Homer, Winslow. November 28, November 13, Oh what a luxury! Then on it like harpies with hunger they fall, Or rather like scholars in old Harvard Hall. Fortune telling was another popular tradition of frolics and husking parties. When young romantic sentiments took hold, fortune telling promised to reveal future lovers. Practices ranged from roasting nuts over a fire, looking down wells to see the face of a future spouse, and throwing balls of yarn in hopes their soul mate would follow it.
In the late 18th century, famed loyalist poet Jacob Baily described a frolic scene,. Quite sick of confusion, dear Dolly and I Retired from the hubbub new pleasures to try. After hours of music, games, food, and drinking the festivities came to an end. National Park Service Search Search. Exiting nps. Contact Us. Life in Concord during the 18 th and 19 th centuries revolved around community and agriculture.
In some areas local tradition held that finding a red ear of corn was good luck, deserving of a prize. Red ears of corn were an infrequent discovery, caused by an imbalance of sugar in the plant. The rarity of these red ears inspired local folklore. Some early accounts of husking frolics, held that the individual who found a red ear received a kiss as a reward. For the young romantics in a husking party, finding the red ear became a highly coveted tradition. In later accounts, finding the ear caused the entire party to chase the finder until the ear was forfeited via capture.
With the sun setting, attention then turned to the frolic or party. The dance after the husking, Winslow Homer, Homer, Winslow. Conclusions: For generations, husking parties and autumn frolics remained a staple of New England tradition. In the early 19h century, an era of socially conservative values, the grand children of the revolutionary period shifted towards temperance, modesty, and proper etiquette. Over time, those practices mingled with the cultural rituals flowing into America via waves of immigration.
Today, many aspects of husking parties are still present within our own Halloween traditions. Bibliography; Baker, Ray Palmer. You Might Also Like. Loading results Tags minute man national historical park folklore colonial america 19th century halloween new england. Minute Man National Historical Park. Last updated: October 10,
