QUEBEC-RESEARCH-L Archives

From:
Subject: Old Sayings
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 14:49:56 EDT

MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX This came from the days when smallpox was a
regular disfigurement. Fine ladies would fill in the pocks with beeswax. However
when the weather was very warm the wax might melt. But it was not the thing to
do for one lady to tell another that her makeup needed attention. Hence the
sharp rebuke to "mind your own beeswax!"
BON(e)FIRE The discarded "bones" from winter meals were piled outside and a
bonefire would be set to get rid of them. SLEEP TIGHT The bed frames
were strung with ropes on which straw mattresses were placed. After some time
the ropes would loosen and one of the young men would pull them tight.
REASON FOR CANOPY BEDS Most English homes of old had "thatched" roofs.
Canopies were placed over the beds to keep bugs, mice, dirt, rain, etc. from
disturbing your sleep! Of course, I think I would want to stay awake because I'd be
so afraid of having to be "saved by the bell"!

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