Shannon here: Tara Johnson shares some enlightening pathways to romance through history, plus a romantic excerpt from her latest Historical Romance, To Speak His Name. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy. Deadline: March 23rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Tara:
Apples, Thimbles, and Spoons: Romance Rituals Across the World:
Writing my new release To Speak His Name stretched me in a variety of ways, most notably the difference in cultures between my heroine Avalina (Barbados) and the hero Josiah (South Carolina). And since this story is set in 1816, I had to dig in deep to learn what counted as courting traditions between these two countries at that time…as well as all the things that could go wrong when cultures collide.
While researching, I ran across some astounding, and hilarious, courting and romance rituals from a variety of cultures. Below I have listed my favorites. (And a few that might make you say, “Ewww!”)
- Thimbles
Most American Puritans were leery of wedding rings, viewing them as ostentatious. Instead, a soon-to-be bride would receive a thimble from her betrothed. The idea was the girl would use the thimble as she hastily sewed the items they would need to set up house. After the ceremony, many new brides would cut off the cup of the thimble and wear it around their finger.
- Courting Sticks
18th century New England, couples had trouble finding privacy, thus the courting stick, or courting tube, was invented. This was a six-foot-long hollow tube that allowed to couples to whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears while family members remained in the room to properly chaperone the love-struck pair.
- Knives
In the 19th century, Finnish girls who reached marrying age wore an empty sheath around their waist. If a man was intrigued with a particular young lady, he would make or buy a knife to put in her sheath. If the girl wasn’t interested, she would return the knife, but if she kept it, it was a sign to everyone that she was pleased enough to marry the young man.
- Apples and…Armpits?
In 19th century Austria, eligible ladies would keep an apple slice tucked into their armpits during dances. At the end of the evening, she would give her now sweaty fruit to the man she adored. If the gentleman reciprocated her feelings, he would eat the piece of fruit…salty sweat and all.
- Gloves
Back in the day, English gentlemen would offer their true love a pair of gloves. If she wore them to church on Sunday, it was her way of agreeing to the relationship. Seems like a pretty low-key way to let a girl know you fancied her. Better than a stinky apple, for sure.
- Lovespoons
Since the 17th century, Welsh couples have demonstrated their fondness for one another by trading lovespoons. The intricately hand-carved wooden spoons are decorated with various symbols. Some lovespoons were handed down to younger generations and carvings were added, while others were created so men could show off their craft. Lovespoons are still gifted as decorations—especially on Valentine’s Day.
Excerpt from To Speak His Name by Tara Johnson:
The door creaked open and I shoved the message back under my pillow, angling my head to see who might be braving a visit. A cold stone sank in my stomach until Molly’s plump body filled the doorway, a tray in her hands. Though teary-eyed, I forced a smile.
“Ach, love. Good to see a wee bit of cheer on your face.” She set down the tray and moved to examine my still-exposed back, her tongue clucking. “Though I could say different about your poor skin. Puckered and raw, it is.”
I nodded against the pillow and shoved a tendril of hair away from my lips. Time would be my healer.
“I brought you a bit of breakfast. Medicine too. And Master says you are to rest today.” She pulled a small container from the tray and dabbed the salve on her fingertips before posing the greasy appendages near my skin. “Brace yourself, lamb. Pain before scars.”
I sucked in a breath to ready my body. A sting, then blessed relief. The two sensations tumbled over each other until my lash marks were covered in the healing balm.
“There now.” Molly wiped her fingers on a rag and moved around the bed, the tray traveling with her as she set a plate of eggs and bread before me. I shifted to my side, moving slowly. “Eat up. Sleep. Need you a draught for pain?”
I shook my head. I had never liked the groggy effects of the sleep draughts some of the slaves concocted. A bit of black magic, that, leaving one with the sensation of overly large arms and limbs that refused to work correctly.
“You wouldn’t take any last night either.” Molly cupped soft fingers around my cheek, her eyes sad. “Would that I could take this from you, lamb.”
