Stella is very good at shaking hands
I am not sure that many of us gave much thought to curtseying in the last few decades but “Downton Abbey” has rather bought the art of the curtsey back into focus. Who can forget the early scene in the Downton Abbey film when entire the cast were lined up outside the Castle awaiting the arrival of the King and Queen? Of course, we were all waiting to see how Maggie Smiths’ dowager handled the situation. All in all, there was quite a lot of curtseying in Downton Abbey and it all looked very elegant.
It is still traditional to make a curtsey in front of royalty even if the deeper court curtsies are less often on show but, on the whole, it is a form of greeting associated with different times. The word curtsey is apparently derived from the phrase to make a courtesy – and thus takes with it the meaning to be respectful. As a Jane Austen fan I was always fascinated by the subtle meaning in her novels of a bow, a nod or a curtsey; the ability through greeting and body language to indicate delight or displeasure along with other hints about a character’s state of mind.
Towards the end of “Pride and Prejudice, “Elizabeth merely curtseyed to him {Mr Darcy} without saying a word”. In Persuasion we learn “Her eye half met Captain Wentworth’s, a bow, a curtsey passed; she heard his voice; he talked to Mary, said all that was right…”
Excerpts from Finse books about Dogton Abbey
Animals also use behaviour body language and their own form of words to meet and greet. There is tail wagging and circling, playing and the establishment of the social hierarchy in the field of horses just as in our own world.
Nanny is very precious in real life and is the one to focus on
There are many words of greeting in all languages and many studies tell us that the impression of another person is gathered imperceptibly, through words and body language, within the first three minutes of meeting someone. Current forms of greetings tend to be rather more informal than the past with handshakes and kisses or even Eskimo kisses. Of course, we are now all trying to maintain a “social” distance, not to shake hands, and greeting someone has almost become a dance trying to establish how to say hello. It all seems rather strange.
Personally, I am not sure either the elbow bump or ankle bump has much to recommend them. They are not very natural. Undoubtedly curtsies or bows are much more elegant and a polite acknowledgement of the other person and no touching needed. My instinct is to put the palms of my hands together, to dip my head and say “Namaste” in Hindi which many of us reflect after the peace of yoga, it is both a greeting and a parting. You could say it without the gesture or not say anything and perform the gesture.
In Hindi, it means ” the divine in me bows to the divine in you”. It has a spiritual meaning and with my thumbs pressed lightly into my sternum against my heart, I feel it helps to alleviate stress and anxiety and gives me focus.
I think it is also an expression of gratitude, for when I have stretched out in yoga and feel fortunate that the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I have even taken to combining my “Namaste” with a curtsey and, if nothing else, it makes people laugh.
Instagram
Lady Carnarvon, You have heard it many times but you are amazing. This story is so very interesting. You must have so very many thoughts inside you and always come up with great stories. Since joining your blog Jan. 13, I love them all.
Coming back to your blogs after a long absence, I am thrilled, but really not surprised, to see that you have not lost your touch. Your gift of painting vivid scenes with words is just awesome. I can clearly picture the different settings you describe with seemingly effortless ease, feeling like I am a part of the story.. So glad to be back “at home” through your sharing your own home with us!
Thank you so very much for reminding us that in a world that now considers ‘elbow touching’ as socialization there is still so much in history that can help bring us mental substanance in these difficult times. I have loved reading your books and the history that your writings of Highclere Castle bring to all of us. Thank you!
Good morning! Thank you so much.
Hope you’re virus free!
Sincerely,
Nancy Barnhill
We are fine – have been out for walk in the sunshine – thank ou
Namaste,
What a very elegant way to say “hello” and “goodbye”. I think the addition of a simple curtsey for the ladies or a bow from the men when someone has done you a service or a kindress will show your appreciation in a way that we may want to continue when the world is safe again.
Very interesting, thank you. In the old days of Texas, social debutantes were “introduced” to society and while on a stage would do the “Texas dip”. A sweeping low curtsey that had her almost touch her nose to the floor. Thinking back to my time twirling a baton in parades and at football games, I did a curtsey or three with very young well working thighs. I am 50 now, this will not be happening again. LOL!
