What ever happened to the apron? Formerly a staple in every kitchen prior to the 60's when I was a little girl, every mom had an array of them, and they varied in design from the practical to the sublime.
As cherished gifts of choice for young brides, many aprons were lovingly crafted by family and friends. Aprons represented a right of passage into marriage, family and homemaking, and brides were excited to receive them. Young girls too were given aprons, since they marked a coming of age into womanhood. I received an apron as a young child and it was a treasured grown-up moment to remember.
The 1960's began a social revolution, forever changing society and women fled the kitchen into the workplace. In an effort for equality, women rejected homemaking as a career, and any trappings associated with it were cast aside. Thus, the apron, prevalent in my childhood memories was condemned to the darkest recesses of cupboards and drawers, and many were just thrown away. How sad that they were viewed as a symbol of oppression and shame. For many homemaking was viewed as a necessary evil.
Now decades have passed, the pendulum is swinging back, and an interest in time-honored homemaking skills is once again on the rise. Canning, the fiber arts, artisan bread making and more are being revived. Women (and men), hungry for a more substantive homelife are schooling themselves in these crafts, and with this paradigm shift comes the resurgance of the beloved apron.
It isn't your Mother's apron anymore. Ranging from vintage-styles to some of the most retro-chic designs, there are now fabulous creations that would appeal to anyone.
Sweet memories are rekindled as I surf sites which are exclusively dedicated to aprons. After the holidays, I think my sewing machine will be out and I will be making myself a few aprons. Something fun with a bit of whimsey. Definitely retro-chic.
Why not embrace a touch of charm, mixed with everday practicality, and buy or make yourself an apron. Make it a symbol of honor, and a token of your rite of passage to lavish living.
The History of the Apron
I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning our dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over a hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegatables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the Fall, the apron was used to bring in the apples that had fallen from the trees, or peaches or pecans.
when unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes. ~ Author Unknown
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Here is an adorable site I found with aprons. Enjoy!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/Boojiboo
