Excepts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, pulished on November 4, 1954 in The Collinsville News.
". . . . Accordingly, many peasants of Scotland and Ireland followed a Hallowe'en custom of waving pitchforks full of burning straw in the air, hoping to chase away evil spirits and set on fire the brooms
of any witches flying past.
It was common for European races to believe in witches, hence the peasants of Ireland, Scotland and England taught their children how witches mounted on brooms with black cats behind them, would sometimes fly through the night on their way to a "Witches' Sabbath" or revel.
These witches, fairies, good and evil spirits, were supposed to be able to foretell the future, so it was natural that on this night of spirits, games of fortune telling should become a part of Hallowe'en.
Nuts and apples were used ih these games, hence our bobbing for apples in a tub of water. On the apple, if you succeed in getting one, will be name of your future husband or wife!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Halloween Origins
Excepts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, pulished on November 4, 1954 in The Collinsville News.
"Tricks or Treat!" When you hear that demand at your doorstep on Hallow'en, and a troop of small goblins, ghosts, and lively skeletons wait in the misty autumn night, you are listening to a challenge believed to have first been made more than 2,000 years ago.
It originated in good old Ireland, the same country that gave us St. Patrick's day. Not generally known is the fact that Halloween, especially in its prankish and mischief-making ways, was first brought to America by Irish immigrants over a century ago.
A frosty fall night when ghosts are abroad in the land, when strange things happen, when jacko'-lanterns grin down on apple-ducking parties, Hallowe'en dates back to the mysterious primitive
time of the sun-worshiping-Druids.
Long, long ago on the night of October 31, the Druid medicine men lighted great bonfires which reflected in the night sky over mist-covered hills and valleys of Ireland. As Ireland was the last strong
hold of Druid priests, who practiced their ceremonies in the oak forests of the countryside, it was there that the bonfires burned brightest on the Day of the Dead, a festival associated with the dying of the summer season.
Those bonfires served several purposes. They paid tribute to the spirit who, on October 31, sent souls of many of the dead into a Druid heaven. They honored the all powerful Sun-God who was now being thanked for a bountiful autumn harvest, and they also helped to drive off evil spirits that might be abroad. . . . .
"Tricks or Treat!" When you hear that demand at your doorstep on Hallow'en, and a troop of small goblins, ghosts, and lively skeletons wait in the misty autumn night, you are listening to a challenge believed to have first been made more than 2,000 years ago.
It originated in good old Ireland, the same country that gave us St. Patrick's day. Not generally known is the fact that Halloween, especially in its prankish and mischief-making ways, was first brought to America by Irish immigrants over a century ago.
A frosty fall night when ghosts are abroad in the land, when strange things happen, when jacko'-lanterns grin down on apple-ducking parties, Hallowe'en dates back to the mysterious primitive
time of the sun-worshiping-Druids.
Long, long ago on the night of October 31, the Druid medicine men lighted great bonfires which reflected in the night sky over mist-covered hills and valleys of Ireland. As Ireland was the last strong
hold of Druid priests, who practiced their ceremonies in the oak forests of the countryside, it was there that the bonfires burned brightest on the Day of the Dead, a festival associated with the dying of the summer season.
Those bonfires served several purposes. They paid tribute to the spirit who, on October 31, sent souls of many of the dead into a Druid heaven. They honored the all powerful Sun-God who was now being thanked for a bountiful autumn harvest, and they also helped to drive off evil spirits that might be abroad. . . . .
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Fair Time
Except taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, September 12, 1948 in The Collinsville News.
"There is an atmosphere of romance surrounding fairs, for they, like the Fourth of July, revive memories of family gatherings; whether the fair is one of today's modern affairs where everyone arrives in a motor vehicle, or one of by-gone days when whole families, cramped from the long ride since sun-up, clambered out,
over the wagon wheels, from the straw packed wagon bed, the interests center about the same exhibitions;
men, naturally gravitate to the sheds and tents where new fangled models of brightly painted implements stand; the women gather around the results of their prowess with cooking, canning, baking equipment to compare and judge for themselves why this pan of
rolls received the coveted ribbon instead of that one, or why one can of pickles was given a higher award than another.
