Celebrating New Year's Victorian Style by Vickie McDonough

Happy New Year!

Did you know that New Year’s Eve wasn’t always celebrated in December? It’s true. The Ancient Roman calendar used to follow the lunar cycle, which had the new year beginning in March. Astronomer Sosigenes convinced Julius Caesar to follow the solar year, instead, so from 46 B.C. on, the new year began in January.

The earliest New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day celebrations date back to Mesopotamia times, but I’d like to tell you about some interesting ways people in the Victorian era commemorated the new year.

You're invited to a Ball

Matchmaking

Wealthy Victorians held open houses, inviting all the local eligible bachelors into their homes to meet their unmarried daughters. What followed was kin to our modern-day “speed-dating.” A young man would likely receive invitations from quite a few households and would spend 15 minutes or so chatting with the resident young woman (or women) therein before moving on to his next engagement.

Bells

At midnight on New Years’ Eve, bells were rung to symbolize good’s victory over evil and to bring hope for peace and happiness in the year ahead.

The Threshold

The threshold held significance among Victorians. It represented the passing from one year to the next. At the stroke of midnight, the front door was flung open and the new year was greeted with shouts of “Welcome! Welcome!” Then the head of the household would throw a cake against the door to ensure a year without hunger.

The first person to cross the threshold after midnight was believed to foretell the family’s fortune for the year. If this person came bearing gifts (usually of coal, spices, sweets, and whiskey), this was seen as a sure sign of prosperity for the year ahead. If it was a dark-haired male, good fortune lay ahead. If it was a blonde, troubles loomed.

Phantom Balls

Middle-class Victorians would attend what were known as “Phantom Balls.” These were parties that called for ghostly costumes, card games, and even a bit of football for the men.

New Clothes

A new suit of clothing was worn on the first of the year to symbolize fresh beginnings and a leaving behind of all the past year’s hardships.

Clover & Swine

As the Victorians did for all special holidays and occasions, postcards were sent to loved ones bearing well wishes. Pigs and clover were considered bearers of good fortune and thus were often featured in the illustrations of New Year tidings.

Giving Gifts

Sending cards and small gifts of fruit, spices, and money were thought to be practices that would encourage the generosity of the Fates in the coming year.

Cleaning the Fireplace

Cleaning out the ashes from the fireplace was to be done on New Year’s Eve as a sign of sweeping away all the past year’s ills and ushering in the new year with a clean slate. Additionally, one was not to leave the house on New Year’s Day holding any kind of flame, whether it's a candle or lamp.

Pocket Money

Victorians were sure to have a bit of money in their pockets on New Year’s Day in order to ward against poverty and misfortune in the new year.

I wish you a healthy and blessed new year!




Last chance to get Gabriel's Atonement for just 99¢.

Gambler Gabe Coulter is confronted by a drunken cowboy who wants his money back. Gabe refuses and a gunfight ensues. The dying man tells Gabe the money was for his wife and son. Though the shooting was self-defense, Gabe wrestles with guilt. The only way he knows to get rid of it is to return the money he fairly won to the man’s widow. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and refuses his help. But as she struggles to feed her family, she wonders if God might have sent him to help.

https://www.amazon.com/Gabriels-Atonement-Land-Rush-Dreams-ebook/dp/B07YL8PS4Y/



Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 50 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. www.VickieMcDonough.com

Gambler Gabe Coulter is confronted by a drunken cowboy who wants his money back. Gabe refuses and a gunfight ensues. The dying man tells Gabe the money was for his wife and son. Though the shooting was self-defense, Gabe wrestles with guilt. The only way he knows to get rid of it is to return the money he fairly won to the man’s widow. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and refuses his help. But as she struggles to feed her family, she wonders if God might have sent him to help. Last chance to purchase the ebook for 99¢.

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 50 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. 

 

HHH DECEMBER BOOK DAY

THE QUILTING CIRCLE

Historical Romance Series

By Mary Davis

THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT (Book1) – Will a secret clouding a single mother’s past cost Lily the man she loves?

THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT (Book2) *2020 Selah Awards Finalist & WRMA Finalist* – As Isabelle’s romance prospects are turning in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams.

THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (Book3) *2021 Selah Awards Winner& WRMA Finalist*– Nicole heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband. Can she learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?

