Etymology
This lovely word appeared in the Middle Ages when silk was used to make bed linens. Not just anyone’s bed, of course. It was reserved exclusively for the chambers of lords and nobles. This silk came from very famous and renowned workshops in the heart of Baghdad, in present-day Iraq. But at the time, in Italian, we didn’t say Baghdad but “Baldacco.” From the Latin “Baldakinus” or “Baudekinus.” This name was subsequently given directly to this luxury fabric: “baldacchino.” Literally, “little Baghdad.” Quickly, the entire piece of furniture took on this name. The French translation of “baldacchino” was then “baldaquin.” Wealthy merchants then added the word “lit” (bed), thus giving us the final linguistic result – “lit à baldaquin” (canopy bed).