To the Amish, the word frolic did not match the definition found in the dictionary.
A frolic to us was when the entire community came together to help work on building something, a barn, house, shed, school house, or what ever it was that needed to be built.
As a child frolics were a lot of fun, where we could play all day with our friends, it was a day filled with the noise of hammers, saws, and men talking and calling out directions. Women cooking and baking in order to serve a huge delicious meal at noon while catching up on all the latest news. Older girls looked after babies and toddlers.
A lot could be accomplished at a frolic. What could have taken weeks or even months to do was often achieved in a single frolic.
Sounds like the kind of gatherings my family had when I was a child, to get the tobacco crop cut and hung!
ReplyDeleteMany hands make light work. I admire their sense of community.
ReplyDeleteChristina
I think we miss much in our communities when we don't live like this. People are too isolated in our homes and lives.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I love your blog. I have always been fascinated with the Amish culture and people. My dad's relatives were Pennsylvania Dutch and I think some of their customs are the same. I will be back - thanks to the A-Z challenge for helping me find your blog! www.dianeweidenbenner.com
ReplyDeleteJust another reason why I admire the Amish way of life. Blessings
ReplyDeleteSo cool that you're writing about your former religion. I want to follow.
ReplyDeleteAn old-fashion barn-raising! Wonderful to learn this, Mary. I love that the Amish take care of their own.
ReplyDeleteShells–Tales–Sails
Beautiful and very Sweet :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is incredible to think that an entire barn is put up in one day!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! The Amish have a wonderful system to accomplish so much in just a day - call it whatever! Frolic is a fun word!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Blog! I love it and love to know more about the Amish. Here in Indiana there are many, but we don't really get to know them.. This is so interesting.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am learning a lot! Thanks for educating us!
ReplyDeleteYou said that older girls would help with the children. Did they help all day? and What age would be considered older? I've been wondering if I should ask my older girl to help more, but want to make sure that I am not asking too much of her either.
ReplyDelete