A Blessed Morning To You!
Those diversions that we may indulge in, on a limited basis, bring so much excitement when we can finally entertain them. Victorian mothers knew this secret, and thus kept a Rainy Day Cupboard.
Can't you picture dear reader, the heavy armoire door opening to exhibit neatly labeled boxes packed with all sorts of activities? A "treasure trove of inspiration" that kept the children happily occupied all afternoon.
Tradition says that the Rainy Day Cupboard could not be opened or used on any other occasion, and not a single exception was made. I read a story in which a child asked for a rainy day supply and her mother declined. The child started crying and asked, "Well, whatever shall I do?" And mother smartly replied, "Pray for rain..."
Here are some suggestions for creating your own Rainy Day Cupboard. Stock a deep desk or high cabinet with:
stickers
wrapping paper
fabric and lace
empty tins and cartons
crayons, paints, pencils
buttons, boxes, and old magazines
cards, felt, wallpaper
yarn, stuffing, or beads.
This celebrated tradition was not restricted to young people. Women made tea and baked fine pastries. Whole families spent the day writing letters to family and friends far off. Rainy Days were not for gloom.
Ideas taken with love from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions, by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Warmly,
Alis
No comments:
Post a Comment