Cigars in European Society: A Brief History
The introduction of cigars to European society dates back to the late 15th century, following Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the New World. Columbus and his crew encountered tobacco in the Caribbean during their voyages, and the practice of smoking it spread to Europe in the early 16th century. Initially, tobacco was consumed in various forms, such as pipes or snuff, but cigars—rolled tobacco leaves—began to take hold in Spain and Portugal in the 17th century. Spanish settlers in Cuba, an island under Spanish colonial rule, began cultivating tobacco on a large scale, leading to the creation of some of the finest cigars in the world.
By the 18th century, cigars became a symbol of social status, especially in royal courts and among the European elite. In Spain, particularly, cigars were integrated into high society, and the famous Cuban cigars began to gain international recognition. With the development of the cigar industry in Cuba, cigars became a luxury product in demand across Europe, particularly in cities like London, Paris, and Madrid. The 19th century saw the industrialization of cigar production, making cigars more accessible to the middle class. By this time, cigars had firmly established themselves in European culture as symbols of sophistication and celebration.
In the 20th century, despite the rise of anti-smoking campaigns and the growing awareness of health risks, cigars retained their cultural cachet. Particularly after World War II, cigars were associated with prosperity, masculinity, and success. The Cuban embargo after the 1959 revolution in Cuba, which prohibited the importation of Cuban cigars to the U.S., only increased their allure in Europe. Cigars became a statement of defiance to American policy, further elevating their status as a luxury item.
In the 21st century, cigars remain a symbol of indulgence and leisure in European society, despite the ongoing health concerns and tighter regulations. Cigar lounges and exclusive events cater to aficionados, and premium cigars are often viewed as a mark of refinement. While consumption has decreased in some countries due to health concerns, cigars continue to maintain a niche but enduring presence in European culture.
Women and Cigars in European Society
In European society, cigars were historically associated with men, particularly in the context of elite social spaces such as gentlemen's clubs, political salons, and business dealings. Smoking cigars was considered a masculine pursuit, and women who smoked cigars were often viewed as unconventional or even scandalous. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, European women were expected to adhere to strict societal norms that largely excluded them from behaviors like smoking cigars, which were seen as signs of rebellion or defiance against gender roles.
However, over time, especially with the influence of the women's suffrage and feminist movements in the 20th century, the image of women and cigars began to shift. Women in Europe, particularly in the more cosmopolitan cities like Paris and London, began to assert their independence and challenge traditional roles, and cigars, once seen as taboo for women, became a form of personal expression. Iconic figures like actress Greta Garbo and the bold, glamorous Marlene Dietrich in the 1930s and 1940s, who were frequently photographed with cigars, helped create a new image of the cigar-smoking woman—one that was glamorous, sophisticated, and powerful.
By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the cigar-smoking culture in Europe became more inclusive, and women were no longer confined to the periphery of cigar lounges or exclusive events. Women in Europe began to embrace cigars not just as symbols of defiance or glamour, but also as an expression of leisure and quality. The rise of female cigar enthusiasts, particularly in countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, has seen women participate in the appreciation of fine cigars, with many women becoming regulars at cigar lounges, and some even taking up roles as cigar manufacturers or entrepreneurs in the cigar industry.
Today, cigars are enjoyed by a growing number of women in European society, from casual smokers to serious aficionados. The changing cultural attitudes reflect broader shifts in gender equality and personal freedom, with women now playing an increasingly visible and respected role in the world of cigars.