Another section in the hall of arts that interests women is the rainbow display of needlework from their nimble fingers."
Note: Wouldn't Mrs. Morrow have been overwhelmed - and probably very impressed - with the thousands that attend the hugely popular State Fairs of today? Designed to be much more than local competitions, they are a place to inform and amaze consumers about new products and services. And, of course, the massive amusement rides are complemented by decadent foods only to be found and consumed at the "State Fair."
"There is an atmosphere of romance surrounding fairs, for they, like the Fourth of July, revive memories of family gatherings; whether the fair is one of today's modern affairs where everyone arrives in a motor vehicle, or one of by-gone days when whole families, cramped from the long ride since sun-up, clambered out,
over the wagon wheels, from the straw packed wagon bed, the interests center about the same exhibitions;
men, naturally gravitate to the sheds and tents where new fangled models of brightly painted implements stand; the women gather around the results of their prowess with cooking, canning, baking equipment to compare and judge for themselves why this pan of
rolls received the coveted ribbon instead of that one, or why one can of pickles was given a higher award than another.
Another section in the hall of arts that interests women is the rainbow display of needlework from their nimble fingers."
Note: Wouldn't Mrs. Morrow have been overwhelmed - and probably very impressed - with the thousands that attend the hugely popular State Fairs of today? Designed to be much more than local competitions, they are a place to inform and amaze consumers about new products and services. And, of course, the massive amusement rides are complemented by decadent foods only to be found and consumed at the "State Fair."
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Teachers - What Keeps Them Going
Except taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, August 28, 1960, in The Collinsville News.
"One of the teacher's constant tasks is to take a roomful of live wires and see that they are properly grounded.
This does not mean that the child's personality is submerged, that his individuality is squelched, that his independence is conquered. It does mean that his personal powers are discovered and directed into creative and productive activities to be used the rest of his
life for both livelihood and pleasure.
It does mean that the teacher may direct his thinking into channels of responsible living, a critical examination of himself and his work and of our national and international situation.
The pendulum in education is swinging back again into the theory that thinking is called a duty. No amount of gadgets will free us of our need to think. . . .
This is the challenge of the dedicated teacher. Our job is big and important and worthwhile.
With all the patience, and sometimes impatience, with all the petty annoyances, and little triumphs, we see the power that we have when we plant the first seeds in young minds that will grow and reach out to better the world of the future.
What a challenge to teachers to know that the future businessmen,
w r it e r s , parents, teachers. and politicians, among whom will be the future presidents of the United States, are sitting in front of them, every day listening to and absorbing whatever ideas they
give them!"
Note: Ms. Morrow taught 4th grade at Washington Elementary during the 1950'a and 1960's and held students to high standard. She was demanding but fair and challenged each child to reach their full potential. She was my 4th grade teacher in 1957-58. Source: Dr. Kathleen Morrow, grand-daughter.
"One of the teacher's constant tasks is to take a roomful of live wires and see that they are properly grounded.
This does not mean that the child's personality is submerged, that his individuality is squelched, that his independence is conquered. It does mean that his personal powers are discovered and directed into creative and productive activities to be used the rest of his
life for both livelihood and pleasure.
It does mean that the teacher may direct his thinking into channels of responsible living, a critical examination of himself and his work and of our national and international situation.
The pendulum in education is swinging back again into the theory that thinking is called a duty. No amount of gadgets will free us of our need to think. . . .
This is the challenge of the dedicated teacher. Our job is big and important and worthwhile.
With all the patience, and sometimes impatience, with all the petty annoyances, and little triumphs, we see the power that we have when we plant the first seeds in young minds that will grow and reach out to better the world of the future.
What a challenge to teachers to know that the future businessmen,
w r it e r s , parents, teachers. and politicians, among whom will be the future presidents of the United States, are sitting in front of them, every day listening to and absorbing whatever ideas they
give them!"
