Ordinary Objects with Surprisingly Dark Origins

Many everyday objects are synonymous with modern life. We use them, wear them, decorate our homes with them, or encounter them so frequently that we rarely stop to think about where they came from. Yet some common items have unexpectedly dark origins tied to tragedy, dangerous conditions, exploitation, or macabre events. In many cases, these ominous beginnings have been forgotten, as products shifted function over time and became normalized parts of modern life. Looking back at their unsettling history can be jarring. These are some ordinary objects with surprisingly dark origins.

1. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is used in millions of homes today. Floral sheets grace bathrooms and peaceful patterns cover guest rooms. However, some early wallpapers were unintentionally dangerous. During the nineteenth century, manufacturers used special pigments to create vibrant green colors. Unfortunately, these pretty pigments contained arsenic, and wallpapers sometimes released toxic particles into homes. People contracted mysterious illnesses that doctors could not explain. It took years before the connection between decorative wallpaper and arsenic poisoning was ultimately made.

2. Chainsaws

Modern chainsaws are associated with manual labor, forestry work, and horror movies, but their original purpose was even more disturbing than a mask-wearing mama’s boy. Early chainsaws were developed in the late eighteenth century to help doctors during particularly difficult childbirths. The device, which was hand-cranked at that time, cut bone when medical complications arose. And we think modern childbirth is painful! Thankfully, medical science has since developed safer, and less agonizing, alternatives. Today, few people in possession of a chainsaw know of its cringe-worthy origins.

3. High Heels

Many people associate high heels with fashion, but these closet staples have a rather surprising military history. This now-fancy footwear was originally worn by horse-riding soldiers in Persia. The elevated back portion of the shoe helped hold riders’ feet securely in the stirrups. Firing weapons from horseback often created a jolt and soldiers needed the extra stability. Later, European aristocrats adopted high-heels as a symbol of status and power, allowing them to physically rise above their people. Over time, the shoe evolved completely, and is now one of fashion’s most enduring trends.

4. Cotton Candy

Cotton candy is surely one of the most cheerful foods imaginable. We immediately picture little girls at the local fair with a mouth full of melting pink sugar strands. Of course, this food is essentially pure sugar, making it especially ironic that it was first created by a dentist. When dentist William Morrison developed the delicious snack, oral care was far less advanced than it is today. While cavities were becoming a major public health problem, no one realized that sugar was the primary culprit. The fluffy carnival favorite is ultimately associated with childhood fun, despite its contribution to plenty of tooth decay.

5. Matches

Before modern matches were invented, match production could be a deadly industry. Back in the nineteenth century, many factories used white phosphorus in their matches. This highly toxic substance exposed workers to poisonous fumes every day. Overtime, exposure could result in a horrific condition known as “phossy jaw,” in which the jawbone became diseased and slowly deteriorated. Those with the illness suffered severe pain, facial disfigurement, and even death. The convenient matchstick now used to light our scented candles at home was one responsible for multiple human lives. 

6. Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees became popular partly because of fire issues. Early Christmas celebrations used real trees and common decorations included lit candles. Predictably, this combo led to devastating house fires. Instead of just eliminating the open flames, manufacturers promoted fire-retardant, artificial alternatives as a safer option. Next time you’re setting up your segmented, plastic tree, remember it was developed after numerous festive homes burned to the ground. 

7. Playing Cards

Playing cards have contributed to countless hours of entertainment for centuries, but historically, they were frequently linked to gambling, debt, and financial ruin. Amazingly, cards led to such personal devastation that governments across Europe sometimes banned card games. Playing cards was a very popular pastime and entire fortunes could be lost over a single night of gambling. Religious leaders even condemned card playing as immoral. Despite this once-devious reputation, cards are now best associated with wholesome family fun. 

8. Synthetic Dyes

Many brightly hued products use synthetic dyes. Unfortunately, before we knew of the harm they could cause, early dyes contained toxic ingredients. These little-understood chemicals endangered both workers and consumers. Along with fabrics, some dyes also stained skin and lungs. The bright colors that inspire joy today were once capable of destroying lives.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Choe Hyeonsu / Shutterstock.com.