Wordless Wednesday - Women of Pompeii

  

The History of Candles

Since candles were invented, their usability in human culture and societies continues to diversify. At the beginning, it was only about the light. But at that time light was very essential for human existence. And it would not be wrong if I say that candles provided the base of today's modern world. And according to National Candle Association now there are more than 300 candle manufacturers in the U.S. alone.

Earliest use of candles is associated with ancient Egyptians. Dated from the 4th century B.C., Clay candle holders have been found in the Egypt.  In the early stage there was no wick, they were made up of tallow of sheep and cattle as it became hard.

A tallow candle, to be good, must be

Half sheep's tallow and half cow's. 

That of hoggs makes them gutter,

Give an ill smell and a thick black smoak

Author Unknown - 18th century

According to the research on ancient civilization, Roman Empire invented first candle wicks. They melted the tallow to a liquid state and poured it over the cotton fiber, flax or hemp and in this way they created a wick. Although these were good enough for little light but tallow creates smoke and bad smell while burning, so this was the problem.

Tallow candle making room in a castle 

Asians were smart enough that they started extracting the wax from insects, plants and seeds. Between 618 AD and 907 AD, Chinese discovered the use of beeswax. In the early Indian culture they extracted wax from boiling cinnamon. This wax helped in creating the tapered ones. At that time these were mainly used at Indian temples.

Native Americans used the oily fish as candle in the first century A.D., these fishes were called candlefish. Afterwards it became more common among all the human civilizations; both beeswax and tallow made were produced. According to some historians, spermaceti wax was used for first "Standard candles". Mass production of the candles started in 1834. A machine was invented by Morgan that used a cylindrical piston that ejected solid candles in their molds.

  

Candlefish

Come visit the author latest websites on Glass Candle Holders and Tea Light Candles

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Onaedo: The Blacksmith's Daughter by Ngozi Achebe

Maxine is a modern woman who will soon be reunited with her Nigerian father after a 30 year absence. Coincidentally, through an old friend, she discovers a box of ancient hand-written journals. She becomes intrigued when she discovered they were written over 400 years ago from a young woman in the same tribe as that of her father. As she reads the diaries, she finds herself drawn to the poignant tale that sweeps her into 16th century Africa to the roots of the slave trade.

The journal is that of a 15 year old girl, on the verge of womanhood, named Onaedo. Onaedo leads an idyllic life where she experiences first love, marriage, motherhood, and lives in relative peace with her family and friends. Her father is a talented blacksmith, renowned for his intricate work who wants her to marry an eligible man of equal wealth. Her kind, elder brother, Udemezue, escorts Onaedo and her best friend Adanma to a gathering. There, Onaeda meets her secret love, Dualo, a poor young man considered unsuitable to be her husband. Later, when Onaedo learns that Dualo has suddenly left town without word of his return, she reluctantly marries Amechi, a man who ultimately disappoints her.

But Onadeo makes the most of her unhappy marriage, until one day when Portuguese men pluck her from the land and abduct her.  She is placed on a slave shift and taken to Sao Tome where she is thrust into slavery.  But good fortune smiles upon her and she encounters a kind slave master and works as a servant inside the manor.

The novel is a gentle read, easy to escape into and relish its vibrant descriptions. Because the author, Dr. Ngozi Achebe’s roots are in Nigeria, her passion for the country and its history became evident on every page. As I read, I could not help but become enthralled with Onaedo whose adolescent life mirrors our own, but also differs because of fascinating cultural differences. There are strong, endearing characters, onerous villains, and plenty of ancient superstitions and beliefs that weave through this rich tale. But above all, this is the story of a humble, but wise, young woman who must endure incredible loss, who bravely faces an uncertain future and endures slavery in order to survive. The tale also encompasses the loss of the family and clearly depicts their pain as they search for their stolen loved ones.