THE DÉBUTANTE’S SECRET (Book4) –Complications arise when a fancy French lady, Geneviève, steps off the train and into Deputy Montana’s arms.

 

 

 

BRIDE BY BLACKMAIL

By Debbie Lynne Costello

A broken heart, controlling father, and intrusive Scot leave Charlotte reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With her and her sister’s futures at stake, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness. Eager to find the traitor who caused the death of his brother, Duncan comes to America attempting to fit into Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan acquires a second mission—winning the lass's hand. After several spurnings, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

 

 

HILLS OF NEVERMORE

By Janalyn Voigt

America Reed hides her secret shame, certain God is angry with her. She avoids Shane Hayes, the blue-eyed circuit preacher, never guessing his desire to live down his own past. For readers who enjoy redemptive love stories.

 

 

LEGACY OF LOVE

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience, Meg Underwood settles in Spruce Hill, Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Spruce Hill. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her newfound wealth is the basis of his attraction.

On sale!

 

 

TITANIC: LEGACY OF BETRAYAL

By Kathleen E. Kovach, et al.

A secret. A key. Much was buried on the Titanic, but now it's time for resurrection. Follow two intertwining stories a century apart. 1912 - Matriarch Olive Stanford protects a secret after boarding the Titanic that must go to her grave. 2012 - Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones receives the key that will unlock the mystery of her past... and her distrusting heart. Review: “I told my wife to move this book to the top of her reading list... This titanic story is more interesting than the one told in the Titanic movie... She will absolutely love it.”

 

 

APPLE PANDOWDY BY ALICE

By Kimberly Grist

Two men in competition to capture the heart of a cautious cook. Is this a recipe for disaster or true love?

Alice Connelly can find no peace accepting a role as a mail-order bride and instead accepts a job and relocates to Texas. But in a town where single men outnumber women thirty to one, she’s more confused than ever. Sparks fly as more than one suitor competes to win the opportunity to join her for dinner and dancing at the town’s Thanksgiving Celebration. But is the winner the man of her dreams? Bets are on.

 

 

COME OUT OF HIDING

By Sherri Stewart

Everyone has someone they look up to—someone like Julie Richards.

She has looks and wealth and charm and intelligence. She’s a dedicated immigration attorney who gives her all to her clients. Julie seems to have it all. Even her quirky humor and lack of a filter add to the perfect picture. But it’s difficult, because she always turns down your invitations. Some might wonder why Julie never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet you for coffee. Some might wonder why she never comes out of that house unless it’s for work.

 

 

THIMBLES AND THREAD

By Suzanne Norquist, et al

4 Love Stories Are Quilted Into Broken Lives

“Mending Sarah’s Heart” By Suzanne Norquist, et al.

Rockledge, Colorado, 1884

Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. With four brothers to mentor her boys and income as a seamstress, she seeks a quiet life. If only the Emporium of Fashion would stop stealing her customers and the local hoodlums would leave her sons alone. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?

 

“Bygones” by Mary Davis

Texas, 1884

Drawn to the new orphan boy in town, Tilly Rockford soon became the unfortunate victim of a lot of Orion Dunbar’s mischievous deeds in school. Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? Now she doesn’t even know she holds his heart. Can this deviant orphan-train boy turned man make up for the misdeeds of his youth and win Tilly’s heart before another man steals her away?

 

 

A HOLIDAY HEART

By Denise Weimer

On the verge of starting her own company, Atlanta film makeup artist Ashlyn Jennings is willed a mysterious key from her grandmother’s estate. Mamie Lou, a former Hollywood B-lister, always demonstrated a flair for the dramatic. But Mamie Lou expected her to clean out a mountain cabin no one even knew about? And right at Christmas? When Ashlyn arrives at White Falls Lodge, little is she prepared to be stranded by a snow storm, irritated by the handsome resort owner, and redirected by a God Ashlyn wants to forget, through Mamie Lou’s real gift … her grandmother’s secret past.

 

 

LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE

The Amish Charm Bakery Book 1

By Molly Jebber

Liza suffered a bad Amish marriage, and she plans to enjoy her bakery as a widow. Until she meets Jacob who needs help with his daughter, Ellie. When Ellie brings danger and mayhem to them, Liza's not sure what she has gotten herself into. Jacob has captured her heart, but she won’t marry him until Ellie approves, and that doesn’t look likely. What does God have in store for them?

