Looking at the History of Wigs

Wigs have been worn throughout history and not just as a fashion item, it was used to demonstrate wealth and importance as well as protection against lice or weather.

Egyptians

In ancient Egypt, people found it easier the shave their hair than to keep it clean and free of pests in the hot Egyptian sun, so people mostly wore wig to shield their bald heads from the sun. Wigs did not try to simulate real hair, and typically consisted of assorted sizes of braids set with beeswax or something similar, creating a rather stiff feel. 

Greek and Roman

Wigs were commonplace in Greek and Roman times. Roman prostitutes brought about the blonde or yellow wig as they were compelled to wear them as a badge of their profession but it soon became fashionable as ladies from higher society began to wear them. 

Victorian

Wigs were worn as a means to hide baldness or to improve one's personal appearance, it also served a practical purpose as it was easier to clean a wig infested with lice than one's own hair. The wigs began to become larger and more extravagant, making it difficult to wear. In the 18th century, wigs were powdered to give them their distinctive white or off-white colour. This resulted in riots in France, resulting from the fact, because of the expensive cost of wig powder, aristocrats were using bread flour to adorn their wigged heads.

Later on, with the French revolution, the wig saw its demise as they were associated with the evils of aristocracy. However it has been worn as a badge of authority in law by barristers and judges in England as well as in several African countries such as Kenya and Ghana,

Modern

Nowadays, wigs are mostly worn for fancy dresses or costumes or in movies and is more affordable to change one's appearance by simply donning different styles.

For more wigs and accessories, shop: 

Looking at the History of St George

St George is the patron saint of England. However, very little is known about the real St George. He is thought to have been born to Christian parents who protested against the Roman's torture of Christians and died for his beliefs.

St George and The Dragon

One of the best known stories about St George is the fight with a dragon but it is highly unlikely that the story is true as it is from medieval times and over a thousand years old.

The story goes that the dragon made its nest by the fresh water spring near the town Silene in Libya. when people came to collect water, they inadvertently disturbed the dragon and so offered sheep as a distraction. After time, there were simply no sheep left to offer the dragon and so the people of Silene decided to chose a maiden from the town by drawing lots. When the results were read, it was revealed that the princess was to be the dragon’s next victim. Despite the Monarch’s protest his daughter Cleolinda was offered to the dragon.
However, at the moment of offering, a knight from the Crusades came riding by on his white stallion. St George dismounted and drew his sword, protecting himself with the sign of the cross. He fought the dragon on foot and managed to slay the beast and saved the princess. The people of Silene were exceptionally grateful and abandoned their pagan beliefs to convert to Christianity. 

St George Day is now celebrated on 23rd April. Traditionally customs were to fly the St George's flag and wear a red rose in one's lapel. Even though the day is not celebrated as Americans celebrate their fourth of July, lets celebrate it by throwing a party in honour of St George by donning costumes, accessories or hanging a St George's  flag. 

Looking at the History of Fireworks

The first fireworks were probably made in China, around 2000 years ago by a Chinese cook who accidentally spilled saltpetre into a cooking fire made of charcoal and sulphur and the mixture burned with a pretty flame resulting into a black, flaky concoction that came to be known as gunpowder.

The Chinese developed this powder further by inserting this mixture into the hollow of a bamboo stick and when thrown into a fire, the gases produced by the ignited burning powder inside caused an immense build up of pressure and blasted the tube apart resulting in the invention of a basic fire cracker. These Chinese crackers are still used in China today to celebrate weddings, births and religious festivals.

Sometimes the firecracker did not explode but instead shot out a jet of fire and flew away in the air or along the ground resulting in the primitive rocket. The Chinese made rockets by fixing tubes packed with gunpowder to sticks, that kept the rockets pointing in the right direction as they flew through the air.

Another discovery made by the Chinese was that powdered iron mixed with gunpowder made beautiful, flower like sparks. However they did not know about the chemicals needed to make coloured flames and white sparks, these effects were developed in Europe over the last two hundred years. It is believed that Marco Polo was the one who transported this invention to the Middle East from where European Crusaders then brought it to England.

The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486. They gained popularity during the reign of Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I even invented the post of fireworks master so that someone would be in charge of organising firework displays for great occasion.

An etching of the Royal Fireworks display on the Thames, London, England in 1749 , Source

Nowadays, fireworks mark celebration of families and of the nation so if you are celebrating something special why not get your hands on fireworks available at our store and online to create awesome displays and to end the party with a bang.

Women's Hats Through the Years

1920s

The 'Clouche' style dominated the 20s, this deep-crown hat comes down low over the eyes and has either a thin brim or no brim at all.  Brims were usually utilised only on summer hats, where the brim acted as a visor from the sun's rays. 

1940s

Th wartime 40's saw a huge variety of hats that were suitable for any face shape, hairstyle or personal preference. There was explosions of decorations such as feathers, veiling and artificial flowers on the hats. The 'Doll' hat, a very small hat that perched on the very front of the forehead, revived Victorian styles. 

1950s

Many women chose not to wear hats on a regular basis in this era so the millinery industry set about creating variety and extravagance. The hats remained small and close to the head. They were now touted as the essential accessory to complete the ensemble. The 'Pancake' or 'Cart wheel' hats sat flat atop the head reviving turn of the century styles. The 'Lampshade' hat fashioned by Audrey Hepburn in 1957's Funny face features a medium-to-tall round crown, and a brim that flares outwards over the ears. 

1960s 

In the 60s the hair was bigger and it was the era of the mod, so small, round pill box made iconic by Jackie O were in fashion. 

1970s

Big floppy hat became a staple of the 70s when style icon Faye Dunaway and Bridget bardot beegan wearing them . Floppy hats were adorned with silk flowers and paired floral cotton dresses for garden parties or wide bands of ribbons and subtle hints of tulle gave a classy look to it.

For all the hats you want for your fancy dress, drop into our store or online: 

Looking at the History of Balloons

At Fun 'N' Frolic, we do balloon decorations for any events from birthdays to wedding ceremonies as we believe that balloons always brighten up the venue and everybody from young to old loves them.

Wondering about the origin of the Balloons, we unearthed some facts on it: 

• The word 'balloon' has its origin in the French word "ballon" meaning a huge ball. Similarly, in Latin, the word "ballone" and from old German, the word "balla" both means a ball.
• Balloons were originally made out of dried animal intestines and bladder and were mainly used by clowns for entertainment

Children blowing up animal intestine 

• The first rubber balloons were made by Professor Michael Faraday way back in 1824 for use in experiments with hydrogen at the Royal Institute of London. 

Professor Michael Faraday

•  Balloons were filled with hydrogen gas in the early days but later found out that the hydrogen gas was highly flammable and hence was replaced with helium gas.
• Rubber balloons became accessible to people in the year 1825 which was marketed by England's pioneer rubber manufacturer, Thomas Hancock. 
• Price for the balloon in US in early 1890s was 4 cents each or 40 cents a dozen.
• The world's first novelty-shaped and printed balloon was a balloon shaped like a cat's head with pointed ears and a whisker printed face. 

Vintage balloon ad posters from Qualatex

Hope you had fun reading some facts on the history of balloons. You can get your hands on various ranges of balloons here. 

However if you are planning an event and you want balloon decor, then don't hesitate to give us a call: 0800 294 1130  or get to our other site: www.berkshire-balloons.co.uk for more information.