Once Upon a Time - how did people deal with farts? It is called The Vanvera

The vanvera was a unique object that became quite popular in Italy during the 19th century, especially among the noble families in Venice.
What made the vanvera special was its purpose. It was used to mask the sound and smell of farts when you were around other people.
This object has very old roots and dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Back then, it was called a "Prallo." During long feasts with the Pharaohs and Emperors, it was used to hide the noise and smell of gas. The design was like a ceramic or wooden egg with a small mouthpiece near the rear end and another hole at the opposite side to let the gas escape. Aromatic herbs could be placed inside to cover up the smell.
In the 1600s, the vanvera became popular again, especially among the Venetian nobility. Two types were created: the "Vanvera da Passeggio," which was made of leather and designed to fit snugly against the buttocks. It had a tube leading to a bladder where the gas would be stored. There was a small hole that could be closed with a string to let the gas escape when you were alone. It was worn under skirts or cloaks and used when you had to leave the house, despite having stomach issues. For example, people would use it when going to the theater or attending social events. The second type, the "Vanvera da Alcova," was similar, but instead of a bladder, it had a long tube. In the summer, the tube led outside through a window; in winter, it went to another room. This version was mainly used by men to avoid embarrassing moments during the first night of marriage when they didn't yet feel comfortable enough with their partner to make natural noises.
By the early 20th century, the vanvera fell out of use, especially as the clothing styles of the nobility changed. Some scholars believe that the Italian saying "parlare a vanvera" (talking nonsense) actually comes from this unusual object.
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