A little curtsey??!!
Thank you Lady Carnarvon. I love your blog. I visited Highclere for the first time on my 40th birthday in 2019. I flew from Texas just to visit. I spent the entire day taking everything in. I must say it was simply amazing. I love the cooking segments you have on YouTube. My favorite is the baked eggs recipe which makes a wonderful supper with a crusty roll or a nice piece of sourdough bread. Delicious. Thank you again. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you so much ! Namaste
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your suggestion of using the Hindi greeting, “Namaste,” during these stressful times when remembering courtesies are still important. This greeting calms the recipient as well as the giver. We need all the patience and kindness we can maintain in these uncertain days. May Highclere Castle always be a place of serenity for your family and visitors.
Martha G.
Beautifully written as always
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
As the world struggles with the Corona virus pandemic, practicing social isolation and physically pulling away from one another, we need some small gesture to stay connected. Your “Namaste” is the perfect answer for greeting and parting. The spirituality of the “praying hands” pressed to one’s heart conveys love, concern and respect. Forget elbow bumps! Namaste! And may God be with us all through this difficult time.
Our God our help in ages past..
This is splendid. I really must adapt the Namaste Curtsey.
Godspeed to up all, and stay healthy.
As always, you have brought a smile to my face. Even in the difficult times we are now faced with, dear Lady,you have given us another option to greet others. I am of age to be very careful and keep space between myself and others now. We must all be very respectful of those we do come in contact with. Some of the “old customs” are just what needs to make a comeback. And what a great time to rewatch Downton Abbey again. Thank You !
I like the curtsey. I’ve been doing this instead of the elbow bump. It’s funny how men don’t know how to react. When I bought my SUV, I told the man in charge of the paperwork, women curtsey, men bow. He did!
I love your Blogs. Take care and be save.
Jenny Modave
I too am a great Jane Austen fan and of course a Downton Abbey fan! I suggested to my husband that perhaps we could bring the curtsy and the bow back into fashion at this time of social awkwardness. To good health and civility!!!!
And your husband making a bow!!
Thank you for your all Monday greetings which always alleviate stress and anxiety by bringing us together in story, humour and love.
I like the bow idea so much nicer than an awkward elbow or toe bump.
Isn’t it?
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
I love your idea of using the Hindi “Namaste” as a way of greeting in this time when normal behaviors are suspended. May you and your family stay safe and well!
Namaste!
Barbara
Namaste
Good morning Lady Carnarvon, I am sending you my virtual “Namaste”. I recently watched Prince Charles at the Prince’s Trust Awards (via YouTube) practice this method of greeting.
Your method of blending “Namaste” and curtseying puts me in mind of the scene in the film where poor Molesly tries desperately to extricate himself as graciously as possible from the dining room after addressing Her Majesty directly 🙂
We need ways to alleviate stress and anxiety in these uncertain times as the world tries to find its feet again and we try to adapt to whatever comes in the wake of this pandemic. I read your blog every week with enthusiasm and felt quite compelled to respond today. I feel we need to practice our meditations, in whatever form is meaningful to us, to help us navigate through these unchartered waters.
Thank you for your weekly note. Grace and dignity are always reflected in your words and a feeling of genuine care for all. Traits we will all need to embrace and extend upon in the days ahead.
The scene with Molesley was so funny – it is still funny when I re watch it!!!
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon
Maybe with not being able to physically touch we will learn how to touch more deeply in our gestures.
In this world where heads are mostly aimed at some kind of device people have “distanced” themselves already!
Now it is time to actually LOOK to greet!
We can share our hearts and support to others with this gesture.
Namaste!
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for brightening our day. The photos in your post today are a treat for the eyes and the children’s book is just delightful. How sweet! I wish you and your family health and safety as we all get through this trying and sad time.
Thank you
I must say I think the curtsey is an elegant & appropriate way of saying hello! Also, the picture at the top of this piece is beautiful! The ladies in their gowns & the cake, oh my goodness!
Writing to you from the United States, where all of us are forced to be at least 6 feet apart from everyone we meet, the use of the bow with Namaste was an inspiring idea. What respect it shows for the divine spark and everyone. Thank you for writing this. This has made my day.
