Anointing

===Health=== <!--linked-->
{{main|Anointing of the sick}}
Used in conjunction with bathing, anointment with oil closes [[skin pore|pore]]s. It was regarded as counteracting the influence of the [[sun]], reducing [[perspiration|sweating]]. [[Aromatic oil]]s naturally masked [[body odor|body]] and other offensive odors.{{sfnp|EB|1878}}

Applications of oils and fats are also used as [[traditional medicine]]s. The [[Bible]] records [[olive oil]] being applied to the sick and poured into wounds.{{refn|group=n|This occurs both in the [[Old Testament|Old]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Isaiah|1:6|KJV}}</ref> and [[New Testament]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Mark|6:13|KJV}}</ref><ref>{{bibleverse||James|5:14-15|KJV}}</ref>}}{{sfnp|Easton|1897}} Known sources date from times when anointment already [[#Religion|served a religious function]]; therefore, anointing was also used to combat the malicious influence of [[demon]]s in [[Persian mythology|Persia]], [[Armenian mythology|Armenia]], and [[Ancient Greek religion|Greece]].{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=79}} Anointing was also understood to "seal in" goodness and resist corruption, probably via analogy with the use of a top layer of oil to preserve wine in ancient [[amphora]]s, its spoiling usually being credited to demonic influence.{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}}

For sanitary and religious reasons, the bodies of the dead are sometimes anointed.{{refn|group=n|The Bible records the practice at the time of the [[New Testament]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Mark|14:8|KJV}}</ref><ref>{{bibleverse||Luke|23:56|KJV}}</ref>}}{{sfnp|Easton|1897}} In medieval and early modern Christianity, the practice was particularly associated with protection against [[vampire]]s and [[ghoul]]s who might otherwise take possession of the corpse.{{sfnp|EB|1911|p=80}}