Famous Instruments in History: The "Arpicembalo" by Bartolomeo Cristofori

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Today in our series on famous instruments in history, we come to the "Arpicembalo" by Bartolomeo Cristofori, otherwise known as the first piano ever invented. 

Bartolomeo Cristofori
Public Domain

Bartolomeo Cristofori was born in Padua in the Republic of Venice on May 4, 1655. His early life is a mystery, although we do know that he was recorded as a member of the household of Nicola Amati in the1680 census, which has led some to believe that he was apprenticed under this famous Violin maker. 

Bartolomeo's story really begins in 1688 at the age of thirty-three. Prince Ferdenando de Medici was searching for a new technician to maintain his many instruments. His previous technician had recently died, and the prince was well-known as a lover and patron of music. How he came across Bartolomeo is quite unknown and not recorded in any history. However, he recruited Cristofori as his new technician, persuading him to take the job with a high salary. According to an interview for a journal at the time, which is one of the only insights we have into Cristofori's life, he really didn't want the job, but Prince Ferdenando de Medici was insistent on wanting no one else but him. Circumstantial evidence indicates that the Prince must have known him as not only a skilled musical technician, but also as a tinkerer and inventor. 

At any rate, Cristofori did accept the job and moved to Florence a month or two later to begin his work. While there, he maintained, transported instruments, kept them in tune, did restoration work on older harpsichords, and on top of all that, experimented with his own instruments. 

The first official record we have of what is known today as the Piano was from an inventory list of the Medici in 1700 which stated: 

An "Arpicembalo" by Bartolomeo Cristofori, of new invention that produces soft and loud, with two sets of strings at unison pitch, with soundboard of cypress without rose..."

Another document referring to this instrument had a note in the margins from the musicians of the Medici court:

 These are the ways in which it is possible to play the Arpicimbalo del piano e forte, invented by Master Bartolomeo Christofani [sic] of Padua in the year 1700, harpsichord maker to the Most Serene Grand Prince Ferdinand of Tuscany. (transl. Stewart Pollens)

It is from this longer reference to the instrument, the Arpicimbalo del piano e forte, that we took "piano forte" and later just "piano" for this instrument. Cristofori went on to make many pianos, selling some of them to high-profile patrons such as the king of Portugal.  Cristofori outlived Prince Ferdenando de Medici but continued working for the Medici court for some time afterward. He also apprenticed a young man by the name of Giovanni Ferrini, who went on to become a famous instrument maker himself, continuing his master's legacy. However, Cristofori and his apprentice must have had a bit of a falling out before his death, because rather than Ferrini assisting him in his sickness and end-of-life care, it was a group of sisters he referred to as the "Dal Mela sisters". He changed his will from bequeathing all his tools to Ferrini and instead left almost everything to the sisters and only a small sum for his apprentice. 

Cristofori died at the age of seventy-five on January 27, 1731, in Florence. 

We don't know how many instruments Cristofori crafted during his lifetime, but three of his pianos still survive today, including this one from the Metropolitan Museum in New York which was made in 1720.

The 1720 Cristofori piano in the Metropolitan Museum in New York
By Shriram Rajagopalan
 - Flickr: Met-32, CC BY 2.0, 

As a lover of piano music and an amateur player myself, I am grateful to Barolomeo Cristofori for his contribution to the world of music through the invention of this beautiful instrument.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Famous Instruments in History: Stradivarius Violins

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Continuing our series on famous instruments in history brings us to Italy in the 1700's where a legendary craftsman created instruments that would live in infamy for hundreds of years. 

A romanticized print of Antonio Stradivari examining an instrument

By Viktor Bobrov - Oberndorfer, Anne Faulkner (1921)

Public Domain

The Stradivarius family, specifically Antonio Stradivarius, was a luthier and craftsman who made stringed instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, and even harps. Antonio was born, raised, lived and died in Cremona, which is present day Italy, and still holds a strong connection to this legendary luthier. The exact year of his birth is unknown, but sometime between 1644-1649. His family was well established in Cremona, although little is known about Antonio's birth and early childhood. The first record of him in Cremona is the label on his first known violin, made in 1666, which also indicated that Antonio may have apprenticed under Nicola Amati during his teenage years. Amati was a well-known and skilled luthier in Cremona, which would have made him a logical choice for Antonio's parents when choosing an apprenticeship for their son. However, other scholars and historians believe that Antonio's workmanship more closely resembled that of another luthier, Francesco Rugeri. 