Molly has signed with Sony last month to make Liza’s Second Chance a movie!

 

 

THE LAST PIECE

By Terrie Todd

For puzzle-lovers and non-puzzle lovers. Let the holidays linger a little longer with at least two historical Christmas scenes sure to press your nostalgia buttons! “A puzzle, multiple owners, twists and turns and lessons learned. A great read that covers multiple generations. Filled with just the right amount of life changing truth to encourage my heart. Thank you to this author for yet another great story. I highly recommend it.” (from an Amazon reviewer)

 

 

THE CRYPTOGRAPHER’S DILEMMA

By Johnnie Alexander

A Cryptographer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring

FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?

 

 

The Destiny Series; SWEPT INTO DESTINY, DESTINY'S WHIRLWIND, DESTINY OF HEART, and Waltz WITH DESTINY

By Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Get whisked into the lives of the McConnell women in this historical Christian fiction series. Follow these strong women from the days of the Civil War through the epic battle with Hitler. Discover what has inspired readers all across the world as these four books are brought together as a set for the first time.

"...Brakefield's books are historically accurate novels that skillfully combine Christian values with exciting action, realistic emotions and beautiful descriptions...I find my faith deepened by the struggles of her characters." Review by Carol Coppens

When purchasing from CrossRiver Media Group get The Benefit Package for only an additional 99 cents.

 

 

SONG FOR THE HUNTER

By Naomi Musch

Métis hunter Bemidii Marchal has never played his flute to court a maiden but considers the possibility at Fort William’s Great Rendezvous. However, when rescuing his sister causes an influential man’s death, the hunter becomes the hunted. Bemidii flees for refuge to Lake Superior’s Madeline Island assuming the name Benjamin. Camilla Bonnet travels with her husband into the wilderness where tragedy awaits. Left alone, she’s forced to trust “Benjamin”. Initial fear turns to friendship and soon to deeper feelings. Then Bemidii discovers more about the man he killed. Now his secret might turn Camilla’s heart away—and demand his life.

 

GABRIEL’S ATONEMENT

By Vickie McDonough

Gambler Gabe Coulter is confronted by a drunken cowboy who wants his money back. Gabe refuses and a gunfight ensues. The dying man tells Gabe the money was for his wife and son. Though the shooting was self-defense, Gabe wrestles with guilt. The only way he knows to get rid of it is to return the money he fairly won to the man’s widow. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and refuses his help. But as she struggles to feed her family, she wonders if God might have sent him to help. Last chance to purchase the ebook for 99¢.

A Midnight Kiss—Where did the New Year’s tradition come from?

I have to admit, I remember being quite young when I became intrigued by the idea of a kiss at the midnight stroke of the New Year. I believe old movies fraught with escalating tension between the hero and heroine had a lot to do with it. Even if the main characters weren't doing the kissing, and it was all taking place in the background beneath a shower of confetti, flying corks, and a garbled rendition of Auld Lang Syne, the film makers sure seemed to make that countdown kiss a big deal. But why?

Where did the midnight New Year’s kiss come from?

I’m not too happy to tell you, because it was apparently loaded with a history of promiscuity and pagan ritual. Like some other holiday traditions we celebrate today, the New Year's kiss stems all the way back to those ancient Romans who seemed to have had the market cornered on combining adoration of their pagan gods with merry-making to the extreme. In the case of the New Year’s kiss, the Roman practice surrounded Saturnalia a god they celebrated in terms of farming and winter solstice. In fact, even some of our Christmas traditions are entwined with that one, such as decorating with wreaths and boughs and giving gifts, though now of course, Christian households take a different meaning to those activities. The entire atmosphere of the Roman event that lasted from December 17th-23rd was filled with a carnival atmosphere that broke down class barriers, such as between slaves and masters, and involved—you guessed it—a lot of kissing and—ahem—other carnal activities.

By the time we move up history’s timeline to the period of the Renaissance, the meaning of the midnight kiss had come along as a form of expressing and hoping for “good luck”. By this period the masked-ball party had popularized, so a lot of kissing license was taken behind supposed anonymity, as was other forms of promiscuity. We won’t go there.

As the New Year’s tradition of the midnight kiss evolved in English and German folklore, it was said that an individual's yearly destiny would be determined by the first person he or she encountered in the new year. For very superstitious folks, I can see why that would be concerning. Sooner rather than later, people took the bold step of determining their destiny by choosing who they wanted that “first person” to be. And voilà! the modern New Year’s smooch was born.

