20 Creepy Practices Best Left in the Past

Interesting Facts
By Jasmine Hughes

Throughout history, humanity has engaged in various practices that, in hindsight, appear unsettling and downright creepy.

From bizarre medical treatments to distressing cultural rituals, these activities remind us of a time when understanding was limited and superstitions ran deep. This blog post explores 20 such practices that are best left in the annals of history.

They’ll make you appreciate the progress we’ve made and give you chills as you ponder the peculiar behaviors of our ancestors.

1. Child Labor

© Center for American Progress

Child labor was once a grim reality of industrialization, with young children toiling long hours in hazardous conditions. Viewed as cheap labor, they were often exploited and denied education.

The harsh environment led to numerous injuries and stunted childhoods, reflecting societal disregard for children’s rights.

Thankfully, labor laws have evolved to protect children, emphasizing the importance of education and nurturing a healthy, safe environment for growth.

2. Trepanation

© Medium

Trepanation involved drilling holes into the skull, often to release evil spirits or alleviate mental disorders. This practice dates back thousands of years and was surprisingly widespread across different cultures.

Though some trepanned individuals survived, many faced severe complications, including infection and brain damage. The lack of anesthesia made the procedure excruciatingly painful.

Modern medicine offers far more effective and humane treatments for mental health issues, making trepanation an unnecessary and dangerous relic of the past.

3. Foot Binding

© China Underground

Foot binding was a centuries-old Chinese custom whereby young girls’ feet were tightly bound to alter their shape. This was considered a sign of beauty and status but came with severe health repercussions.

Feet were deformed, causing lifelong pain and limiting mobility. The practice was not only physically painful but symbolized a broader societal control over women’s bodies.

Thankfully, foot binding was banned in the early 20th century, leaving behind a cautionary tale of the lengths taken in the name of beauty.

4. Bloodletting

© Guava Health

Bloodletting was once a common medical practice, believed to cure or prevent a vast array of ailments by balancing the body’s humors. Physicians would cut the patient or use leeches to drain blood, often weakening individuals further.

Despite its popularity, bloodletting was based on a flawed understanding of human physiology. Many patients suffered unnecessarily, and some even died from excessive blood loss.

Thankfully, advances in medical science have rendered this practice obsolete, allowing us to rely on evidence-based treatments that truly promote healing.

5. Mummy Unwrapping Parties

© Ancient Origins

During the Victorian era, unwrapping a mummy was considered fashionable entertainment. This bizarre trend saw mummies imported from Egypt and displayed before fascinated audiences.

The act of unwrapping was disrespectful to the deceased, turning them into macabre novelties. It also contributed to the destruction of countless historical artifacts.

Today, we understand the importance of preserving history with respect and dignity, leaving such disrespectful practices to the past.

6. Sawbones Surgery

© Flints Auctions

In the days before anesthesia and modern surgical techniques, surgery was a brutal affair. Surgeons, often called “sawbones,” would operate quickly to minimize pain, prioritizing speed over precision.

Amputations were common, and the unsanitary conditions led to high infection rates. The lack of pain management made these procedures torturous for patients.

Thankfully, medical advancements have transformed surgery into a precise science, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

7. Flagellation

© Britannica

Flagellation, the act of whipping oneself or others for religious penance, was once a widespread practice. It was believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual enlightenment through suffering.

This ritual often led to severe physical harm, and its psychological impact was equally damaging. Though it persists in some forms, most religious communities now reject such extreme methods.

Modern spirituality encourages introspection and compassion rather than self-inflicted violence, allowing for a healthier expression of faith.

8. Castrato Singers

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Castrato singers, young boys castrated to preserve their high-pitched voices, were once celebrated in European opera. Their unique vocal range was prized, but the personal cost was immense.

Castration led to lifelong health issues and the loss of personal autonomy. The practice reflected a societal willingness to sacrifice individual well-being for artistic pursuits.

Today, musical expression celebrates diversity and talent without imposing such harmful sacrifices on individuals.

9. Lobotomy

© PBS

Lobotomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal or destruction of brain tissue, was once hailed as a cure for mental illness. It left patients with reduced mental capacity and emotional responsiveness.

The procedure was often performed without patient consent, reflecting a troubling disregard for human rights.

Modern psychiatry has thankfully abandoned lobotomy in favor of therapies that respect patients’ dignity and seek to truly understand mental health.