Antonio married his first wife on July 4, 1667 around the age of twenty. His wife, Francesca, was a young widow with two children. Together they had five children, but sadly, one of them died at only a week old. After 30 years of marriage, Francesca passed away in 1698.  Antonio remarried about a year later to 35 year old Antiona Maria Zambelli, who would have been about twenty years his junior. They had five more children in quick succession between the years of 1700-1708. 

Antonio's reputation began to grow. He crafted violins and experimented with different techniques. But he was not the only luthier in Cremona, in fact, at least two other violin families lived just down the road from him. He continued to hone his craft and began to pick up some high-profile clients. A Venician banker ordered a complete set of instruments from him, which were intended to be gifted to King James II of England, however it is unknown if this gift ever made it to the king. 

Maker's Label from a Stradivarius Violin
Public Domain

Around 1690, something caused Antonio to change his technique and depart from his previous style. First, he began to make a larger pattern which became known as "long Strads." Second, he changed the varnish he was using to a darker toned one. By 1700, he abandoned the long Strad style for a shorter model, which he used until his death. This was about the time he entered what is known as his Golden Period of instrument crafting. 

Stradivarius is said to have produced around 1,116 instruments during his 75-year career. Of those, around 650 survive until today and are highly prized and legendary. It is said that the Stradivarius, particularly the violins, have unmatched sound and almost feel alive to the musician. They have become somewhat relics among the devout musician community, touted to be the finest ever made. 

Fun fact, Sherlock Holmes possessed a Stradivarius Violin in the original works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

Instruments made by Stradivarius during his Golden Period of 1700-1725 are the ones that fetch the highest price and sell for millions of dollars today. Just a few months ago, one sold on Sotheby's auction for $11.2 million dollars, but some have sold for even more than that. 

These instruments are so prized that they are subject to theft. There are many Stradivarius violins that have been stolen, but most of them are recovered, since reselling something so well-known is very difficult. However, there are at least 3 Stradivarius violins that have been stolen and are still unaccounted for.

If you are curious to hear what these violins sound like, below is a video that was produced for a Stradivarius violin recently sold at auction. It includes the breathtaking sound, as well as explanations from musicians on how the violin feels to them and why they prize it so highly.

   

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Famous Instruments in History: Egyptian Harp from the Tomb of Ani

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Continuing our journey through history to find the most famous musical instruments, we come to ancient Egypt somewhere between 1,069-1,550 B.C. During the 18th Dynasty (or 19th by some sources), there lived a Theban Scribe by the name of Ani. He must have been a very rich and influential character, because his tomb is one of the most consequential finds from Ancient Egypt.

During archeological excavations of the city of Thebes, Egypt, they found the tomb of Ani with several legendary artifacts. Not much is known about the actual excavations, and many of the artifacts ended up being sold on illegal antiquities markets.

The most well-known artifact from Ani's tomb, is the Papyrus that was discovered there. It is considered the most complete "Book of Going Forth by Day" or the better-known title, "Book of the Dead" ever discovered. It contains the depiction that all of us imagine when we think of Egyptian art with Anubis weighing the heart of Ani. It is believed that Ani created this papyrus himself.

Papyrus of Ani
Public Domain

The artifact we are interested in today is lesser known. It is a harp made of wood, inlaid with glazed ceramic and bone. It had a length of just over 3 feet, and a width of about 5 inches. This harp had only five strings, and the sound box was shaped as the head of a deity or ruler with a striped headdress and double crown. On the other end of the harp, it features a falcon head. Which was fairly common for this type of instrument. The upper neck of the harp had tuning pegs for the five strings.

The harp was the most important instrument in Ancient Egypt. It was often featured during banquets by male soloists, according to the depictions we find in tombs. Harps during this era usually had nine to twelve strings, making Ani's harp unique. Some harps in this era could be even taller than this one, reaching sometimes to the full height of the person playing it.

Harp of Ani's Tomb on display at the British Museum

Creative Commons: Dreamyshade

It is unclear if this harp was buried with Ani as an item of wealth or possessions, to ensure his comfort in the afterlife, or if it was a prized personal possession. If it were the latter, it would indicate that he probably played the instrument and enjoyed it immensely.

In 1976, this harp appeared in the third volume on musical instruments in the British Museum’s catalog of Egyptian Antiquities, written by the Egyptologist Robert David Anderson.

