UV face masks and cooling ties: how cultures outside Europe deal with heat

Countries on other continents, far from Europe, have long developed ways of coping with searing heat. Here are some examples – some unusual, others inspiring. Different countries, different habits: while in Germany, for example, people tend to loosen their tie or leave it off altogether when it gets very hot, in Japan it is simply turned into a cooling cloth in the form of cooling ties with small cold packs or special gel inserts sewn into them. Some have towelling fabric on the side that rests on the neck, which also absorbs sweat. Japan is seen as particularly inventive when it comes to getting through the summer. Many of these methods may at first seem unusual to Europeans, but they are based on simple physiological principles: from a scientific point of view, cooling the neck, wrists, armpits and groin is especially effective because major blood vessels run close to the surface of the skin in those areas. That is why these Japanese cooling tricks can actually do more than their slightly quirky appearance might suggest to us. Cooling rings worn around the neck are also very popular in Japan. When the neck area is cooled, it can lower the sensation of heat in the entire body. A colour-coordinated towel casually draped around the neck, which is moistened from time to time, is also often part of a typical summer outfit. Tenugui cloths, small, thin traditional cotton towels that are moistened and discreetly worn under shirt collars, suits or hats, are another common way of cooling down there. Protection against overheating: a cult object from Europe’s aerobics era In the 1980s, especially at the height of the aerobics boom, they were a real classic in Europe: headbands (often in neon colours at the time) and matching towelling wristbands. For the Japanese, they are above all a practical everyday aid, which they repeatedly moisten to cool the skin at the pulse points. Handheld fans or folding fans are, of course, also an everyday item; they are often worn as an accessory around the neck or on the wrist, not only in Japan but in China as well. In China, various types of face masks have also become established in recent years as protection against the sun. One of the best-known is the so-called "Facekini", a hood made of elastic fabric that leaves only the eyes, nose and mouth exposed. What this looks like can be seen in the main photo above, which shows a tourist from China taking pictures on the Römerberg square in Frankfurt am Main. Originally developed in coastal regions such as Qingdao, it was used mainly by bathers to protect their skin from intense UV radiation while swimming. The metropolis of several million inhabitants lies directly on the Yellow Sea, roughly halfway between the megacities of Shanghai and Beijing, and is also known for its "Tsingtao" beer, which is exported worldwide. "Facekinis" in China Over time, the principle of face masks in China has evolved. Today, lightweight, everyday UV-protection masks made from breathable performance fabrics such as "Ice Silk" are widespread. The modern versions are thin, elastic and often come with ultraviolet protection factors (UPF 50+). They are also popular for everyday wear. The masks are not only a pragmatic adaptation to the climate, they also reflect cultural ideas about skincare and beauty. Huge hats made from natural materials are often worn, particularly by women, frequently combined with a light scarf underneath that can be moistened again and again to help prevent heatstroke. An interesting point: in China, warm or lukewarm drinks are often preferred in hot weather. This traces back to concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), according to which intense cold can throw the inner body out of balance. It is also thought that very cold drinks put a strain on the stomach and the body then has to expend extra energy on regulating temperature, whereas warm drinks are seen as gentler and can support natural sweating and evaporative cooling. Outside Europe, three basic principles are often used: 1. evaporative cooling through water and air movement, 2. shade and architecture, and 3. thermal mass provided by thick walls made of earth or stone. Traditional Navajo and Pueblo techniques in the south-west of the United States consist of clay and stone buildings with small window openings and shaded overhangs and verandas. Whereas modern houses, for example in Germany, focus primarily on insulation and energy efficiency, buildings in the Pueblo tradition rely on their high heat-storage capacity to maintain relatively stable indoor temperatures: they stay comparatively cool in summer and retain warmth for longer in winter. Further south, Mexicans tend to wear very light, loose cotton clothing. Their houses are also often built with thick adobe walls that buffer indoor temperatures. Many homes have internal courtyards that act as natural "cool islands" and noticeably lower the temperature. And of course the siesta, the midday rest during the hottest part of the day, is part of everyday life. Damp cloths in windows in Egypt Traditional windcatchers (malqaf) in Egypt channel cooler outside air into houses, while internal courtyards with pools and plants also reduce the microclimate through evaporative cooling. The principle is this: when a wet cloth is hung in or in front of a window, the water in the fabric evaporates. Evaporation requires energy, which is drawn from the surroundings in the form of heat. This cools the air that flows past the damp cloth. In many parts of India, too, traditional cooling methods are used that are based on simple physical principles. A key element is the so-called "mitti" cooling, in which unglazed clay pots cool water naturally through evaporation. In addition, many people wear damp cotton cloths or extremely light cotton garments to regulate their body temperature more effectively. Evaporation is also used deliberately indoors, for example with damp jute mats or curtains that noticeably cool the surrounding air. Drinks made from yoghurt, buttermilk or tamarind are also popular, as they not only provide fluids but also replace electrolytes. In general, in many traditionally hot countries people prefer light, water-rich dishes such as soups or melons. The bottom line: the differences between European countries and those on other continents are less about "better" or "worse" methods and more about a combination of familiar climate, building styles, everyday practices and historical development. Outside Europe, passive, architectural and culturally embedded cooling strategies tend to dominate, whereas in Europe technical, short-term solutions are more likely to take centre stage. Several Asian countries are also moving strongly towards small-scale, highly everyday technical solutions designed to regulate heat not via buildings but via the body itself.