I turned my head and pressed a kiss into her palm. With a sigh, Molly dropped her hand away but her eyes sharpened at something near my pillow. She plucked the scrap of paper from my bed. I gasped, too late realizing it was the crumpled verse Josiah had given me.
Her eyes rounded as she drank in the script before her gaze shifted to mine and held fast. “What is this? Who gave this to you?”
I licked my lips, shrinking back.
“Avalina.” Her expression flooded with fear. “Burn this. You must. If Master, or even Baara, were to discover it …” She swallowed, not daring to say what I knew already to be true.
A far harsher punishment than the one I’d endured. Perhaps even death. Everyone knew the punishment awaiting a slave who dared learn to read.
I snatched it from her fingers and nodded. Doubt filled her eyes.
“Girl, tell me …” She looked over her shoulder to ensure we were still alone. “Can you read?”
I bit my lip and shook my head.
“Then how do you come to have it?”
I hesitated, then swallowed. “From the son of the slave trader.” I turned my gaze away, fixing my eyes on the wall, fearing I had betrayed his kindness and mercy.
“You play a dangerous game, love. What are you thinking?”
That was the problem. I thought. Far too much. I pressed my lips together as Molly’s shoulders slumped. “He cares for you, doesn’t he?”
Did he? I had no idea. The ways between a man and a woman were a mystery to me. Still, Josiah had been naught but kind. Is that what a wretched creature I was? That simple kindness would be mistaken for something more?
I curled in on myself, pushing out the image of Molly’s probing stare at my back. The thought of burning the only gift I’d been given flooded my heart with a pain that exceeded the lashes etched into my skin.
But why? I couldn’t read it anyway.
With a sigh, my friend shuffled to the door and paused. “Be careful with your heart, lamb. If you give it to this man, it will be broken.”
Then she left, the click of the door following behind. My fate was sealed with the same finality.
Question: What are some of the most unique ways you’ve learned two people have fallen in love?
About Tara: Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. Tara has been published by Tyndale House, Annie’s, and Guideposts. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she is a certified body language expert and has been on radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas. Learn more & connect:
About the book – To Speak His Name:
Avalina is a woman trapped in silence. Stolen from her home in Ireland and sold as a slave to a Barbados plantation owner, the trauma of her past has left her mute, wrapped in a prison of loneliness and isolation amid an island of beauty. Though she longs to be free from the cruelty of her overseer, her heart yearns for a greater freedom…something just beyond her grasp.
Josiah Holland has been born into a South Carolina slave-holding family but all it takes is one trip to the island of Barbados to open his eyes to the ugly cruelty that abounds beyond the confines of his plantation. With the aid of fiery abolitionist Benjamin McGee, Josiah forges a new future, fighting the very ideals he was once a part of.
When Avalina and Josiah’s lives entwine, will their spark engulf them in destruction, or ignite a revolution?
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To Speak His Name Tara’s Books
Come back March 15th for Barbara M. Britton!
My favorite love story was related to me by a reader. He said that he met a young lady on a bus when they were both fourteen. They exchanged addresses on the cross country trip, and a correspondence began. She wrote to him years later while he served in WWII. One of his letters just before his service ended was instructions on getting a marriage license, etc. He said the last leg of his journey involved a small plane that had the ability to land on the lake near her house. She and her sister were standing on the dock. As the plane landed, he realized he had only seen pictures for years. He said “I was worried I would greet the wrong sister!” He chose correctly, they married a few days later, and stayed married for over 60 years!
How sweet!
My brother and his wife met on Facebook in a Christian singles group. They got married a few months later. 🙂
There are some great ones out there!
A couple I went to high school with dated in school. But his parents moved. They both married other people. Years later, they both ended up divorced and reconnected. They’ve been married several years now.
I love that!
My friends met each other through Christian dating site…They proved me wrong because I don’t believe in dating site. He was from another state!
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I have a winner! Laura Chambers won the drawing. I appreciate Tara for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.