Stuff Not Thy Mouth
One battle which men and women have been fighting since the dawn of man is the conflict between careful parents and unruly children. The timeless struggle to teach children manners, was certainly as much a concern in Colonial America as it is now. In the 18th Century parents had some powerful weapons in this campaign—they used books. These were guides to proper manners, usually printed in Boston, and especially meant to be read by children. They bore such titles as ‘The School of Good Manners’, ‘Youth’s Behavior’, ‘Duties of Children’, and the ever popular ‘Little Pretty Pocket-Book’. Here are a few excerpts: In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein. Kill no vermin as fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others. Never speak to thy parents without some title of respect, Sir, Madam, etc., according to their quality. When any speak to thee, stand up. Say not I have heard it before… Jog not the table or desk on which another writes… Spit not upon the fire, nor sit too wide with thy knees at it…Spit not in the room, but in the corner and rub it with thy foot….
Table Manners… Find no fault with anything that is given thee… Dip not they meat in the sauce…Take not salt with a greasy knife… Spit not, cough not, nor blow thy nose at the table, if it may be avoided…Stuff not thy mouth so as to fill thy cheeks, but be content with smaller mouthfuls… Blow not on thy meat, but with patience wait until it be cool… Smell not of thy meat nor put it to thy nose; turn not the other side upward to view it upon the table…Throw not anything under the table… Pick not thy teeth at the table, unless holding thy napkin before thy mouth with thine other hand. This was compiled by Joseph Gustaitis. I think he has covered most of the important stuff.
Kitchen tip…
To keep from crying… to peel and slice onions without crying, cut off the root first and peel back toward the top. Slice as usual and there will be no tears.
A closed mouth gathers no Feet!!
