Cedar
Chests
Cedar chests get their
name from the cedar that lines the inside of the chest. Said to deter moths and
other insects, the sweet, distinct smell of cedar is usually what one
associates with this large chest.
Cedar chests are
usually placed in the bedroom, often times at the foot of the bed. During the
17th and 18th centuries, cedar chests were also used as pieces of furniture to
sit on because chairs were so scarce.
The "Hope Chest" tradition
A traditional gift for girls
crossing the threshold to womanhood, cedar hope chests are
still great presents for special occasions. In the past, cedar hope chests served
as a trousseau, a vessel for young women to collect marriage necessities.
Linens, quilts, and even her bridal gown found their ways into the hope chest.
Dating
back to a time when marriage would include an exchange of property between the
two families, the bridal 'trousseau' (meaning 'small bundle') contained all the
bride's dowry items, including the clothes and property she took to her new
home and new life. It is not clear exactly when the tradition of the wedding,
or "Hope Chest" started, or where, but it is certainly one that has
survived the centuries.
In
many cultures, a young girl planning for her future wedding would begin
collecting treasured items for her wedding chest, including hand-embroidered
linens and delicate underwear. This is a tradition still kept today in many
communities worldwide, and especially in the United States.
The
Hope Chest signifies 'hope for marriage' and the promise of love and security.
It is the vessel into which a bride will place all those things handed down
from mother to daughter, as well as her own hopes and dreams. The Hope chest is
also the traditional place for a bride to store her wedding dress to hand down
to her daughters.
Besides representing
hope, cedar chests also protected fabrics. Cedar repels insects and
fungus. The same oils that offer this protection also give clothes stored
in cedar hope chests a pleasing scent.
If you think cedar
chests are a modern invention, think again! These amazing vessels have
been providing convenient storage since the time of the pharaohs. Learn a
lesson from the cedar chest's rich history.
Ancient foundations
Ancient Egyptians used
cedar chests to protect their golden treasures and keep important papyrus
documents in prime condition. Carved from a single solid block, one-piece
cedar chests remained unchanged for thousands of years.
European elegance
During the European
Renaissance, cedar chests experienced a revolution, when one-piece carving was
replaced with panels. Now easier and cheaper to make, cedar chests became
more prevalent. With the addition of drawers, they also became more
useful.
In the New World
Colonists making the
great oceanic crossing often had but one piece of luggage for the entire
family: the chest. Cedar chests of this time were based on popular
coffers owned by wealthy Europeans. In America, the traditional
construction continued in New England. Even if a chest was made from
mahogany, cherry, or walnut, cedar lining was added due to its natural
protective qualities. Were other woods fail, cedar chests repel insects
and fungus.
Colonial décor
An essential vessel
for keeping clothing and valuables, colonists found many ways to use cedar
chests. Because chairs were additional expenses, cedar chests provided
convenient benches. They also kept blankets and warm clothing for the
long winters. With no space for closets or wardrobes, cedar chests helped
colonists use space wisely and efficiently.
Manifest destiny
As America grew,
families sought opportunities in the west. Crossing the plains was long
and dangerous. Traveling light was essential, and entire lives were
crammed into a single cedar chest. The contents represented hope and the
foundation of a new beginning.
The cedar
chest's rich history is filled with stories that you can read today. Each
scratch and chip is a page from the past. Read it carefully, and
appreciate the history.
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