Note: Ms. Morrow taught 4th grade at Washington Elementary during the 1950'a and 1960's and held students to high standard. She was demanding but fair and challenged each child to reach their full potential. She was my 4th grade teacher in 1957-58. Source: Dr. Kathleen Morrow, grand-daughter.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
September - Is it the seventh month? or the ninth month? Oh my goodness, how things do change!
Except taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, September 16, 1954 in The Collinsville News.
"According to the calendar on our desks, September is the ninth month of the year. That is because, we, like everyone else, use what is called the Gregorian calendar. It is a little confusing, though, because the word "September" really means "seventh member of the year" in Latin.
It really was the seventh month until Julius Caesar decreed the reform of the calendar, took a day f'rom February and named it for himself. Then Augustus Caesar, not to be outdone by Uncle Julius, took another day from February, and named his month August.
So when they and Pope Gregory got done with September, it was in ninth place, although its name said seventh place."
"According to the calendar on our desks, September is the ninth month of the year. That is because, we, like everyone else, use what is called the Gregorian calendar. It is a little confusing, though, because the word "September" really means "seventh member of the year" in Latin.
It really was the seventh month until Julius Caesar decreed the reform of the calendar, took a day f'rom February and named it for himself. Then Augustus Caesar, not to be outdone by Uncle Julius, took another day from February, and named his month August.
So when they and Pope Gregory got done with September, it was in ninth place, although its name said seventh place."
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Labor Day - A balance in our workplace with freedom in the marketplace
Except taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman," Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, published August 30, 1951 in The Collinsville News.
"I remember my first Labor Day and at the time wondered what it was all about. I recall. too, what was then called "walking delegates", men who went from job to job in the district to oversee labor conditions and check illegal practices. They always seemed to be big, burly fellows and we children were afraid of them as
they stood for strife and always seemed to have a chip on their shoulders.
Labor was just beginning: to make itself heard in those days. Nowadays, when Labor has become so powerful that it is the tail trying to wag the dog, instead of the other way around, we must seek a safe balance of industry for both producer and consumer. We do not ever want to lose our free enterprise system and be like Socialist England where a man dare not sell even an onion that does not meet government measurements and weights or where a woman dare not have chicken for Sunday dinner without government permission.
We want good protection for labor and we shall have gone a long way toward solving the problem of war if we scatter the seeds of free enterprise and good labor laws to the far corners of the earth where millions are still enslaved to the tyranny and power of a few rich overlords. But let's keep watchful, lest we let, our own government get more and more power to tell us what to raise, how to buy and sell against our own good judgment-we are in danger of losing our precious possession."
* * * *
"I remember my first Labor Day and at the time wondered what it was all about. I recall. too, what was then called "walking delegates", men who went from job to job in the district to oversee labor conditions and check illegal practices. They always seemed to be big, burly fellows and we children were afraid of them as
they stood for strife and always seemed to have a chip on their shoulders.
Labor was just beginning: to make itself heard in those days. Nowadays, when Labor has become so powerful that it is the tail trying to wag the dog, instead of the other way around, we must seek a safe balance of industry for both producer and consumer. We do not ever want to lose our free enterprise system and be like Socialist England where a man dare not sell even an onion that does not meet government measurements and weights or where a woman dare not have chicken for Sunday dinner without government permission.
We want good protection for labor and we shall have gone a long way toward solving the problem of war if we scatter the seeds of free enterprise and good labor laws to the far corners of the earth where millions are still enslaved to the tyranny and power of a few rich overlords. But let's keep watchful, lest we let, our own government get more and more power to tell us what to raise, how to buy and sell against our own good judgment-we are in danger of losing our precious possession."
* * * *
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Happiness Comes Through a Door. . . .
Excerpts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" published in The Collinsville News, April 17, 1947
"A recent honor that would have seemed unbelievable ten years ago has come to me: honorary membership in the national women's journalism fraternity, Theta Sigma Phi "for journalism directed to the country woman".