Fiction writers and movie makers have been trying to create the best New Year’s kissing scenes ever since. Well, kissing scenes in general. Here's a classic.

If you want to close out 2021 with a story that contained my favorite “book kiss” of the year, check out the brand new one by Candice Sue Patterson—Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. The hero and heroine’s first kiss in that story is a sizzler, and in a fabulously romantic setting! Did you have a favorite this year?

Be sure to pop back to the blog tomorrow (and every month on the 30th) to discover some terrific books which are sure to drop some pretty lovely kisses in the pages—chaste ones of course!

Until next year, here’s to you and yours as we step into 2022. May God pour his kiss of blessings on you in ways beyond your fathoming. May you have profound peace, deep joy, and pleasurable reading!

Happy New Year! Mwah! 😘

Naomi Musch

Drop by my website for a FREE 2022 Calendar, easy to download and print. It’s really pretty!

https://naomimusch.com

Song for the Hunter

I have a NEW RELEASE! It’s so hot off the press, the ink is barely dry!

Métis Hunter Bemidii Marchal has never played his flute to court a maiden.

Now tragedy has brought his path alongside golden-haired Frenchwoman Camilla Bonnet’s, whose fear of him he longs to wipe away. But the secret he hides could turn her heart away—and demand his life.

Available at:

Smitten/Iron Stream Media

Christian Book

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The History of Oatmeal (with Giveaway) By Donna Schlachter

Photo by Vie Studio from Pexels

When we think of oatmeal, we often think of Scotland. Oatmeal became a staple in Scottish cooking because oats are better suited to the soil and climate of Scotland than is wheat. As a result, the plentiful grain offered lots of opportunities to incorporate it into everyday eating, particularly of farmers and the poor. Imagine how humiliating, however, when oatmeal was referred to “food for British horses or Scottish farmers”. 

Photo by Jonas Togo from Pexels

However, while not known conclusively, most experts agree that oatmeal originated in Asia Minor, primarily because of the many subspecies of oats that grow there naturally. In fact, oats have been known since about 2000 BC by the Egyptians, and perhaps even earlier by the Chinese. While most of these cultures thought of oats as little more than weeds, and even the Greeks and Romans of 1000 BC considered them as nothing better than food for barbarians.

Still, thanks to the Romans, oats made their way to the British Isles and eventually to Scotland.

One reason oats are not as popular as wheat and barley is because they go rancid more quickly if not stored properly. While the fat content is generally the healthy kind, preserving the grain took more work and more dry conditions.

Image by Benjaphon Khidhathong from Pixabay

Once the grain gained a reputation for being good for livestock, it was not eaten by people, except the very poor. However, in Scotland, oats have become the national grain, and oatmeal the national dish, right up there with haggis, which itself contains oatmeal.

Although less than five percent of commercially grown oats are consumed by humans today, it still comprises a staple breakfast food in the form of oatmeal, porridge, and the like. Oats are often ground into flour for those who are gluten intolerant, and there are a variety of processes to prepare it for cooking, including steel cut, rolled, and ground.

Image by PublicDomainArchive from Pixabay

In America, oats were brought from Scotland with immigrants. However, the grain wasn’t grown in quantity until the 19th century. A cookbook from 1903 said that oatmeal cooked for 24 hours was best. This form of hot cereal was made with groats, which was hulled and crushed grain, cut into pieces and soaked overnight. Oatmeal could also be substituted either as flour or whole in breads, cakes, and cookies.

https://www.quakeroats.com/about-quaker-oats/quaker-history

Quaker Oats, created in 1877, sold oats in boxes and in bulk by 1885. Steel cut oats were often browned in butter, then simmered in water for twenty minutes, making them toasty and chewy at the same time.

Another use of oats was as a food for sick infants and adults in the form of gruel. Similar to watery porridge, the oats are stewed with water or milk into a thin mixture. Sometimes this thinning of the cereal was used in orphanages and poor houses as a way to fill an empty stomach without spending much money.

Throughout history, other non-culinary uses for and benefits of oatmeal have been discovered. It is a remedy for dry, itchy skin when used in bath water. Oatmeal purges the liver of cholesterol, forcing the body to find its source of lipids in the bloodstream, which can lower cholesterol levels for bad fats. Oatmeal can remove odors from enclosed areas such as closets, basements, and, in modern times, refrigerators, in much the same way baking soda will. Oatmeal will ease your pet’s itchy skin, absorb oily kitchen spills, and treat poison ivy or chicken pox itching.

