{"id":2099,"date":"2013-08-11T06:44:03","date_gmt":"2013-08-11T13:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/66.147.244.209\/~canadiu3\/?p=2099"},"modified":"2025-01-13T19:20:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T00:20:32","slug":"we-come-bearing-logs-frogs-and-beer-tubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2013\/08\/11\/we-come-bearing-logs-frogs-and-beer-tubs\/","title":{"rendered":"We come bearing logs, frogs, and beer tubs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Personalized<\/a>
Personalized metal beer and beverage tubs from etsy.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aaah, the joys of a housewarming party: A chance to show-off your new digs, to appreciative \u2013 and appreciated \u2013 oooh\u2019s and aaah\u2019s of eager guests; the perfect opportunity for some quality time with family and friends, and maybe even an enemy or two (you may want to turn them green with envy, after all.\u00a0 Insert mischievous laugh here.); and a good excuse to eat and drink (unless, of course, you are the designated driver) a little too much despite the lack of a major holiday.\u00a0 Oh, and let\u2019s not forget: The presents!\u00a0 Yippee for presents!<\/p>\n

\"Tiffany<\/a>
Tiffany frog figurine from Tiffany and Co.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Cold weather and evil spirits: the unwanted guests<\/h6>\n

Looking back at its origins, the tradition of housewarming had rather humble \u2013 and literal \u2013 beginnings.<\/p>\n

It started many moons ago, back in the days when heat in the home was as much a necessity as it is today, but less of a convenience.\u00a0 In the absence of central heating, each neighbor and guest to a new house would bring wood for the pot-bellied stove or fireplace, to literally \u201cwarm the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

The birth of the much-loved housewarming tradition.<\/p>\n

Aside from warding away the cold, the warmth of the fire was believed to create an atmosphere to ward-off evil spirits.<\/p>\n

Uninhabited houses were perceived a dwelling place for vagrant spirits; as such, the house was thoroughly cleaned prior to moving in.\u00a0 A warm atmosphere was considered vital in repelling these spirits, preventing them from returning.<\/p>\n

\"Pewter<\/a>
Pewter Cats key hanger, author\u2019s own. With author\u2019s keys and mess.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Hanging the chimney hook<\/h6>\n

In France, housewarming is rooted in the tradition of Pendaison de cr\u00e9maill\u00e8re<\/i>, or \u201changing the chimney hook.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the medieval times, it was common practice to invite all the workers involved in the building of the house for a meal when the construction was completed, as a way of thanking them.\u00a0 An interesting social experiment, I would think, if it were to be applied today.<\/p>\n

The meal was prepared in a big pot over the fireplace; the heat of which was regulated by a chimney hook, to set the pot nearer to or further away from the heat.<\/p>\n

This hook, which was the last item to be installed in the course of moving in, heralded the \u201cthank you\u201d meal, and symbolized the move into the new home.<\/p>\n

\"Vintage<\/a>
Vintage conversation piece mirror, author\u2019s own.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Housewarming \u201cHow-To\u2019s\u201d<\/h6>\n

Though housewarming parties are generally loose and free-flowing, like most other occasions, it is always best to invite your guests in advance (proper etiquette for this would be anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 days prior).\u00a0 It is always fun to keep the guest list interesting, but also intimate.\u00a0 Go for a diverse yet still closely-acquainted group whenever possible.<\/p>\n

Although any date after moving in works for a housewarming party, the first three months are usually devoted to settling in.\u00a0 Most people throw one shortly after the third month, but within the 6th<\/sup> month of moving in.<\/p>\n

Some people, especially in religious parts of the world where \u201cblessing\u201d a new home is part of tradition, choose to hold the housewarming on the same date as the house blessing; usually done by a priest, pastor, guru, or other leader of a religious sect or order.<\/p>\n

Aside from moving into a new home, renovating or remodeling an old one may also warrant a housewarming party.<\/p>\n

buy buspar online https:\/\/dcsmentalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/jpg\/buspar.html<\/a> no prescription pharmacy <\/div>\n

\u00a0 After all, any excuse for bites, booze, and banter will do.<\/p>\n

Potluck parties are acceptable, these days (especially among close friends and family), but you may want to coordinate the menu to some extent.<\/p>\n

Gifts are not obligatory, but are part-and-parcel of the housewarming tradition.\u00a0 Fire logs, though no longer advisable and may very well draw the most curious of looks, may still be welcome in some bitingly-cold parts of Canada (half-meant joke).<\/p>\n

\"Hand-Forged<\/a>
Hand-Forged Cheese Slicer from Uncommon Goods, featured on xojane.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Bearers of (traditional) gifts<\/h6>\n

Next to fire logs, frog figurines rank among the traditionally given gifts.\u00a0 Frogs are believed to symbolize good luck and fertility, and the semblance of these animals is usually given at weddings or housewarmings.\u00a0 Unless, of course, the recipient is Batrachophobic.\u00a0\u00a0 Then you may want to skip the frogs \u2013 and any other reptile, for that matter \u2013 and stick with bluebird gifts, which are also considered lucky.\u00a0 Then again, there is Ornithophobia to consider\u2026<\/p>\n

Barring logs, frogs, and bluebirds, there are a few other traditional gift items that may be appreciated for their symbolism (and usefulness):<\/p>\n