I truly enjoyed reading this novel because of its unique setting and because it exposed me to a an old culture I knew little about. And that is the essence of what a good historical novels should do! The story ended soon after Onaeda became a slave, far too soon for me, and it left me longing to read on. However, I suspect that there will be a sequel which will continue Onaeda’s story, and I eagerly anticipate its release. Dr. Acebe has created a memorable, true to life, female heroine who defines innocence and courage and brings to life a colourful, but shameful era of history.  A very well written, endearing story.

Wordless Wednesday - Portrait of Tsaritsa Maria Fyodrovna

Portrait of Tsaritsa Maria Fyodrovna

circa 1800's

by

Ivan Karmskoi

Chopines - Platform Heels Renaissance Style

Chopines were platform shoes worn by women in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.   They protected the shoes and dress from mud and street soil.   Chopines were usually put on with the help of two servants.  They caused an unstable and inelegant gait.  Women who wore them usually were accompanied by a servant or attendant upon whom they could balance themselves.

In Venice, the chopine was worn by women of the nobility and courtesans.  The chopine became a symbolic reference to the cultural and social standing of the wearer; the higher the chopine, the higher the status of the wearer.

 

17th Century Venetian Chopines

This high shoe allowed a woman to literally and figuratively tower over others.  During the Renaissance, they became a regular article of women's and became more and more loftier as the years went on.  Some were over 20 inches in height. 

Shakespeare joked about the extreme height of the chopines by using the word altitude in Hamlet when the prince greets a lady and notes how much "nearer to heaven" she had grown since he last saw her — "by the altitude of a chopine."

 Because of a few surviving chopines to this day, we know they are made of wood or cork and covered with leather, brocades, or jewel-embroidered velvet, sometimes to match the fabric of the gown worn.

With practice a woman could walk and even dance gracefully when donning a pair. 

The Italian word for chopines is "zoccoli" which comes from the Italian word "zocco," meaning a stump or a block of wood. 

 

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Wordless Wednesday - Drusilla

 Drusilla by John Godward 

104 Year old Film from 1906 San Francisco

Imagine sitting on this cable car as it slowly drives down Market Street at the Embarcadero Wharf in San Francisco in 1906. This film was "lost" for many years. It was the first 35mm film ever, taken by camera mounted on the front of a cable car.

This film was produced only four days before the Great California Earthquake and then shipped by train to New York for processing. The date was verified by weather conditions and license plates.

I very much enjoyed seeing some of the hats the ladies are wearing. Notice how it's the men who take the risks when crossing the street. The ladies do it much more cautiously. And towards the later part of the film, you'll see a hair-raising manuevre by a car as it squeezes between the main cable car and one that is fast approaching! What a fascinating treasure of history! Enjoy!

Bridget Bishop 1692

Bridget Bishop was born sometime between 1632 and 1637, and during her life, she married three times, but never had any children.  After her first two husbands died, she married Edward Bishop, a sawyer or wood cutter.

During the Salem witch trials, she received the most accusations.  The accusations against her were exceptionally vehement and viciousos - not so much as it pertained to being a witch, but more because of her flagrant and body lifestyle and risky form of dress.  She liked to wear red and kept the rumours flying with tales of her numerous and public fights with her husbands, the wild parties in her home till the wee hours of the morning, her love of drink and her passion for the sinful game of shovel board.  To make matters worse, she, a mere woman, owned two highly successful taverns!

In the Puritan society in which she lived, her blatant disregard for propriety soon brought much unwanted attention to her.  Before long, her dubious character came under speculation because of her shameful conduct caused.  People blamed her for the troubles that arose in other families.  Further, her behaviour corrupted the youth of the down.  She was considered evil.  The charge of witchcraft was soon to follow.

For the times, Briget was a fashion diva.  Her dresses were considered scandalous and it contributed greatly to her conviction.  She usually wore a black cap or a black hat, and a gown with a red paragon bodice bordered and looped with different colors.  Not only did her form of dress incite rumours and spite, it was used as evidence against her in hertrial.  The town dyer gave evidence that she brought him "sundry pieces of lace" outside of the wardrobe of a plain and honest woman.  his dye house "sundry pieces of lace" of shapes and dimensions entirely outside his conceptions of what would be needed in the wardrobe of a plain and honest woman.

