The article discusses three of the worst jobs in history. The first job is that of a "Gong Farmer" in medieval England, who was responsible for collecting and disposing of human waste from public latrines and cesspits. This job was dangerous, poorly paid, and socially ostracizing.
The second job is that of a "Sin Eater" in medieval Scotland and England, who would eat ritual foods, such as bread and cheese, to absolve the sins of the dead. This job was also poorly paid and socially ostracizing, and the Sin Eater was often seen as a scapegoat for the community's sins.
The third job is that of a "Moonshiner" during the Prohibition era in the United States, who would produce and sell illicit alcohol in secret. This job was dangerous, with risks of poisoning, blindness, and death from consuming bad alcohol, as well as the risk of getting caught by the law.
All three jobs were considered to be among the worst in history due to their hazardous working conditions, low pay, and social stigma. Despite this, they played important roles in their respective societies, with the Gong Farmer maintaining public hygiene, the Sin Eater providing spiritual comfort, and the Moonshiner providing a illicit but popular service.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In the Middle Ages, cities lacked proper waste disposal systems.
2. The Gong Farmer was responsible for emptying cesspits and disposing of human waste in medieval England.
3. The Gong Farmer had to work at night by candlelight to avoid disturbing citizens.
4. The job of the Gong Farmer was considered hazardous, with risks of discomfort, asphyxiation, and infection.
5. The Gong Farmer was also responsible for cleaning public latrines.
6. In London, there were only 16 cesspits for 30,000 inhabitants at the end of the 14th century.
7. The waste from the cesspits was dumped in strategic locations outside the city and used as fertilizer.
8. The practice of sin-eating originated from the idea that when someone dies, they leave behind unconfessed sins.
9. In some cultures, bread was baked and consumed to honor the dead and help their souls reach the afterlife.
10. The sin-eater was a professional who would eat ritual food to take on the sins of the deceased.
11. The sin-eater was often marginalized and lived on the outskirts of the village.
12. The last recorded sin-eater was Richard Munslow, who died in 1906.
13. Prohibition in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933.
14. The Temperance movement, which led to Prohibition, was a social movement that aimed to reduce alcohol consumption.
15. The production of "moonshine" was a result of Prohibition, and moonshiners worked in secret to produce and distribute illicit alcohol.
16. The job of a moonshiner was hazardous, with risks of fire, poisoning, and blindness.
17. Moonshiners had to test their own products, which could be deadly if not done properly.
18. Prohibition is still in effect in several hundred cities in the United States and in some states in India.
19. Moonshine production still exists in areas where alcohol is prohibited, and can cause dozens or hundreds of deaths each year.