Ángel
Manuel Rodríguez
Does the Bible say anything about
cosmetics?
I presume that you want to know what the Bible says about
cosmetics to see how it applies to your own life. But before I mention
the few texts that mention them directly, some background information
concerning ancient practices could be useful.
1. Cosmetics in the Ancient World: It has been suggested that makeup originated in magical
beliefs and in the concern for personal protection. It was probably
seen as a way of hiding one's identity in order to be protected from
evil spirits. But evidence also points to two main reasons for using
cosmetics: hygienic or medical, and beautification. Hygiene was probably the primary one. That seems to have
been the case in Egypt,
where painting the eyelids offered protection from eye diseases. The
makeup repelled flies that produced eye inflammation and protected
the skin from the heat of the sun that otherwise would have dried it.
Makeup was almost a natural disinfectant.
Painting the eyelids and cheeks was soon perceived to be
a way of enhancing a person's appearance. In the case of the eyes, the eyebrows and
the upper eyelids were painted one color and the lower line of the
eye was painted with a different color. This type of makeup framed
the eyes and gave the illusion that they were larger than they were.
The colors were usually black and green, although other combinations
are known. Egyptians and Babylonians used makeup on their cheeks and
lips. The pastes were commonly made
from roots, flowers, berries, and minerals, and were used by both men
and women.
Preparation for a wedding included a beautification process
of cleansing and adornment including making up the eyes as the last
element in the process. Facial treatments were particularly common
in Egypt, Greece,
and Rome.
We have recipes from Egypt for
ointments that supposedly removed wrinkles and other signs of aging
(anyone interested?). Greek women put on a beauty mask before going
to bed and used milk to remove it in the morning. The emphasis on makeup
as a means of beautification was sometimes associated with seduction, and
when exaggerated was considered a characteristic of prostitutes.
2. Biblical Materials: There is very little evidence related to the use of cosmetics in Israel.
We know that Israelites used cosmetics, because archeologists have found utensils associated
with the production and application of cosmetics. It is impossible
to say how widespread the practice was, but it is logical to conclude
that it was at least common among Israel's
upper classes. The three biblical passages in which makeup is mentioned
provide little information. In preparation to meet Jehu,
Jezebel "painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of a window" (2
Kings 9:30).* Her specific purpose for this
beautification is not clear. Was she trying to seduce him? Was she
using the makeup to protect herself from evil? The text implies that
she dressed and adorned herself as a queen to confront her enemy. Her
beauty did not save her.
Makeup is associated with seduction in Jeremiah 4:30, where Israel is
described as a woman to whom the Lord asks: "Why dress yourself in
scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why shade your eyes with paint?
You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you." Enhanced beauty through makeup would not deliver her
from her enemies. The same ideas are expressed in Ezekiel 23:40. The
tone of both passages is negative. Those three texts imply that makeup was known and used by Israelite
women, that it contributed to the beautification of the woman, and that there were limits to its
value.
3. Makeup Today: Makeup
is very common among women and is becoming so among men. The fundamental purposes continue to be hygienic
and aesthetic. The Bible does not give any specific guidelines concerning
its use, but biblical principles should guide us in its use. First,
the Bible does not deny the value of a good appearance and a concern
for health. Second, the Bible places the emphasis on inner beauty over
physical beauty. Finally, modesty should be the norm when addressing
this particular issue. Modesty describes a demeanor that expresses
itself in self-respect, discretion, and the avoidance of extremes; based on the fact that we are children of
God and representatives of our Lord.
*Texts in this column are quoted from the New International
Version.
12/9/04
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