Spooning

The first thing that comes to mind in modern times when the word “spooning” is uttered, brings about the idea of an act that is sexual in nature, but it does have a historical context that has deeper meaning.
The term recollects a wonderful and beautiful custom. Young European men with the intent of courting a lady would carve a wooden spoon, also known as “lovespoons”, which when presented would be seen as a token of love.
This took the place of engagement rings, and were much more affordable than expensive jewelry. If she accepted the tableware, then it was as good as engagement, or the promise to marry.
The spoon would be elaborately carved, sometimes with intricate floral patterns and often with both lovers’ initials intertwined.

Running the Gauntlet

The word “Gauntlet” originates from France and specifically refers to a glove. Usually of leather, covered with plates of steel or chain mail, sometimes both.
When we hear the term “running the gauntlet” it usually means engagement in a critical ordeal or being attacked on all fronts, but this has nothing to do with wearing apparel in modern times.
The origin of the term is rooted in military historical context, as it was used in practice.
Two rows of fighting men, or soldiers, were lined up in a double row, facing each other. Between them, the offender to be disciplined would strip to the waist and run through the row.
Each of the men in the line were provided knotted cord, sometimes a rope or stick, and would strike the passing offender.
This description of “running the gauntlet” goes back to the Thirty Years War, when military hierarchy instituted the punishment, and was later adopted by the American legal system, first reference being in 1676.

The Alpha Bearded man

Nature gave us hair originally as a means of protection. It cushions blows from assailants, and insulates the part of the body it grows on against temperature changes, and harsh artic climate.
Eyelashes protect from dust, and foreign matter, and partially shields squinted eyes from too much sun. Our eyebrows somewhat prevent perspiration from running down into our eyes, while nasal hair acts as an air filter.
Out of all of these bristly characteristics, none can hold a follicle to the majestic, magnificent, fierce, and noble face fur that encapsulates a man’s beard.
Not the well-manicured, tamed, hipster beard. I’m talking of the grizzly facial hair that displays the full glory of belonging to the tribe of the North…

The Hyperborean man.

The father that allows playful tugging at his facial hair, the husband or lover that allows his woman to take in the scent and the feel of her man’s striking feature that is plain for all to see.

There are advantages to having a manly beard that naked-faced men do not have.
To grow a beard is a natural thing to do, and to cut or shave it off is abnormal. Is it any wonder since the times of our forebears, the beard became an object of anxious concern?
Hyperborean men first cherished the beard for spiritual reasons, and were convinced that as the hair that grew as an extension of his face, it was saturated with his personality. It is for this reason that it had to be carefully guarded from possible assailants.
The beard was and is regarded as the special sign, privilege and ornament of manhood. It should not go unmentioned that the cutting-off of beards was reserved for defeated enemies.
In this treatment of one’s defeated adversary, it was a sign of disgrace, which was plain for all to see.
Continuing to grow your beard was and is regarded, like blood, an expression of vitality.

La Pierre de Gargantua in Neaufles-Auvergny (Eure) is known as the giant’s whetstone.
After coming across exhausted harvesters he told them to rest, then ran off to fetch his giant scythe, sharpened it on the menhir (pictured) and then cut the entire field in a single sweep.