This beautiful harp currently resides at the British Museum in London.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Famous Musical Instruments: The Lyres of Ur

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Continuing with our series of famous musical instruments in history, today we travel to ancient Mesopotamia, or modern-day Iraq. 

In 1929, a team of archeologists from the British Museum and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology teamed up to excavate the site of the Royal Cemetery at the site of ancient Ur. Under the leadership of head archaeologist Leonard Woolley, they made some astounding discoveries, which included the remains of ten women, and among them, fragments of four lyres. Well, technically three lyres and one harp. (In case we have any harp aficionados reading here.)

Leonard Woolley holding the hardened plaster mold
of the Queen's Lyre during excavations in 1922
Public Domain

The archeologists carefully excavated the fragments and then reconstructed and restored them to their former glory. Historians have dated the instruments to the Early Dynastic III Period of Mesopotamia, which makes them over 4,500 years old and the world's oldest surviving stringed instruments. 

Records indicated that one of the woman's remains seemed to have been placed leaning against the lyre, with her hand where the strings would have been. The lyres were made of wood, which had long since deteriorated, however since they were decorated with non-perishable adornments, such as silver and gold, the archaeologists were able to poor plaster into the mold where the wood had previously been and recreate the form.  

The four harps were similar, but distinct. 

The Golden Lyre

The Golden Lyre of Ur
Photo By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg)
Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

This is the finest of the lyres discovered. It's wooden form was reconstructed but then damaged during the Second Iraq War. A replica of it now belongs to the Iraq Museum in Bagdad and is part of a traveling ensemble. It is also known as the "Bull Harp" because it features a bull head made entirely out of gold. The eyes of the bull were made out of inlaid nacre, and the beard of the animal from lapis lazuli, which is a deep blue semi-precious stone. 

The Queen's Lyre

The Queen's Lyre
Photo By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
 FRCP(Glasg) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

The Queen's Lyre is similar in appearance to the Golden Lyre, however it is named such because it was excavated from the tomb of Queen Pu-abi. It is also designed to imitate the body of a bull and has a bull head. However, only the mask of the bull was made of gold and the eyes, hair and beard are all made of the lapis lazuli. There are some minor differences in the appearance of the two bull heads as well. The Queen's Lyre is held at the British Museum in London. 

The Bull-Headed Lyre

Bull Headed Lyre of Ur
Photo By Binxedits - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Again, we see a theme here. This lyre also features a bull head. It's head, face and horns were all wrapped in gold foil, while its beard, hair and eyes were made of lapis lazuli. What is most interesting about this one, is that below the bull's head is a panel that depicts four scenes of what appears to be their religious lore. To me, it is very reminiscent of Egyptian Mythology. This lyre is housed in Philidelphia Pennsylvania at the Penn Museum. 

The Silver Lyre

The Silver Lyre of Ur
Photo By Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
FRCP(Glasg) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

This one is different, because it is overlaid with silver rather than gold. However it still features the bull head as the others do. It was made of wood but covered in sheets of silver that were fastened with silver nails. The eyes were made of lapis lazuli also. Another notable difference is that this bull does not have a beard, and because of this, some speculate that it is actually a cow rather than a bull. This harp was found in the section of the cemetery that was known as the "Great Death Pitt." It is held by the British Museum in London. 

Depiction of a Lyre Player from the excavations of Ur
Photo Courtesy of the British Museum Collection,
CC BY-SA 4.0

Besides the fact that these are the oldest surviving stringed instruments in history, I also found these interesting because they come from the ancient city of Ur. As Christians, we will recognize that city from the Bible when God called Abraham out of the city of Ur and beckoned him to leave his family and all that he knew to pursue a personal relationship with God. 

Which lyre is your favorite? 

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/  and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Famous Musical Instruments: King David's Harp

 

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Hello friends!

Today we are embarking on the first of a new series where we will talk about the most famous musical instruments in history. As a bit of a musician myself, I found this topic interesting, and I hope you do as well. 

The kinnor in a mosaic found in
 a synagogue in Gaza.
Circa 6th century A.D.
Public Domain.

When you read about King David in your Biblical fiction, what image comes to mind? A young shepherd? A mighty king, who also happened to be a skilled musician? And what about the instrument he's most famously linked with? 

His instrument is a harp, more specifically: the kinnor.