After being cleared of witchcraft and being thrown in jail for publically andv violently quarelling with her husbands on previous occasions, another warrant was issued for her arrest on April 18, 1692.  To Bridget's shock, she had never before seen or met any of her accusers.  Her trial was complete with several girls who scremed out in pain caused by her witchcraft.  Here are some of the actual questions posed to her: 

Q: Bishop, what do you say? You stand here charged with sundry acts of witchcraft by you done or committed upon the bodies of Mercy Lewis and Ann Putman and others.

A: I am innocent, I know nothing of it, I have done no witchcraft .... I am as innocent as the child unborn. ....

Q: Goody Bishop, what contact have you made with the Devil?

A: I have made no contact with the Devil. I have never seen him before in my life.

Poor Bridget, even her sister's husband accused her of consorting with the devil.  With the entire town of Salem accusing her, any hope of successfully defeating the charges faded.  It took only 8 days to charge her, conduct a trial, and execute her.  On June 10, before a large crowd, she was transported to Gallows Hill and executed by the town sheriff.  In the seconds before her hanging, she displayed no remorse and continued to profess her innocence.

Numerous other so called witches were executed right after Briget.  Less than a year after her death, her husband married one of her accusers and several others confessed the Devil caused them to accuse her.

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer

When we plan vacations, we seek brochures and books on our desired destinations.  Well, imagine planning a trip to England, that is medieval England in the 14th century.  This is the book to buy.

Ask any author of historical fiction and they will tell you they've done months, even years of research.  In this fascinating book, Ian Mortimer has done all the work.  One needs only to sit back and thumb through all the fabulous pages of intricate details and enjoy, for the author has done the research for us. 

Although specific to medieval England, readers can draw parallels to other European countries through these descriptions.  A definite asset.

From personal hygiene to waste disposal.  From love and marriage to politics.  Clothing, travel, food, entertainment, societal laws and norms, contents of homes, health, aristrocracy and much, much more is discussed in great, lush detail.  A veritable feast for those yearning to understand life in a far away era.

Ian Mortimer, our tour guide, is a veritable expert in his field.  As a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a winner of the Alexander Prize in 2004 for his work on the social history of medicine, he is a well-trusted, well-versed resource.

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England is a must read and a novel that should sit upon the book shelves of every medievalist and author.  The book is welll laid out, never boring, and integral to understanding how life truly was back then.

Bravo Mr. Mortimer.  Hat's off to you for penning a most intriguing, enjoyable novel.

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Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice

Selene of Alexandria


Set in 5th century Alexandria, Selene of Alexandria is the story of a fictional young girl on the verge of womanhood whose desire is to study and become a physician is pure fiction magic. She longs to be mentored by Hypatia, (true historical woman) who was a famous and controversial philosopher during that era.


First, she must fight the social values that insist that noblewomen’s only role were to be wives and mothers. Through a set of gutsy moves, Selene succeeds in all her aspirations. But conflicts between city politicians and religious leaders soon interfere with her plans, bringing danger and hardship and death into her life.

For a debut novel, Selene of Alexandria, is a powerful tale of a woman’s struggles to become a legitimate healer. The backdrop consists of world where Christians are at odds with Jews, where violence and injustice rule. Orestes, the handsome new governor finds himself at odds with the junior, ambitious new cleric named Cyril. At the heart of the novel is the tragic character of Hypatia.

The author has weaved a brilliant tale that brings to life this fascinating era, complete with never-to-forgotten characters, unrequited love, and the desire of one woman to overcome adversity. The ancient civilization of Alexandria comes to life because of the author’s meticulous research that spanned nearly two decades and her penchant for detail. This novel clearly shows the writer’s passion for the era and its characters. It is a story that picks up momentum with each page until it reaches a very explosive ending. Highly recommended.

Wordless Wednesday - Santa Chiara Monastery in Naples

Santa Chiara Monastery in Naples 

FREE EBOOK - A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe

A Sicilian Romance is one of our all time favourite classic novels. 

