There are some traditions in American culture that have fallen to the wayside, and probably for good reason. Once popular in the homelands of our ancestors and brought to our shores during the days of legal immigration, the humorous pranks or displays of indignation may no longer be feasible.
"Tar and feathering" someone is the first that comes to mind; usually saved exclusively for crooked politicians or snake oil salesman.
The memories of hearing my aunts laugh and cackle around the kitchen table on Sunday morning about the previous night’s “shivaree” are fond ones. A “shivaree,” of course, was the practice of harassing a newly wedded couple after the ceremony and reception were finished, and before the betrothed made their way to the honeymoon cottage. Spreading salt among the sheets or tossing dead fish into the room a few days prior to consummation stand out for some reason.
Bobbing for apples hasn’t been a thing for quite a while now. As a society we’ve become a little more aware of bacteria and infectious diseases. Sticking your head into a washtub of cold saliva water and looking like a thirsty horse seems to have lost its appeal.
I never could understand the allure of either working in — or being the patron of — a “kissing booth” at the local county fair. After a few dozen smooches from the lips belonging to all sorts of God’s creatures, the anticipation would quickly fade. My money usually paid off better with the offer of a snow cone and a trip on the Ferris Wheel.
But as I mentioned earlier how some traditions have waned, the vendors along the curbs and driveways selling lemonade and baked goods during garage sales is still going strong. For us, it is as American as mom and apple pie. In other countries I suppose, there are little German boys and girls selling homemade sausages or in India, something with curry: just a random thought.
Navigating our way in no particular direction, we look for people on foot, extra cars parked along the street, or actual signs with arrows pointing toward a busy driveway. Zigzagging like the graph on an electrocardiogram, we have hopes of finding that "diamond in the rough:" a piece of Irish crystal, an oil painting by Van Gogh, or a lamp from Tiffany. It doesn’t happen now as often as it used to, but optimism and perseverance rarely dim.
The suggestions from the doctor to stay away from carbohydrates and sugar are put on pause. Young entrepreneurs sitting behind a card table of dreams offer handmade crafts, an assortment of baked items and liquid refreshments. The techniques of the marketing and quality of the offerings vary from stop to stop, but everyone gets a try.
If the word “tart” were to be given a picture, it could be found in a red solo cup, two blocks east and one block south. If it were diabetes, that would be one block north and a couple more to the west. These are just nonsensical fabricated directions of course.
But the lessons learned in having the idea, having the gumption to act on that idea, and having the faith that your product or service is worthy in exchange for currency is what is most important. It’s what makes the world go round, at least for those of us lucky enough to live in a country of open commerce.
Life requires trial and error as well as supply and demand. Without the courage to look behind the curtain and peek inside, there will always be somebody somewhere willing and waiting to make your choices for you.
We should applaud and appreciate the efforts of our future business leaders. Early seeds planted now could be dividends for the futures of everyone.