10. Corpse Medicine

© Atlas Obscura

In medieval Europe, consuming human remains was believed to cure ailments. This practice, known as corpse medicine, saw powdered skulls and other body parts sold as remedies.

The consumption of human remains was both unhygienic and ethically problematic, often tied to superstitions rather than scientific evidence.

Medical advancements have since debunked such practices, promoting ethical standards that respect both the living and the dead.

11. Phrenology

© Encyclopedia of the History of Science – Carnegie Mellon University

Phrenology, the study of skull shapes to determine personality and intelligence, was once considered a scientific discipline. Practitioners believed that bumps on the head revealed hidden traits.

Despite its popularity, phrenology lacked empirical support and was often used to justify prejudices and social hierarchies.

Today, phrenology is discredited, reminding us of the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry and the dangers of pseudoscience.

12. Hexing Trials

© Britannica

Witch trials, where individuals were accused of witchcraft and subjected to brutal punishments, were a dark chapter in history. Fear and superstition drove communities to condemn the innocent.

Accusations were often based on flimsy evidence, leading to torture and execution. The trials reflected societal fear of the unknown and a desire to control it through persecution.

Today, we value evidence-based justice, learning from past mistakes to ensure the protection of human rights.

13. Freak Shows

© Wikipedia

Freak shows, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, showcased individuals with physical abnormalities for entertainment. These exhibitions exploited their participants, treating them as spectacles rather than human beings.

While they offered a living for some, the shows often perpetuated stereotypes and dehumanized those involved. Attendees were encouraged to gawk at the “exotic” and “bizarre,” reinforcing societal biases.

Today, we strive for a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity without exploitation.

14. Hysteria Diagnosis

© Reddit

Hysteria, once a common diagnosis for women, was attributed to a wandering uterus or emotional excess. Treatments ranged from institutionalization to bizarre remedies like vibrators.

This diagnosis pathologized normal female emotions, reflecting deeply entrenched gender biases. Women were often denied agency and autonomy over their bodies and minds.

Modern medicine recognizes the complexity of mental health, moving beyond such outdated and sexist diagnoses.

15. Public Executions

© College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – Wayne State University

Public executions were once a form of punishment and entertainment, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle. These events served as a stark warning against criminal behavior.

However, they also desensitized people to violence and inflicted terror on communities. The public nature of executions often overshadowed justice with spectacle.

Modern legal systems favor rehabilitation over retribution, emphasizing justice without resorting to inhumane practices.

16. Cursed Objects

© Halloween Costumes

Belief in cursed objects once led people to attribute misfortunes to inanimate items imbued with malevolent forces. Superstitions drove individuals to fear common objects and blame them for personal woes.

Such beliefs often stemmed from fear of the unknown, leading to unnecessary anxiety and division within communities.

Today, we understand the natural causes behind misfortunes, moving away from superstitions and embracing rational explanations.

17. Opium Dens

© Herald Sun

Opium dens, popular in the 19th century, offered a space for individuals to indulge in drug use. These establishments became havens for addiction, drawing people into a cycle of dependency.

The widespread use of opium and lack of regulation led to significant social and health issues, impacting families and communities.

Today, we approach addiction with empathy and medical support, recognizing it as a health issue rather than a moral failing.

18. Serpent Handling

© Listverse

Serpent handling, a religious practice involving the handling of venomous snakes, is believed by some to demonstrate faith. Participants trust that their belief will protect them from harm.

However, this practice is incredibly dangerous, with many suffering bites and even death. It reflects a literal interpretation of scripture that prioritizes symbolic acts over personal safety.

Most faith communities now focus on spiritual growth through safer, more meaningful practices that nurture well-being.

19. Debtors’ Prisons

© Money | HowStuffWorks

Debtors’ prisons once held individuals unable to pay their debts, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and incarceration. Families often suffered, unable to earn income while imprisoned.

The system was ineffective, rarely resulting in debt repayment, and often exacerbated financial struggles rather than resolving them.

Modern financial regulations provide more compassionate solutions, focusing on debt recovery and rehabilitation instead of punishment.

20. Fumigating Sickrooms

© BuzzFeed News

Victorian-era doctors believed fumigating sickrooms with chemicals would purify the air and prevent disease. This practice often involved burning incense and other substances, sometimes causing more harm than good.

While the intention was to protect patients, fumigation could lead to respiratory issues and discomfort, reflecting a limited understanding of infection control.

Today, we rely on evidence-based hygiene practices and medical protocols to manage illness, ensuring environments are clean and safe without unnecessary risks.