"Wash After Each Client" – The Night Butterflies and Their Lives in the 19th Century

These women were no different from slaves.

In 19th-century Europe and Tsarist Russia, those in power discovered the potential to exploit women and thus legalized the "oldest profession" in the world, leading to the rise of "night butterflies."

Thanks to Napoleon’s decrees, the registration and regular health checkups of these women were implemented in France as early as 1804. Soon after, brothels flourished in Paris. In Russia, this system was not formalized until 1843. However, by that time, thousands of women had already received what was called the "golden ticket."

This document was issued to women engaged in the oldest profession. Instead of a passport, women over the age of 16 were given this ticket. Its purpose was to control them. From that moment on, they had to abide by strict regulations covering everything—from their place of residence to personal hygiene.

The Rules​

The "night butterflies" had to follow the rules imposed upon them. Since many of these women were illiterate, ministerial decrees were read aloud or explained to them. Some could not read or write at all!

This was not surprising, as they rarely came from the upper class—only about 0.9% were of noble descent. Women in such circumstances were at the very bottom of the social hierarchy and often took up this work out of necessity, simply because they had no other choice. They were daughters of poor parents, orphans, abandoned women, rural girls new to the city, or even women craving adventure. Yes, the latter was not uncommon!

The first and most important rule for these women was regular health checkups.

Authorities feared outbreaks of disease. For example, in 19th-century Moscow, there were up to 2,000 women known as "golden-cloaked," and even more in St. Petersburg. With such numbers, epidemics could spread rapidly. Special appointment times were set aside for these women in hospitals so they wouldn’t mix with other patients.

Gradually, specialized clinics were established solely for these women. If they lived under the supervision of a "madam," they didn’t even need to leave for checkups—the doctor would visit their residence. There, he would record the health status of each worker. If a woman contracted an illness, she was required to be hospitalized—this was strictly enforced by decree.

In some hospitals, poor women received free medical care—but only if they voluntarily sought treatment! If a woman was found to be infected during a police raid (since many worked illegally), she had to pay for medical services. Pregnant women working in the trade were also eligible for free care.

The Hygiene Code​

Another crucial rule was cleanliness.

"The genitals must be washed with cold water as frequently as possible," stated the decree. Additional instructions elaborated on this. Ideally, hygienic procedures were to be performed after each client. Moving from one customer to another without washing and changing clothes was strictly forbidden. During menstruation, women were not allowed to take clients and had to visit the bathhouse twice a week.

Interestingly, the regulations advised using perfumes and cosmetics as sparingly as possible.

Dependence on "Patrons"

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Many women had "keepers"—men who paid their rent, bought them clothing, provided food, and ensured their safety. The regulations of the 19th century essentially turned these women into slaves.

They were required to obey their keepers unconditionally. While cleanliness was an official requirement, illiterate women would not have known this unless their "educators" read it to them.

Restricted Movement

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If a woman left her residence—whether she worked in a brothel or independently—she was required to carry a medical certificate stating her health condition. This was a precaution for any possible situation. If she wanted to relocate, she had to notify the police. Her documents would then be updated with the new address while the old one was removed.

Authorities closely monitored these women. What if one was sick and traveled to another city? This could lead to an outbreak.

Notably, Venice was far ahead of its time. In this Italian city, "prostitutes" had been registered separately since the early 16th century. If a woman moved, her paperwork had to be updated. Clients could request to see her health certificate at any time, and she was obligated to present it immediately. Failure to do so could result in a complaint—and even arrest!

When a Night Butterfly Married​

These rules did not only apply to work but also to their personal lives.

One of the most shocking regulations was that if a prostitute wanted to marry, her husband had to submit a written authorization to the police, stating that he was aware of her past and accepted it.

This was an extremely oppressive rule for women seeking a fresh start. They were forced to reveal their dark past, risking rejection from their beloved. Furthermore, obtaining police permission was a bureaucratic nightmare, making the process even harder.

Punishments for Violations​

Breaking the rules resulted in fines, forced labor, or imprisonment. The duration of confinement depended on individual assessments, considering factors like the severity of the violation and the doctor’s opinion.

In some European cities, prostitutes could even be flogged for serious offenses—a barbaric and humiliating punishment that often left permanent scars.

One of the harshest penalties was forced labor, typically served in prisons or workhouses. The length of forced labor depended on the crime but could last years.

In extreme cases, women were exiled from the city or even the entire country. This was reserved for those deemed particularly dangerous or disruptive to public order.

Breaking the Rules​

Of course, women often broke the rules! The "keepers" were responsible for enforcing hygiene, but they only did so when it suited them. In the cheapest establishments, where service prices were low, sanitation was often appalling.

A common violation involved the age of the prostitutes. Police frequently discovered 11-year-old girls in brothels. Most of these girls came from desperate poverty, seeing their new environment as a form of salvation.

"I eat sweets, do what I want, and have fun," one young girl admitted. "At home, I was beaten."

Many girls were lured and seduced by their future "guardians." These men would watch for homeless children and even stalk schoolgirls. Some were sold by their own parents for money or food. Brothel owners knew that youth was their most valuable commodity, as demand was always high.

During police raids, underage girls were taken to shelters or orphanages. But many escaped to return to their previous lives—thus, the cycle continued.

Difficult to Enter, Nearly Impossible to Leave​

It was easy to enter this system but extremely difficult to escape. If a woman wanted to lead a respectable life, she needed a sponsor—a relative, future husband, or employer—who would vouch for her at the police station. Only then could she officially leave the trade.

However, the biggest problem was that most women became trapped in this lifestyle. They were constantly given alcohol and couldn’t imagine life any other way.

Dancing and partying until dawn, sleeping until noon, then leisurely strolling in silk robes before preparing for the night—this was their daily routine. But this lifestyle ultimately dragged them into ruin.

Their health declined, their humanity faded. A woman who once thrived in a high-class establishment could sink to a third-rate brothel within just three or four years, forced to serve dozens of clients daily.

No matter how you looked at it, the lives of these women never had a happy ending.