The story is about the the turbulent history of the fallen aristocrats of the house of Mazzini, on the northern shore of Sicily, as related by a tourist who becomes intrigued by the stories of a monk he meets in the ruins of their doomed castle.

The novel explores the "cavernous landscapes and labyrinthine passages of Sicily's castles and convents to reveal the shameful secrets of its all-powerful aristocracy. Download for free:
A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe

The Love Story of Romeo and Juliette

Romeo and Juliet is an enduring tragic love story written by William Shakespeare about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. Shakespeare borrowed his plot from an original Italian tale.  It is believed Romeo and Juliette were based on actual characters from Verona. 

The Montague and Capulet families are feuding.  The Prince of Verona intervenes and declares that any further fighting will be punishable by death.

 When the Count of Paris approaches Lord Capulet about marrying his daughter, Juliet, he is wary of the request because she is only thirteen.  Capulet asks the Count of Paris to wait another two years and invites him to attend a ball.  Lady Capulet and Juliet's nurse urge Juliet to accept Paris' courtship.

In the Montague house, Benvolio talks with his cousin Romeo, Lord Montague's son, about Romeo's recent melancholy.  Benvolio discovers Romeo's unrequited infatuation for a girl named Rosaline, a niece of Lord Capulet's nieces.  Persuaded by Benvolio Romeo attends the ball at the Capulet house in hopes of meeting Rosaline.  But it is not Rosaline who sweeps him off his feet - it is the fair Juliette.

 

After the ball, Romeo sneaks into the Capulet courtyard and overhears Juliet on her balcony vowing her love to him in spite of her family's hatred for his family.  Romeo makes himself known to her and they agree to be married.

 Juliet's Balcony in Verona 

With the help of a friar, who hopes to reconcile the two families through their children's union, they are secretly married the next day.

 

Juliet's cousin Tybalt, incensed that Romeo had crashed the Capulet ball, challenges him to a duel.  Romeo, now considering Tybalt his kinsman, refuses to fight.  Romeo's friend, Mercutio is offended by Tybalt's insolence, as well as Romeo's "vile submission" and accepts the duel on Romeo's behalf.  Mercutio is fatally wounded when Romeo attempts to break up the fight.  Grief-stricken and wracked with guilt, Romeo confronts and slays Tybalt.

Montague argues that Romeo has justly fought and killed Tybalt for the murder of Mercutio.  The Prince exiles Romeo from Verona and declares that if Romeo returns, he will be executed.  

Romeo secretly spends the night in Juliet's chamber, where they make love for the first and last time, consummating their marriage.  In the morning, he prepares to leave and kisses her one last time.  

 Lord Capulet, misinterpreting Juliet's grief, agrees to marry her to Count Paris and threatens to disown her when she refuses.  Juliette pleads for the marriage to be delayed, but her mother rejects her.

 

Juliet visits Friar Laurence for help, and he offers her a drug that will put her into a death-like coma for forty-two hours.  The Friar promises to send a messenger to inform Romeo of the plan, so that he can rejoin her when she awakens.  On the night before her wedding to the Count, Juliet takes the drug and, when discovered apparently dead, she is laid in the family crypt.

The messenger, however, failed to reach Romeo and, instead, he learned of Juliet's apparent demise from his servant.  Heartbroken, Romeo buys poison from an apothecary and goes to the Capulet crypt.  There, he encounters Count Paris who has come to mourn Juliet privately.

 

Believing Romeo to be a vandal, Paris confronts him and, in the ensuing battle, Romeo kills Paris.  Still believing Juliet to be dead, Romeo drinks the poison.

Juliet then awakens only to find her beloved Romeo dead.  Unwilling to live without him, she stabs herself with his dagger. 

The feuding families and the Prince meet at the tomb to find all three dead.  The Friar recounts their story.  The families are reconciled by their children's deaths and agree to end their violent feud.

Wordless Wednesday - Rome Trevi Fountain