The practice of smoking snuff was popularized in England in the 17th century. It was popularized slightly earlier in France as well as Scotland because of Scotland’s relationship to France and the French Court.
For a long time, the sign that was used to identify the location of a store that sold cigarettes was one of the Scottish Highlanders wearing a full kilt, cut into wood. The design was intended to resemble the Indian signs for cigar stores across North America.
It is believed that the practice of smoking snuff was first introduced from Central as well as South America before the advent of the Spaniards. It is possible to be the people that first introduced the practice to Europe.
Louis XIII of France forbade the use of snuff , except when prescribed by doctors. In the past, people believed, and many still believe, that snuff helps keep people from getting colds and relieves catarrh and other similar ailments.
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The pope Urban XIII ordered that anyone who is found to be guilty of using the snuff at church must be banned from the church.
The Tsar Michael I of Russia decreed that smokers be punished for the first offense and then executed for the second one, while snuff users should be treated less harshly. They were simply to have their noses removed!
SP Snuff is perhaps the most popular blend in the world. It got its name after a battle that took place off the shores of the Spanish port of Vigo, in 1702. The French fleet was there to defend the rich Spanish galleon convoy. It had left to the West Indies following an attack that was carried out by a joint English as well as a Dutch fleet. The ship was under the direction by Admiral Sir George Rooke.
One ship that was in the Torbay which was under the command of Vice-Admiral Hobson was becalmed and sunk in a dangerous location. The chronicler of the time writes:
“All the while Admiral Hobson was at risk because he was pinned upon board by an French Fireship and his rigging was in flames and he was awaiting every minute to be burned; however, it was a great relief that French vessel, that indeed was a Merchantman , laden with snuff and set to be the role of a Fireship and then blown up and the snuff was somehow, put out the flame, and saved from being consumed. English Man of War from burning.”
The battle, for which Hobson was awarded a knighthood and pension of PS500 and was the main reason for the emergence of the popular style of snuff-taking England. The snuff that was taken from the Spanish galleons contained a huge amount of snuff that was later offered for sale in London.
The term was referred to as “Spanish” by clerks, they quickly abbreviated it to ‘SP’, thus calling the most well-known mix of all.
In the 18th century, smoking snuff was commonplace across the globe. Snuff boxes, which were usually heavily decorated, were used as jewelry and were given as gifts of high value. The lids were usually decorated with miniature scenes from the time like allegories, romantic pastoral scenes, and flowers.
They are regarded as a coveted example of the most exquisite miniature paintings by miniature painters enamellers, jewellers, and silversmiths.