Context: On Oct 30, 1501, Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) allegedly hosted the “Banquet of Chestnuts” in the Vatican. According to the diary of Johann Burchard, 50 courtesans were brought in to crawl naked on the floor picking up chestnuts. Guests were rewarded with silk gowns and gold based on who could perform the act the most times.
Explanation From Original OP:
If anyone is wondering why picking up nuts would be a feat of endurance, chestnut husks are quite unpleasant to handle.
It’s nuts!