Now, the kinnor wasn't exactly the big, ornate harp we often imagine in Renaissance paintings. Think smaller, more portable – perhaps something like a lyre or a small handheld harp with around ten strings. Imagine the rich, resonant sound it would have made!

For the ancient Israelites, the kinnor wasn't just for entertainment. It was deeply woven into the fabric of their lives and especially their worship. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David himself, were likely sung accompanied by the kinnor. In fact, some Psalms (such as Psalm 33:2) specifically mention giving thanks to God upon the kinnor. Can you just picture King David, pouring out his heart to God, his joys and his sorrows, with the strings of his kinnor echoing his emotions?  

Depiction of King David composing Psalms
By Gennadii Saus i Segura
Original from the Paris Psalter,
Public Domain

The Talmud relates a legend that King David hung a lyre above his bed. At midnight, a northernly wind would tickle the strings of the harp and awaken David. He would rise and study the Torah until dawn stole over the kingdom.

Beyond David, the kinnor held a significant place in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was one of the instruments played by the Levites during worship services, creating a powerful and moving atmosphere. Sadly, after the destruction of the Temple, the prominent use of the kinnor in Jewish life diminished.

Even so, the image of King David with his kinnor has endured through centuries. It symbolizes not only artistic talent but also a deep connection to God and the power of music to express faith. So, the next time you read about King David, let the image of his kinnor bring a richer understanding of his character and the vibrant musical traditions of ancient Israel. It's a beautiful thread in the tapestry of history, connecting us to a time long ago.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/  and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

The Rabbit's Conquest

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Napoleon Bonaparte
Public Domain

In honor of Spring, today we dive into a history of the bunny's most ambitious but little-known conquest. Conquest, you ask. Yes indeed. Bunnies seem so fluffy and innocent, but little did you know that they once set to flight one of the greatest generals in all of history.

It was July of 1807, and the French army under Napoleon Bonaparte was celebrating their victory and the Treaties of Tilsit. Napoleon's Chief of Staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, had the idea to host a great rabbit hunt to mark the occasion. He had property near Paris that was perfect for the celebration and the hunt. It was only lacking one thing. Rabbits. And he would need a great number of them for such a grand hunt. He wanted it to be equal to the victory they had experienced and thrill the emperor and his entourage. That was no problem for Berthier, however. He precured one thousand rabbits to be released the morning of the hunt. All was well.

Napoleon and his military officers began the morning with a lavish breakfast at Berthier's property. When they were finished, they made their way down to the park to begin the rabbit hunt. Everything was going exactly as planned.

Then they released the rabbits.

Berthier expected the rabbits to scatter into hiding places so they could be hunted. To behave as rabbits were known to behave. But this particular group of rabbits, the exact number unknown but a horde by all accounts, instead of scattering, began to cluster together. Then, they charged. Running toward the hunters and Emperor Napoleon.

European Rabbit
JM Ligero Loarte, CC BY 3.0 

Initially, the men laughed at the sight. But when the swarm descended upon them, concern began to grow. Berthier thought quickly and assembled a band of coachmen with whips and surrounded the emperor to ward off the swarm of rabbits from him. At first, that seemed to work, and the group of men started to laugh again. Then the unthinkable happened. General Paul Charles François Adrien Henri Dieudonné Thiébault recounted what happened next in his memoir.

They were looking on the incident as a delay - comical, do doubt, but well over - when, by a wheel in three bodies to the right and left, the intrepid rabbits turned the Emperor's flank, attacked him frantically in the rear, refused to quit their hold, piled themselves up between his legs till they made him stagger, and forced the conqueror of conquerors, fairly exhausted, to retreat and leave them in possession of the field.

The rabbits climbed up Napoleon's legs and clung to the sleeves of his jacket. Eventually, the emperor retreated to his carriage, but the rabbits still pursued him. Some historians have described the onslaught as demonstrating “a finer understanding of Napoleonic strategy than most of his generals,”


In addition to the comedic value and irony of this story, there is a deeper moral. It turns out that the rabbits Berthier had acquired were domesticated. Since they hadn't been fed, they swarmed the humans thinking that they would feed them. The moral of the story is that even bunnies can overpower the strongest of men when they are both hungry and united.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

A History of the Worst Fashion Trends

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Oh, the things that women will do for fashion. From the time we were little girls, the phrase "you must sacrifice comfort for beauty" was drilled into our heads. But it has been that way for quite some time, and not always was it only women who fell prey to the worst fashion trends. Today we will explore several of history's worst, and then you can let me know in the comments which one YOU think is the worst of them all. 

