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Fake ruins -

During the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain, it became fashionable among the extremely wealthy to construct "follies." These grand edifices were designed to resemble the remains of ancient castles, yet their sole purpose was to amuse affluent visitors with fictional tales and legends.

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Hermits in the follies -

Guests at the party could explore the follies and listen to eerie tales. The nobility would occasionally employ "hermits" in the follies, who were hired to amuse and frighten visitors.

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Mummies -

According to Atlas Obscura, during England's 19th-century "Egyptomania" trend, mummies became a popular symbol. The wealthy not only displayed Egyptian mummies, but also organized extravagant "unwrapping" parties. This fascination with mummies was a significant part of the era's cultural enthusiasm.

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Lotus feet -

According to NPR, women in China have historically endured a painful custom known as foot binding for many centuries. This practice involved the breaking of toes and bones in the arch of the foot, which were then tightly bound together. The purpose of this ritual, called lotus feet, was to symbolize beauty and social standing. In Chinese society, those who were unable to walk or work due to this practice were considered affluent enough for it to be of no consequence.

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Board games -

According to the Smithsonian, board games held great importance in the ancient Near East, representing affluence and social standing. As diplomatic offerings, they were commonly exchanged among the elite.

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Board games -

The games were meticulously made and constructed using expensive materials. Above all, they represented that you had the free time to indulge in playing them.

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Pineapples -

During the 18th century in Europe, the upper class would lease pineapples not for consumption, but to showcase them to visitors. This fruit, originating from South America, was a scarce and intriguing novelty for Europeans. According to Foodbeast, Europeans became captivated by pineapples after Christopher Columbus introduced them.

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Pineapples -

A pineapple in the past had a value of about US$8,000 in today's currency. It's not surprising that people would rent them given their worth.

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Tulips -

During the 1600s, Holland experienced a phenomenon known as "Tulipomania," where tulip bulbs became highly sought after as a symbol of status. These bulbs were originally obtained by an Austrian ambassador who took them from the Ottoman court in 1562. Given their scarcity, attractiveness, and vibrant colors, the wealthiest individuals in the country coveted these bulbs.

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Tulips -

Tulips were highly valued to the extent that just one bulb could be worth 10 times the annual salary of a skilled craftsman! Unfortunately, the speculative nature of the tulip market caused a crash in 1637, severely impacting the Dutch economy.

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X-rays for no reason -

During the earlier part of the 20th century, there was a strong American fascination with X-rays and their capacity to provide a window into the human body. Consequently, large gatherings would occur, solely aimed at observing bones.

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X-rays for no reason -

Having a personal X-ray picture became a mark of prestige, and they were frequently displayed on walls like artwork.

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Long pointed shoes -

The "Crackowe" was a well-liked shoe during the Middle Ages, with a tip that measured between six to 24 inches (15-61 cm) in length. Its lack of practicality indicated the wearer's wealth and ability to refrain from labor.

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Long pointed shoes -

According to Gizmodo, shoe length was so highly regarded that King Edward III of England implemented regulations. Commoners were limited to six inches, gentlemen to 15 inches (38 cm), and the nobility were allowed longer tips.

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Being overweight -

In the early 20th century, individuals with higher weights were regarded as having higher status. This perception arose as being overweight indicated wealth and the ability to afford abundant food and avoid physical exertion.

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Cranial deformation -

According to Medscape, ancient Mayans practiced skull alteration to enhance the appearance of individuals, particularly by binding infants' heads between two boards during the period when their skulls were still moldable.

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Cranial deformation -

The elongated, flattened skull has held significant importance in various Indigenous cultures globally, such as the Mangbetu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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A pure white wedding cake -

According to Gastronomica, during the 16th century, sugar in England had become commonplace. However, the trend of having an elaborate wedding cake made with triple-refined white sugar, which was more expensive and difficult to produce, was highly popular. Apart from showcasing wealth, this cake also served as a symbol of the bride's purity.

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Stained teeth -

Teeth-whitening is a prevalent topic today, but for many centuries, having black teeth was the desired aesthetic for the affluent in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

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Stained teeth -

A widespread practice among affluent married women was the application of black lacquer on their teeth, known as "ohaguro." This method served as a protective sealant to prevent tooth decay.

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Pure white cuffs and collars -

In 16th- and 17th-century England, people didn't prioritize regular bathing for bodily hygiene. Instead, they distinguished their status by keeping their whites spot-free.

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Pure white cuffs and collars -

Large white collars and cuffs served as a clear indication of one's cleanliness and social standing.

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Being skinny -

In recent years, the availability of food has become more abundant, resulting in a shift in significance towards the preparation of nutritious meals and regular gym visits denoting individuals with ample leisure time and financial resources. Consequently, thinness now represents a symbol of status. The idea of the "perfect" body shifted only within the last century to mean "thin," and many of the wealthiest even undergo expensive surgeries to slim down.

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Sleep -

In societies where work is prioritized and overtime is common, obtaining eight hours of sleep has come to represent a certain quality of life. Nancy Jeffrey, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, noted in 1999 that sleep had become a scarce resource in America, to the extent that it had become a symbol of status.

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Von Dutch trucker hats -

During the early 2000s, there was a noticeable shift in style. Peculiar status symbols, such as Juicy Couture sweatsuits and Von Dutch trucker hats, gained popularity among wealthy celebrities like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. The Los Angeles Times labeled the Von Dutch trend as the "anti-status status symbol" in 2004.

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"Ugly sneakers" -

Previously associated with high school geography teachers, "ugly sneakers" have made a fashionable resurgence, such as the multi-colored and bulky Balenciaga shoes that can be priced at approximately US$900.

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A second passport -

Citizenship by Investment Programs, which are gaining popularity, provide an opportunity to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant investment. This typically involves a six-figure sum of money. As a result, having a second passport has become a prestigious symbol for investors, granting them enhanced global mobility.

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Ripped clothes -

The peak of the trend of purchasing expensive, pre-ripped clothing occurred in the 2010s, which is surprisingly counterintuitive.

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Birkin bags -

The French luxury brand Hermès introduced a line of tote bags in the '80s named after Jane Birkin. These bags have become a symbol of wealth and exclusivity and continue to maintain their status in 2020, with prices soaring as high as US$380,000 and long waiting lists still being a norm.

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Birkin bags -

The exorbitant price of the bag can be solely attributed to its rarity, without any tangible justification. It is worth noting that renowned figures such as Victoria Beckham have their own personal collections of this accessory.

Sources: (Atlas Obscura) (NPR) (Gizmodo) (Foodbeast) (Medscape) (Gastronomica) (Smithsonian) (Los Angeles Times) (Wall Street Journal)

See also: Crazy facts about luxury cars

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