Riding The Pony

 

There is no more mystifying bit of plumbing to an American than a bidet. What is it and how does one use one? Ask most Americans and you will get a blank stare or a hearty laugh. The bidet is an enigma.
The word bidet naturally is French and it's literal translation is a word for pony. The idea is one uses (rides) a bidet like one rides a pony. Charming image isn't it? Another equally quaint expression for bidet is the garden hose. Oh, it just keeps getting better dosen't it.

The actual purpose of a bidet is the cleaning of ones genitalia and shall we say; anus. This happens after the use of its kissin' cousin the toilet. The bidet is NOT a toilet it is more of a itty bitty tub or a big low wash basin for ones unmentionables and perhaps feet if they need seeing to.
It is rumored that the bidet was invented by French furniture maker Marc Andre Jacoud for the fastidious French royal family in the early 1700's.

 It was very common in French palaces for there to be a bidet and when bathrooms were inverted they moved there. The original bidet was a much cruder version than it is today.

The modern bidet is a plumbing marvel. They have become rather high tech in actuality.
Not only are bidets a mystery for Americans they are also a lot of fun. When in Europe nothing tickles shall we say, an American more than using a bidet. The little towel used for drying up can be a little off putting...