It is like John Barrymore said of happiness which so often comes thru a door you didn't know you'd left open.
Imagine my surprise . . . "
Friday, May 23, 2014
History of Memorial Day - Gen. John A. Logan
Except from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow published in The Collinsville News, May 27, 1948.
There are many legends, disputes, and a few facts as to the origin of the custom, and Carbondale, Ill., home of John A Logan, rightly claims the first honor. Strange as it may seem, this story, too, is accepted as authentic.
The southern women of Charleston, South Carolina, a Confederate state, were inspired by the deaths of northern men, union men to observe the first Memorial Day on the same day that Lincoln's body lay in state in Chicago. The tragic death of Lincoln, culminating four years of grief, death, and burials in both north and south, the slow progress of his funeral train from \Washington to the prairies of Illinois so crystalized the hysteria of a nation that when the proclamation to honor the dead came, Memorial Day burst from the people, spontaneously. "
NOTE: Further research shows that "John Alexander Logan (February 9, 1826 – December 26, 1886) was an American soldier and political leader. He served in the Mexican-American War and was a general in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He served the state of Illinois as a state senator, congressman and senator and was an unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States with James G. Blaine in the election of 1884. As the 3rd Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) as an official holiday. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Logan
"I have often wondered when and by .whom Memorial Day was originated and when I read that it was started in the South, I began to investigate, for I had always supposed it was originally northern custom. I find that I was declared a national holiday on May 5, 1868, by General John A. Logan, Commander of the G. A. R.. May 30 "was for the greater part of the nation, to become the "Day of Remembrance", a day to honor the dead, not the living nor the conquerors."
The southern women of Charleston, South Carolina, a Confederate state, were inspired by the deaths of northern men, union men to observe the first Memorial Day on the same day that Lincoln's body lay in state in Chicago. The tragic death of Lincoln, culminating four years of grief, death, and burials in both north and south, the slow progress of his funeral train from \Washington to the prairies of Illinois so crystalized the hysteria of a nation that when the proclamation to honor the dead came, Memorial Day burst from the people, spontaneously. "
NOTE: Further research shows that "John Alexander Logan (February 9, 1826 – December 26, 1886) was an American soldier and political leader. He served in the Mexican-American War and was a general in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He served the state of Illinois as a state senator, congressman and senator and was an unsuccessful candidate for Vice President of the United States with James G. Blaine in the election of 1884. As the 3rd Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, he is regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) as an official holiday. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Logan
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Planting your garden according to "the signs"
Excerpts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow, April, 4, 1946.
"We've been slow about getting garden in, and for the first time that I can remember the garden it has lain, unplowed all winter. If we planted "in the moon instead of in the ground" it would be later than ever, awaiting the proper sign to roll around again;
Following are gleanings from an old fashioned gardener who plants "in the signs" and always has garden if anyone has. "Plant crops that grow above ground like cucumbers, melons, lettuce in the "twins" or "arms".
Plant flowers in the "Virgin" or "flower woman" and most anything, especially corn, in "Scorpio" or "the secrets." Following are gleanings from an old fashioned gardener who plants "in the signs" and always has garden if anyone has. "Plant crops that grow above ground like cucumbers, melons, lettuce in the "twins" or "arms".
The "Balances" or "forearms" is a good sign for pulp and root products; and fair for grain.
Potatoes should be planted in "dark moon" when the sign is in "Scorpio," or "the feet, Pisces."
(Since St. Patrick's Day came on Sunday this year, I wondered how people who always plant potatoes on that day, managed.)
The "Bowman" is a good time to plant beans and all crops that produce above ground.
Never plant in the "Lion" or "heart" nor in the "Waterman (Aquarius)" as the seeds will rot: Kill weeds then.
Dark moon is from full Moon to month's end as I understand it."
NOTE: Supposedly the plants can be affected by the light of the moon and the gravitational pull of the moon which also affects water. Many people believed that planting "by the moon" or "planting by the signs".
"Plant flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon: from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full. Plant flowering bulbs and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon: from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. www.almanac.com
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