So, What's with All The Buckle Hubbub?
Think of a Pilgrim. Can you imagine what a Pilgrim may have looked like? In your mind's eye, what is the Pilgrim wearing? My mind auto-pilots to images of gentle mannered folks donning prim, tailored clothing. The women with long aprons, the men in black top hats accented by buckles, some even wearing buckles on their shoes.
Well, according to my recent fact gathering mission, the Pilgrims did NOT wear buckles. The references throughout history in art work, (particularly art and stories meant for children) depict the Pilgrims wearing buckles. I wonder why this is? I naturally thought this was accurate, considering I have seen the same image from the time I was taught about the first Thanksgiving. So, its not surprising that my memory "goes there".
In the scheme of things, I suppose its a minor detail. But, it leads me to wonder what other historic events may be altered to the point of fiction. And who exactly decides the final answer...so often truth is determined, or skewed, by personal opinion and assumptions.
So where does this leave the learner? Where does this leave the teacher? How can small details change big concepts, or should they and why? Which textbook, which artwork, which historian is right?
Who knows, I may be wrong, too. I may have just decided to "believe" an equally wrong resource or two!! Being wrong does have its good points, however; its keeps me searching for answers. Knowing the culturally accepted rights and wrongs through history have a profound meaning to those that experienced it first -hand and to those seeking knowledge, now and in the future, brings an odd peace and depth to my everyday. Because of this, I speculate emotion, and want, may add a buckle or two, to the grit of one's life.
What do you think?
Melinda
cool Thanksgiving link: http://www.plimoth.org/education/olc/navigation.html
p.s. totally off the subject:
With utmost sincerity, my son asked, "Mommy, since I'm so short, am I an Elf?"
Posted by Mama Bear at 11/13/2009 3:21 PM 
Categories: Homeschooling Tips,Celebrations
Tags: thanksgivign facts the first Thanksgiving homeschooling tips learning about Thanksgiving
Categories: Homeschooling Tips,Celebrations
Tags: thanksgivign facts the first Thanksgiving homeschooling tips learning about Thanksgiving
When asked in years past about Santa, I always have said that the spirit of Santa lives in us all; I believe! Just like Virginia. If we go forth in our lifes and try to make it better...if we spread the joy, could we not have been sprinkled with magical dust? So dear little nephew, if you can make something and give it to someone and you brighten up their day....why not grew up to be an elf?
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That's interesting. Over the last 3 days, I have been dowloading "Pilgrim Stories" from Homeschool Freebie of the Day. Yesterday, I started reading the first one out loud to S & B. Since the e-books are copies of vintage books, I took a look at the illustrations to see if a book printed in 1920 would depict the buckle. Sure enough. There's a picture of a man with a buckle on his hat.
A buckle on his hat!
Why is that?
Said the cat
To the rat.
On his hat?
Said the rat,
I don't know
nuttin' 'bout that!
OK, I don't know where that just came from, but there it is! :o)
~Cara~
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I think people in history have added the buckle to the wardrobe because the pilgrims were really lacking in style (they thought).
As for little E's "shortness", and possibility of ELF employment, some of my favorite people are short AND elves! I think his insight and curiousity is endearing.
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i agree jean! i will tell him you said that
cara, i love hsf too. so much so i have it on my link list! cara as dr. suess--i like it! lol
lynette, interesting idea! and, thank you
p.s. short people rule! in the north pole at least
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