Tag: peasants

Gossip and News: How 17th Century French Peasants Shared Information

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We can’t live without our phones, email, TV, and podcasts. How did the people of yore manage? In a 17th-century French village, news traveled at the pace of footsteps and farm carts, stitched together by habit, ritual, and the human love of a good story. Most peasants lived within a few kilometers of one another … Continue reading Gossip and News: How 17th Century French Peasants Shared Information

Time Travel Tuesday

~ jeannemeeks ~ 2 Comments

The poorest of peasants in France in the 17th century did not have horses, mules, carts, and carriages. They traveled on foot and, by necessity, carried whatever they could–but only what they needed. They used baskets, wooded frames, cross-body satchels, fardes (like a hobo’s bindle,)  and sac à dos — literally, ‘bag for the back.’  … Continue reading Time Travel Tuesday

Wonders of Wonders – Time Travel Tuesday

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The Wild Grape Jelly Worked ! I am happy to report that traveling back in time to harvest wild grapes like the peasants did in France in 1650, worked out for my jelly. Actually, peasants didn't make jelly because they lacked sugar. Even so, I got a feel for what they'd go through to use … Continue reading Wonders of Wonders – Time Travel Tuesday

Mystery Monday – Harvesting Wild Grapes

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It’s a mystery to me how I’ve gotten through life so far and why I sometimes do stupid things.  After finding wild grapes along the trail, I imagined being like my peasant character while I picked them. I spent an hour harvesting the grapes and another two hours de-stemming them, my fingers hurt as if … Continue reading Mystery Monday – Harvesting Wild Grapes

Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed

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My granddaughter found this photo in a family album.  She thought we were pretty cool, until I told her it was a costume party.  Ah, the good ole days. Peasants smoked weed, I mean, actual weeds like mullein, coltsfoot, nettle, rosemary, sage for medicinal purposes to clear the lungs, sharpen the mind, and protect against … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed