7 Quick-Tips for Thanksgiving Time Travel Under $50
Last modified on 2009-10-06 05:42:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
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1. Make and Use English Serviettes – $20. English “serviettes” were basically bath towel-sized dinner napkins. Men would fold theirs twice lengthwise and drape them over the shoulder opposite the dominant hand. Women may have used them the same, or laid them open across the lap. Complete instructions for making serviettes are provided in the historical Thanksgiving guide, and also for free at our LetsPlayHistory.org blog: http://www.letsplayhistory.org/3squaresaday/carries-chat/serviette/ .
2. Omit Forks, Use Only Pointed Knives – $4. In 1620-21, neither the Native Wampanoag or the English used forks to eat. In both cultures a pointed knife was used like the fork is used today. Native knives were made of stone, and English knives were made of straight-edge steel. Our local dollar store carries wood-handled pointed dinner knives 2 for $1. See what your local Dollar Store carries. Even though serrated (which is inauthentic), the Dollar Store knives are an inexpensive prop for time travel starters!
3. Omit Salt & Pepper Shakers, Add a Salt Dip – $5. While the Native Wampanoag did not use salt and pepper in their cooking, the English did bring these condiments with them on the Mayflower. The English did not, however, put pepper out at the table, while the salt was set out in a central, open, small wood or pewter bowl called a “salt dip.” Diners used their pointed knife tips to scoop up a small amount of salt from the communal dip, and then would tap the back of the knife blade with their index finger to slowly knock the salt onto their food. Don’t forget to explain this up front to your hungry guests! Even if they don’t need the salt, curiosity will have them all wanting to experience dipping for salt in 1621-style!
4. Give Thanks English-Style – $0. The English in this time period prayed with eyes open and heaven-ward, and hands raised palms up. They also spoke in King James vernacular, using their “thee’s, thou’s and thine’s.” This can prove very humorous! Also, “God” was pronounced “Gott” in this time period.
5. Give Thanks Native Wampanoag-Style – $4. The Native Wampanoag had been giving thanks with fall maize offerings to the Great Spirit for centuries prior to the English 1621 feast. Colorful maize runs about $4 per three ears, which is enough for an offering. Simply burn the dried ears of maize completely in a fire before preparing the day’s food.
6. Play (English) Card Games with a 1567 French Deck – $8. Even if you only play modern card games, why not play with a reproduction 1567 French deck? This reproduction deck is very typical of what was readily available to English royalty and commoners alike in the early 17th century. The deck runs about $5 plus $3 shipping, and is available through HistoricGames.com. But don’t stop there! You must add Old-English phrases, insults and threats to the fun of playing card games! Many, many more historical games are available in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition..
7. Make a Native Wampanoag Head Dress (or Two) – $8. Show kind respect to our Native Peoples by accurately depicting the Wampanoag tribes. The head dresses of the Wampanoag had only a small number of feathers, and they were always pointed down, or to the side; never up like the stereotyped plains Indians. Simply take a strip of leather or faux leather, and close the back side to size with sinew whip stitches, or with a tie / knot (sinew details in the guide). Insert or otherwise apply one or two medium to large bird feathers in the back, pointed down or to the side. And don’t forget: the Wampanoag word for “hello” is “kway,” not “how.” More Wampanoag words, phrases, customs, music resources and clothing details are available in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition.
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By Carrie Franzwa, LetsPlayHistory.org, IdeasThanksgiving.com, copyright 2009
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Tags: ideas thanksgiving, time travel day, thanksgiving best, decorating ideas thanksgiving, table settings for thanksgiving, thanksgiving tablescape, things to do for thanksgiving, family thanksgiving ideas
Posted August 31, 2009 by Admin
