Crochet Plague Doctor Ornament, bubonic plague, bird mask

Regular price $20.00

And now you can have one for your holiday tree.

🦠 Back in the 1650’s when the bubonic plague ravished Italy, the doctors wore these strange uniforms. Every part of the uniform from the long robe, thick gloves, and strange beaked mask, was thought to protect the doctors as they treated patients.

It wasn’t to avoid germs (as germ theory wouldn’t be understood for another couple hundred years) but to avoid what they believed to cause the plague: poisoned air. ☠️

The beaked mask was the most important aspect of the uniform as it was filled with strong smelling herbs that they believed to block out the poisoned air. #crazybuttrue #bubonicplague #plaguedoctor #beak

Handmade item

Made to order