April 8th. It is a great day for two subjects. And I have wonderful books for each one. We will start with National Fork Day. For that we will travel to Germany. Wartburg, Germany.
“Die Wartburg” published by August Hopfer, 1925, is a German language book about the Wartburg castle. It is one of a series of books, several I have on various castles and churches I have visited in Germany. The Wartburg is a beautiful and historic Castle near Eisenach, Germany. During this visit, we walked up a long trail to get to the mountain top, and took a self guided tour, after warm lunch looking over the countryside, watching the snow fall. Part of Wartburg’s long history, is this is where Martin Luther hid from the Pope, and translated the bible into German.
Another part of Wartburg history, is their museum of cutlery that we walked through. I have the book “Bestecke” “(Cutlery) from the 15th to the 18th century in Wartburg Museum” by Jochen Amme, 1994. It gives us the history of forks and knives-and a few spoons, along with photographs of the collection.
April 8th is also International Romani Day. International Romani Day was established in Serock, Poland in 1990 during the World Romani Congress of the International Romani Union which began in 1971.
I have the book “Romany Remedies and Recipes’ by Gipsy Petulengro, 1936. I bought this book from a bookstore in Grayslake, Il. It has a card that it was from the estate of Dr John Gillihan. Dr. Gillihan had a PhD in anthropology, and was a professional appraiser. Some of his appraisals were The Smithsonian’s collection of Plains Native American Art, and the entire collection of the Lake County (IL) Museum. I now own a book of his. Rather, I am the current caretaker of this book.
The book itself is very interesting. The author explains how he was given the knowledge of herbs and remedies from his mother, which had been handed down by her ancestors for centuries. He was lucky to have been taught to read and write, so was able to record them.
There are many recipes of tonics for health remedies, ointments for ailments, ways to catch fish and small game, but no curses or black magic. There is something however, to steal away a “new” dog” to follow you and never leave to follow others. “Place a piece of soft bread under the armpit until it is permeated with your perspiration. Then give it to the dog.”
Thanks for reading.
Librarytomes 