Lotus Shoes - Ancient China

Lotus Shoes circa 1911
Photo by: Daniel Schwen CC

In ancient China, small feet were considered to be a mark of beauty among women. In order to facilitate this look, many extreme measures were taken to make the feet appear, or even be, smaller. These "Lotus Shoes", so named because their shape was supposed to resemble the lotus flower, required women to tightly bind their feet in order to fit in them. This process ended up being torturously painful and ended in broken bones, mobility issues and deformities. However, even with these terrible consequences, it seems women were willing participants in the practice. Anything to look and feel like a beautiful, high class lady. 

Lotus shoes were made of expensive materials such as silk with elaborate designs and embroidery. The designs would even continue onto the sole of the foot, which is interesting, because in modern times, we don't imagine anyone paying attention to the bottoms of our soles. Young women typically wore brighter colors like purple and green, whereas older or middle-aged women would wear blue or blue green. Black was avoided, as it was associated with bruising, and red was only for special occasions such as weddings, new year, etc. 

The foot swaddling process involved forcing the four smaller toes under the big toe and encasing the foot with a high arch. It sounds painful even describing it. This method was often started when the woman was young and took years to complete the re-shaping of the foot. Regardless of the terrible side-effects of such binding, Chinese women continued to use these shoes until the 1950's. But I suppose some could argue that heels are just about as bad!

The Ruff of the 16th -17th Century

Queen Elizabeth I with her Ruff Collar
Public Domain

We all know what a ruff is, because we've seen it in pictures of Queen Elizabeth, Pocahontas, and other historical figures. It's the stiff, white collar that was ruffled and unmistakable. 

The ruff, besides being fashionable for more than a decade, was worn by all, men, women and children. It was intended to be practical in that it could be detached from the clothing and washed separately, thus reducing the need to wash the gown or shirt it was attached to and catch the perspiration that would undoubtedly arise along the neckline. Anyone who has had to launder the neckline of dress shirts can relate. Originally, they were made of linen cambric and more discreet but as time went on, they became bigger and made with more fancy materials. Eventually, you had huge ruffs made of lace. These large ones became even more impractical and even dangerous. The heavy starches used to make them stiff caused discomfort and irritation of the skin. Head movement was restricted. Eating became difficult while wearing them. Some of the more elaborate ones had wire to reinforce the shape which could even lead to breathing difficulties. 

Hobble Skirts of the Early 20th Century

Hobble Skirt Postcard
Public Domain

Some believe this style may have been inspired by the Japanese kimono. Another theory is that it was inspired by the first female to fly in an airplane. As the legend goes, Mrs. Edith Ogilby Berg asked the Wright Brothers for a ride at a demonstration in 1908. She tied a rope around the bottom of her skirt to keep it from flying up during the flight. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum claims that a French designer was inspired at the way the woman walked away from the aircraft, with her skirts still bound, and designed skirts with a tight loop near the calves or ankles. Some postcards from this era jokingly refer to the skirt as the "speed limit skirt" because it limits the wearer's stride. Some ladies even engaged in hobble skirt races to further this joke. 

However, this trend was rather short-lived as it was popular right at the time that women became more physically active. For obvious reasons, this skirt made that difficult. This skirt was also directly responsible for several deaths, including one where a young lady was walking on a bridge and stumbled, tumbling over the railing into the water below where she drowned. The popularity of the skirt quickly declined, especially as WWI erupted and the restricted movement didn't suit wartime needs. 

Lead-based Makeup

An 1889 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting
of a woman applying facial cosmetics
Public Domain

In ancient times, lead was used as a foundational ingredient in cosmetics. We now know how dangerous this is, but it took centuries before that was discovered. Queen Elizabeth I is considered to have been one of the victims of lead poisoning due to cosmetics, as many of her health problems may have been related. Also Maria Gunning, Countess of Coventry, is considered to have been a death related to lead based cosmetics. However, it wasn't until the early 1900s that lead bases became less common, and unfortunately, we still occasionally encounter lead in cosmetics today. 

