The Châtelaine

I have always been attracted to the personage of the châtelaine. Running a household, castle or manor is a challenge no matter what the size. It's not just about plenty, but taking good care of what you have and utilizing it well. A well cared for household is peaceful and content, but also hospitable and prepared for occasions great and small.

For me, the châtelaine represents a woman who administers the household and keeps it fiscally sound. She makes sure the house is organized and well stocked.

The châtelaine knows how many blankets she has, the condition of the furniture and when a piece might need replacing, and has a schedule for deep cleaning.

In the past, she probably took charge of the clothing being made (spinning, weaving, etc.) cleaned, mended and embellished. She oversaw the kitchen, planned menus and kept stock of the larder (with the keys to all important stocks hanging from her belt).

I think the châtelaine (along with the steward) would make preparations for feasts and holidays and would know her cuts of meats and how to prepare them in the most delicious ways. She would have be involved in the child rearing and making provisions for the ill (the herb garden was pretty important, I would guess). She'd muster the household at berry picking time and takes advantage of all available resources to insure the health and well-being of all, in order to provide the best quality of life possible under the circumstances.

Originally, the châtelaine ran a large household with servants. What makes us think that we can work full time, volunteer and be good citizens and keep a fine household all at the same time?

Since my son Jacob, his fiance Tricia and our 2 year old grandson Jorvik came to live with us, I have a fine woman who shares the task of keeping the household with me. She seems to like the concept of the châtelaine and even wore a châtelaine's keys on her Halloween costume! I hope we can share the keys of the châtelaine well in this coming year and make our home a pleasant, restful place where family and friends can enjoy good food and festive times!

Definitions:
1.The name châtelaine derives from the same term used to mean the female owner, or wife of the owner, of a large house. Originally the châtelaine was designed to have all the tools
necessary for the woman of the household to sort out any problem she may encounter in her day, like a fraying curtain, however with time the châtelaine and the objects it held evolved
from being a purely utilitarian object into a decorative symbol that
reflected the status of the wearer.

2.Châtelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc.

Note: Historic accuracy is not my intention - this is all just my own thoughts and ponderings.