts with the Middle Ages, from which, among other things, metal armor gloves are known. On the other hand, the gauntlet thrown in front of the feet was a serious challenge to a duel. Hitting someone in the face with a glove was considered a great insult that also had to be avenged.

Gloves with symbolic power

Gloves also always had a symbolic meaning.  For example, in ritual acts, and later in the Catholic Church. In the Middle Ages, for example, in the feudal system when the right to hold markets was granted. If a town was to be founded in the Middle Ages, the Christian ruler would send a pair of gloves as a sign of his approval. Gloves received from emperors, kings or ecclesiastical dignitaries were considered a special mark of favor.

Gloves as a bribe

In the 13th century it became customary to enclose a pair of gloves with a petition. These were filled beforehand with a corresponding sum of money, in order to lend the request appropriate emphasis.
Gloves as proof of love

Gloves as a proof of love

If a knight received a glove from a lady, this was considered a symbol of the lady's goodwill and favor. The knight usually wore this glove in a special pouch around his neck. Accordingly, the glove served as a pledge of love between the knight and the noblewoman. However, the love could also be terminated by simply throwing back the glove.
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From the middle ages to modern times

France is considered the birthplace of commercial glove manufacturing. Thus, the first French guild for glove makers was established in 1190. In the period from the beginning of the 17th to the end of the 18th century, French masters were considered leaders in the glove market. From Grenoble, glove production eventually spread to Germany in the course of the Huguenot expulsion. The first centers of glove production were Magdeburg, Halberstadt and Erlangen. Later, the cities of Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Dresden and Altenburg also became known for glove production. In the 19th century gloves also became part of the uniform of various professions such as coachmen, chauffeurs, servants, waiters, morticians, and many others.

Gloves when they are necessary

In modern times, people wear gloves almost only when they are really necessary or helpful. In everyday life, this is most likely the case in winter to protect against the cold. Hands are our most valuable tools and should be protected from all hazards such as cold and heat, from cuts and stings, from chemicals, from bacteria in waste and dirt, from infections, when working with and on machines, equipment and installations and many others. The increasing number of different models takes into account the increased requirements and the growing number of applications, so that the optimal hand protection can be offered for every activity.

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