Arsenic Dyes

Bright green clothing in the Victorian era was usually accomplished using arsenic. We now understand that is a poison, but at the time, it was used in fabrics, wallpapers, home furnishings and more. Not only were the workers creating these items at risk, but the eventual consumer also suffered from exposure to this toxic material. Even worse, it was sometimes used as a food dye also. In 1858 the deadly Bradford Sweet poisoning killed 21 people with green hard candies. The effects of arsenic are horrific, causing ulcers, vomiting, hair loss and the failure of the liver and kidneys. Yet still women continued to use arsenic base items for a long time.  

Which of these fashion fails do you think is the worst?

 

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Table for Two, Please - Romance Through the Ages

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Photo By: Anh Nguyen
Pexels CC

Happy February, Everyone! This is the month of love and I've come prepared. With Valentine's Day approaching, the most common way to celebrate is with a romantic dinner for two at a nice restaurant. But was that always the romantic gesture it is today?

No. In fact, even the idea of romancing one's spouse is a relatively new one.

First, the idea of romance in marriage wasn't always a given. In many societies, marriage was more about political connections, wealth, or convenience than it was about love and romance. People needed a workmate, someone to help provide daily needs and partner together to raise a family. It wasn't until the 1700's that the idea of marrying for love rose to the forefront, and not until 1850 when love became a primary consideration. The Victorian era was truly a revolution on that front. But even during this era, Valentine's Day was a time of romantic cards, poems and even gifts, but not dinner at a restaurant.

In the 19th Century, dinner at a restaurant was something taboo and scandalous. Mostly because "French restaurants" with romantic dinners were synonymous with brothels at that time. Emily Post advised in 1923 that “It is not good form for an engaged couple to dine together in a restaurant, but it is all right for them to lunch, or have afternoon tea . . . They should take a chaperon if they motor to road-houses for meals.”

Most culinary historians agree that it was around the 1930's that taking a lady out to dinner became an acceptable way to celebrate. That's when restaurant ads and menus start to mention doing so. Culinary historian Charles Perry believes "The tradition probably arose during the Depression, when any meal out was a special occasion. Popular restaurants like Sardi's had some tables with curtains so that couples could choose to see and be seen or have an intimate meal while still enjoying the sounds of the orchestra."

Couple Dining circa 1910
Art by Lester Ralph

At some restaurants, the heavy curtains and low light in private dining areas still lent themselves to questionable conduct. Especially if the restaurant also had a back entrance where people could enter and exit discreetly, making secret affairs easier to execute.

However, by the 1960's, it seems to have become common for husbands to take their wives to dinner in order to give them a respite from their homemaking duties. And what is more romantic than that?

Today, while our gender roles are less strict than they were in the 1960's, dining out still seems to be the way to go. However, for many, the idea is less about the restaurant itself as it is a return to the place where they first met, kissed or had a realization that they wanted to marry their date. It may not be the fancy place, or expensive place. Indeed, their friends might not understand why they spend the holiday of love in such modest surroundings. Maybe they choose to explain why...or maybe they don't. After all, shared secrets are a thing of romance too.

Do you like to dine out with your partner on Valentine's Day? What makes the day special for you and your significant other? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

The Most Famous New Years Resolutions in History

Blogger: Amber Lemus

As we step into a new year, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and aspirations. We make promises to ourselves, our families, and even our social media followers. But have you ever wondered how people in the past approached New Year's resolutions?


Today we're going to explore two of the most famous new year resolutions in history by two great men of God, Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley.

Travel with me back to 1723, when a young Jonathan Edwards, a prominent American theologian and pastor, penned a remarkable set of resolutions. Edwards, only 20 years old at the time, wrote 70 resolutions, ranging from the spiritual to the practical. These 70 heartfelt commitments, written in his own handwriting, would serve as a guiding force for the rest of his life, shaping him into one of the most influential theologians and pastors in American history.

By Henry Augustus Loop after Joseph Badger -
Princeton University Art Museum, Public Domain 

Edwards' resolutions reveal a young man deeply committed to living a life of purpose and devotion to God. He vowed to "live with all my might while I do live" (Resolution 6), to "never do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life" (Resolution 19), and to "never do anything out of revenge" (Resolution 21). He also committed to "never speak anything that is ridiculous or matter of laughter" (Resolution 45), to "never omit anything that is my duty" (Resolution 28), and to "be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality" (Resolution 42).


