Life in Puritan New England |
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Puritan LifeA typical Puritan family lived a humble existence in a small house with one room. Within the room was a fireplace that was used for cooking and warmth. Because the family lived in a single room, it was often very smoky, particularly during the winter. All members of the family would usually sleep in makeshift mattresses near the fire. During winter, finding and carrying firewood was one of the most important jobs. It was common for Puritans to sleep in heavy clothes under heavy blankets to ward off the cold. Puritan families treated their children differently that those today. Puritan parents had children so that they could help tend to the work, and such children learned the various jobs required of them at a very early age. Puritan parents made education and bible study a high priority, and the literacy rates among those living in New England were unusually high. Gender RolesThe Puritans were an industrious people, and virtually everything within the house was made by hand - including clothes. The men and boys took charge of farming, fixing things around the house, and caring for livestock. The women made soap, cooked, gardened, and took care of the house. Puritan society and politics were dominated by men. Puritan men believed they were the stronger gender. Religious BeliefsWhen Puritan settlers weren't at work, they were likely at church or at prayer. Church was an extremely important part of the daily lives of Puritans, and attending church was mandatory. There could be severe punishments for those who failed to attend. Puritans believed that they were doing God's work and that those who disobeyed or strayed from Puritan teachings were sinners. Public whippings and humiliations were commonplace for transgressors. While the Puritans were hard-working and very religious, they sometimes allowed for festivals and celebrations, singing and game playing, and even drank wine and beer. Glossary
Discussion Questions
Puritan LifeMost Puritan families lived in small, one-room houses with a fireplace for cooking and warmth. Everyone slept near the fire on simple beds, and the room was often smoky, especially in winter. Keeping the fire going and finding firewood were very important. Children were expected to help with chores from a young age. Education and reading the Bible were priorities, and most people could read well. Gender RolesPuritan families made most of what they needed by hand. Men and boys worked on farms and fixed things, while women and girls cooked, cleaned, made clothes, and cared for the home. Society was led by men, who believed they were stronger and more capable than women. Religious BeliefsChurch was a big part of Puritan life, and everyone was required to attend. Those who didn’t follow the rules could be punished, sometimes in public. Puritans believed they were doing God’s work. Even though they were strict, they still enjoyed celebrations, games, and drinks like wine and beer. |
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