Like many turn-of-the-century outhouses, this privy has a crescent moon on the door. But why?
According to outhouse history, upscale country inns originally offered two outhouses—one for men and one for women. On the men’s door was carved a sun for Sol, a male symbol. On the women’s door was carved a moon for Luna, a female symbol. The carvings functioned as “Ladies” and “Gents” signs.
In the late 1800s, the country inns became less elegant and the men’s outhouse was discontinued because of the proximity of the forests or bushes.
Only the outhouse style with the crescent moon has survived.
Image:
Outhouse with crescent moon design, 2022
Comments