Edwards' resolutions were not merely a product of youthful idealism; they reflected a deepening conviction that he needed to reform his own life and ministry. Just a few years prior, Edwards had experienced a profound spiritual awakening, which had left him with a sense of awe and reverence for God's sovereignty. His resolutions were, in part, a response to this experience, as he sought to consecrate himself to God's service.



Over the next several decades, Edwards would go on to become a leading figure in the First Great Awakening, a revival that swept across the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. He would preach thousands of sermons, including his famous "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," and would play a key role in shaping American evangelicalism.

A few years after Edwards' did this, another well-known preacher also penned some profound resolutions.

At the end of 1732, Wesley had returned from a disappointing missionary journey to Georgia, where he struggled to connect with the colonists and Native Americans. Despite this setback, Wesley's experience in Georgia had deepened his conviction that he needed to reform his own life and ministry. His resolution on New Year's Day reflected this renewed sense of purpose. On January 1, 1733, he penned this in his journal: "I am resolved to dedicate all my life to God, and to His service." This commitment marked a pivotal moment in Wesley's spiritual journey, one that would propel him toward a life of tireless evangelism, innovative ministry, and unwavering devotion to God.

John Wesley By George Romney
Public Domain

Over the next several years, Wesley's ministry would undergo a remarkable transformation. He would begin preaching outdoors, a radical departure from traditional Anglican practice, and would establish the Methodist movement, which emphasized personal holiness, social justice, and evangelism. Wesley's resolution had set him on a path that would take him to every corner of England, where he would preach thousands of sermons, establish hundreds of Methodist societies, and inspire countless people to follow Jesus.

As we reflect on our own New Year's resolutions, the examples of Edwards and Wesley challenge us to live a life of purpose and devotion to God. What promises will we make to ourselves and to God? How will we strive to live a life that honors Him? The resolutions of these two great men, penned nearly three centuries ago, remind us that sometimes, all it takes is a simple yet profound commitment to alter the course of our lives. Are we willing to surrender our lives, our plans, and our desires to His purposes?


Will you be making any resolutions this year? I'd love to hear them in the comments.


Happy New Year, everyone!

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

The Magic of Advent Calendars: A Timeless Christmas Tradition

Blogger: Amber Lemus

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eagerly anticipating the joy and magic of Christmas. One beloved tradition that helps build excitement for the big day is the Advent calendar. But have you ever wondered where this charming custom came from?

Photo by Markus Spiske

The origins of Advent calendars date back to 19th-century Germany, where Christians would mark the days leading up to Christmas with chalk marks on their doors or walls. This tradition was known as the "Nikolauskalender" and was used to help children countdown to Christmas and prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus.


The first commercial Advent calendars were produced in Germany in the early 20th century. These calendars typically had 24 small doors or windows, one for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Behind each door, children would find a Bible verse, prayer, or hymn to reflect on as they prepared for Christmas.

A 1946 Advent Calendar By Marianne Schneegans -
Photo Credit: Nachlass von Marianne Schneegans

After World War II, Advent calendars became more widely available and their popularity spread throughout Europe and beyond. Companies like Gerhard Lang and Richard Sellmer began mass-producing Advent calendars, making them more accessible to the general public.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Advent calendars began to be produced in countries outside of Germany, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK. This led to a diversification of designs, themes, and contents. Calendars began to feature popular children's characters, such as Disney and Sesame Street, and included small toys, stickers, and other treats.

Today, Advent calendars are more popular than ever, with a wide range of designs, themes, and contents available. Many companies, from small independent publishers to large multinational corporations, produce Advent calendars. The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has also made it easier for consumers to access and purchase Advent calendars from around the world. From traditional paper calendars to wooden or fabric ones, and even digital versions, there's something for everyone. Many calendars also include small treats, toys, or activities behind each door, adding an extra layer of excitement to the countdown.

Advent Calendar at the City Hall in Stollberg, Saxon
Kora27, CC BY-SA 4.0 

In recent years, there has been a trend towards more creative and interactive Advent calendars. Examples include calendars with pop-up scenes, calendars with puzzles or games to solve, and calendars with augmented reality (AR) features. There has also been a growth in the popularity of alternative Advent calendars, such as wine Advent calendars, chocolate Advent calendars, and even pet Advent calendars.

Whether you're a child or an adult, using an Advent calendar is a great way to slow down and savor the holiday season. It's a reminder to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to cherish the time with loved ones.

Do you use an advent calendar?

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!