How Did Our Ancestors Stay Warm?

How Did Our Ancestors Stay Warm?

We’ve had some extreme winter weather so far. Record-breaking low temps across the country. Blizzards knocking out power … and taking lives. Storm systems plowing through large parts of the country. 

But in the middle of those frigid winter nights, have you ever thought to yourself, how did our ancestors bear these winters? And what can we learn from them?

Here are six ways our ancestors dealt with the cold, and what we could learn:

1. They dressed for the weather. Our ancestors wore layers of wool, tanned hides, and furs native to the region. So when you venture outside, dress appropriately for the weather. Like a tightly woven, wind-resistant coat or jacket. And mittens, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
2. They heated floors. Many tribes used rocks heated from the fire and buried them in the floors of their dwelling places. An especially good technique would be to place rocks beneath their beds giving off an ambient warmth throughout the night. In a similar way, radiant floor heat has become an energy-efficient way to heat living spaces.
3. They stayed close together. With generations of families living under the same structure, all that body heat pooled together would naturally warm a room. Many times domesticated animals were part of the “huddle”. For us today, it’s a great reminder to invite homebound family and friends over if there’s a pending storm on the radar.
4. They forecasted coming storms. Many tribes had an elder or two with that knack for predicting coming weather. Nowadays, not only can we trust those elders, but we also have meteorologists who provide forecasts to help us plan accordingly.
5. They stayed busy. Our ancestors didn’t take winters off from work. They hunted, trapped, fished, and made and decorated clothes, baskets, and bowls as they kept busy during those cold winter days. All this movement kept their circulation going and bodies warm. You too can get moving with activities around the house and out in the community. Staying active means staying warm.
6. They told stories. Winter nights tend to be long, dark, and uneventful, especially in the north. But a great storyteller kept everyone laughing, another great way to stay warm. This year, gather around that proverbial fire (electric fire place, space heater) and share those stories that make us laugh.

For more ways to stay safe and healthy this winter, visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html.