UV face masks, cooling ties: how cultures beyond Europe cope with heat

Countries on other continents, far from Europe, have long since developed ways of coping with searing heat. Here are a few examples – some unusual, others inspiring. Different countries, different customs: while in Germany, for example, people tend to loosen their tie or leave it off altogether in extreme heat, in Japan it is quickly turned into a cooling cloth – in the form of cooling ties with small cold packs or special gel inserts worked into them. Some have towelling fabric on the side that sits on the neck, which also absorbs sweat. Japan is widely regarded as particularly inventive when it comes to getting through the summer. Many of these methods initially 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 large blood vessels run close to the skin there. That is why these Japanese cooling tricks can genuinely do more than their slightly quirky appearance suggests to us. Ice rings worn around the neck are also very popular in Japan. Cooling the neck area can reduce the sensation of heat throughout the body. A colour-coordinated towel casually draped around the neck, which is dampened 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. Protection against overheating: a cult object from Europe’s aerobics era In the 1980s, especially during the aerobics boom, they were a real classic in Europe: headbands (preferably in neon colours) and matching towelling sweatbands for the wrists. In Japan they are above all an everyday aid, regularly re-moistened to cool the skin at the pulse points. Handheld fans or folding fans are of course part of everyday life too; they are often worn as an accessory around the neck or on the wrist, not only in Japan but also in China. In China, various types of face masks have also become established in recent years as sun protection. The best-known is the so-called “Facekini”, a hood made of elastic fabric that leaves only the eyes, nose and mouth exposed. The lead photo above shows what this looks like, with a tourist from China taking pictures on the Römerberg in Frankfurt am Main. Originally developed in coastal regions such as Qingdao, it was mainly used by beachgoers to protect their skin from strong UV radiation while swimming. The city of millions lies directly on the Yellow Sea, roughly halfway between the metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing, and is also known for its “Tsingtao beer”, exported worldwide. “Facekinis” in China Over time, the principle of face masks in China has evolved. Today, lightweight, everyday UV protection masks made of breathable functional materials such as “ice silk” are widespread. Modern versions are thin, elastic and often come with UV protection ratings (UPF 50+). They are also frequently worn in day-to-day life. The masks are not only a pragmatic response to climatic conditions, but also reflect cultural ideas about skincare and beauty. Huge hats made from natural materials are often worn especially by women, frequently with a light cloth underneath that can be repeatedly dampened and is intended to help prevent heatstroke. Interestingly, in hot weather people in China often prefer warm or lukewarm drinks, a habit rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which holds that intense cold can throw the inner body out of balance. It is also thought that very cold drinks place a strain on the stomach, forcing the body to expend extra energy on temperature regulation afterwards, whereas warm drinks are considered gentler and can support natural sweating and cooling through evaporation. Countries outside Europe tend to rely on three basic ideas: 1. evaporative cooling through water and air movement, 2. shade and architecture, and 3. thermal mass using thick walls made of earth or stone. Traditional Navajo and Pueblo building techniques in the south-west of the United States use clay and stone structures with small windows and overhanging roofs and verandas that provide shade. While modern houses, for instance in Germany, are primarily designed for insulation and energy efficiency, Pueblo-style buildings use their high thermal storage capacity to keep indoor temperatures relatively stable – they stay comparatively cool in summer and retain warmth for longer in winter. Further south, Mexicans like to wear very light, loose cotton clothing. Their houses are often built with thick adobe walls that buffer indoor temperatures. Many homes feature internal courtyards that serve as natural “cool spots” and noticeably lower the temperature. And of course, the siesta – a 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 courtyards with pools of water and plants reduce the microclimate through evaporative cooling. The principle: 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 flowing past the damp cloth. In many regions of India, traditional cooling methods based on simple physical principles are also used. A central element is so-called “mitti” cooling, where unglazed clay pots naturally cool water through evaporation. In addition, many people wear damp cotton cloths or very light cotton garments to regulate body temperature more effectively. Evaporation is also used deliberately indoors, for example with wet 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 many traditionally hot countries, light, water-rich foods such as soups or melons are generally the order of the day. Conclusion: the differences between European countries and those on other continents lie less in “better” or “worse” methods and more in a combination of the familiar climate, building styles, everyday habits and historical development. Outside Europe, passive, architectural and culturally embedded cooling strategies often predominate, while in Europe technical, short-term solutions more frequently take centre stage. Some Asian countries also rely heavily on small-scale, highly everyday technical devices designed to manage heat not via buildings, but directly via the human body.