However you choose to consume oatmeal, one thing is true: it’s good for you in many forms.



Question: What’s your favorite use of oats or oatmeal? Leave a comment to enter a random drawing for a print (US only) or ebook copy of “Time Will Tell”.



About Time Will Tell:

Sadie Bauer inherits her father’s watch and clock repair shop in the Mall beneath Main Street, Pueblo. However, she soon learns that Fate conspires against her operating this business and keeping her father’s memory alive.

Will O’Reilly, recently dismissed for fighting, longs to help this beautiful damsel in distress, but she’s about as prickly as a porcupine. He’d like their relationship to be more than employer-employee, but if she learns of their connection through their ex-fiances, she might not want to have anything to do with him.

Can Sadie overcome her mistrust of men in general, and of a certain suave salesman in particular? Can Will get past his former betrothed’s infidelity? And can both learn to trust the God who makes all things beautiful in His time?



About Donna:

 

 

Donna writes historical and contemporary mystery, and has been published more than 50 times in novellas, full-length novels, and non-fiction books. She is a member of several writing communities; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; blogs regularly; and judges in writing contests. She lives in Denver with her husband and two cats, finding mysteries wherever she travels. You can find her books on Amazon under both her name and that of her former pen name, Leeann Betts.

 

 

 

 

 

www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatmeal

https://www.krcu.org/2021-01-25/a-harte-appetite-the-origins-of-oatmeal

https://magazine.fighttimes.com/a-brief-history-of-oats-and-how-you-should-eat-them/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/history-of-breakfast-in-america/

https://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/how-to/10-alternative-uses-for-your-old-oatmeal-0145261/

El Morro.

 

El Morro




By Jennifer Major

(All photos are mine.)



A while back, I think in 2017, my Navajo mentor and his wife took me and my Partner in Crime on a day trip around South East New Mexico. One stop was a place called El Morro. We only had a short time to scope the place out and regretted that we couldn't stay and explore.

Now, if you haven't heard of El Morro, here's the Reader's Digest version...

El Morro is situated on a pre-historic Zuni-Acoma trade route in South East New Mexico, and has been a rest stop and watering hole for thousands of years. In 1605, Spanish explorers came upon the sandstone bluffs, and the literal oasis in the high desert. They found not only abundant water, but ancient petroglyphs, and an ancient village atop the cliffs. From that point on, travelers left their names, dates, and often some indication of what brought them this far into what was then tribal lands uncharted by non-Indigenous invaders or explorers.

By "explore", I mean, "hike to the top and see the ruins".

Fast forward to a trip in May 2019, for which we planned and researched down to the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. So after a fabulous visit to White Sands, and a drive across Southern New Mexico which involved a high-speed police chase with some drug-smugglers (no, they were not after us) we made it to El Morro and our accommodations (that's another story...oh my, a second floor in a cabin should actually be more than a bed with a foot of headroom).

After breakfast at a nearby diner (like, twenty feet away) we packed up our snacks, water, hats and backpacks and headed back into the past.

Since El Morro is in the high desert, it was already at an altitude of 7,296 feet, so let's just say we started the hike really slow.

Say hello to the nice snake. No, it wasn't venomous, or interested in us.

It's and utterly breathtaking trek to the top, and we only had to use the defibrillator a few times. Each. 

But the reward for the hike, in unbelievable winds that knocked us off our feet more than once, was seeing the stunning ruins of the 875 room Ancestral Puebloan village.

I must confess, the hike down was a wee bit easier on the lungs and legs, but even that part of the trek left us breathless.

We even encountered a class of elementary school kids who took waving to a whole new level.

It was a fabulous day, and utterly humbling to go back almost 800 years in time to visit the home of people for whom history has very little record.

It amazed me to be near someone's home, built by hand, and to know they'd have seen the same view we saw when we climbed up to the footstep of heaven.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jennifer Major is a Vancouver girl living in Atlantic Canada, where her husband works as a research scientist.

She was kicked out of Green Gables (for sitting on the fainting couch) on PEI, and is still quite proud of that fact.

You can find her at www.jennifermajorbooks.com