With Valentine's Day around the corner, let's look at music's role in the courting game.
I mentioned George & Gerry Armstrong in a recent blog about music; they are the folks who introduced me to the courting dulcimer (George called it a "two-cimer," but I think that was his made-up name for it). The courting dulcimer was a way to allow a couple to get close . . . but not too close. And it also gave them a chance to share, show their talents, and gaze into each others eyes while their knees just slightly touched (oh, my!).
Here is a photo of Joe and Paula McHugh using a courting dulcimer:
Click that photo to go to their website where they display a number of Appalachian instruments and explain the use of music in previous generations.Perhaps your Valentine's Day will not be spent with an instrument in your joint laps, but what a neat way to get to know your paramour . . . unless, of course, he or she had bad breath! If you are intrigued and want to purchase one for yourself (or a kit so you can make your own), click on the photos above of the instruments to go to sites on the Internet for just such a purpose.
Happy Valentine's Day (or, as a friend of mine calls it, "Single's Awareness Day").
Posts