I am sure your bow is excellent!!
Namaste! To you and all the Highclere Monday Family. Thank you for sending such a sunshine blog today. We are in lock-down here and only food shops and pharmacies are open. Imagine the Greek population without a cafe to go to until after Easter? Home sweet home is not a bad situation however. May you all be well and safe.
How can that last ? Sunshine and a walk ?
Dear lady Carnarvon! My family has been with professional theatre for over 100 years so curtseying comes naturally to all of us; not only as a Reverence in the end of a performance, to thank the audiences; all of my life as a ballerina I would curtsey to my teachers in the beginning of each class and as a thank you, in its end; every rehearsal would end like that as well. However I remember distinctly my surprise when a friends’ daughter curtseyed to us, my mother and me, when we visited with them in, what was then, Easter Germany. Somewhere they would also add: “küshand” _ I kiss your hand. This was 1960s. This past fall in India I was surprised, and I must admit, warmly, when younger members of our new family would drop in front of me to “kiss” my feet upon first meeting of the day. It was lovely to see both my adult sons to do so very naturally as it surely is a wonderful expression of respect. Namaste is the most simple and humble way how to express gratitude for meeting another kind soul. Here you are, such a kind warm, unpretentious hard working human being! Namaste! Yours Elizabeth
Namaste
Dear Elizabeth, Thank you for the marvelously interesting response. 100 years in a theater family?….I hope you’ve seen Bergman’s “Fanny and Alexander” (which concerns precisely such a family).
I’ve enjoyed Lady Carnarvon’s blog/writing since I first encountered it, of course, but the pleasure’s been increased a great deal as new folks, with their own intriguing and distinct “stories” have joined in the conversation. “Conversation” is a word that’s too regularly thrown about these days in blogworld…….but there’s a good reason that my friend Dominique Browning subtitled her blog ” A Conversation With Dominique Browning”. Her blog attracted a large following of genuinely interesting, thoughtful folks whose responses were as considered, well-crafted, and often amusing as Dominique’ own postings.
It’s good to see that happening with Lady Carnarvon’s blog, and thank you again for your response.
sincerely,
David Terry
Quail Roost Farm
Rougemont, NC
USA
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was just thinking this morning that curtsies and bows might make a comeback, though here in the States it is not likely. Thomas Jefferson more or less started the custom of handshaking, at least in the political arena, when he would grab a person’s hand before they could bow or curtsy to him. He wanted to move away from those forms of greeting since he felt they reflected the society from which we were separating.
This past weekend we had dinner guests on Friday evening, and on Saturday were guests at other friends. On both occasions we initially greeted one another with a laughing elbow bump, but then broke the new protocol and hugged as usual–the excuse being we all need hugs right now.
My plan for social distancing is to work in my garden and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, for me there is no better way to stay healthy! Best wishes to you and your family for everyone’s good health!
Dawn Lovejoy
Try a gin and a curtsey when next you have fiends – then another gin and see how it goes!
I’m afraid my knees would be much as Maggie Smith’s were in the movie. At church last week (not yesterday!) we passed the peace with peace signs or a prayer bow. I wonder what new greeting will evolve from social distancing?
Namaste
Dear lady carnarvon.how lovely to.read.how life was and your emails .Will always be great to read and now a lot of people who have to stay at home to the carnivorous can enjoy the read with a cup of tea best wishes to you and yours alice
Now have you tried my books? For example “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey”?- they should be on Amazon
Just lovely.
Joyful, as always!
Respectful greetings are so refreshing. Lovely post today. Namaste.
Growing up in very much, and still the rather wild, wild, West of South Western Colorado, everything is rather abrupt, and flat out honest.
Now settled in Northern Virginia, I’m finding a more polite, and cultured way of living very much to my liking. I appreciate the joy you expressed in longing for the romance and respect of a Jane Austin world.
Again thank you for a beautiful read; a very refreshing start to the week.
I love Jane Austen – the detail and observations draw me in..
Dear Lady Carnarvon: I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog today. I have been practicing yoga for more than seven years, and we always end our sessions with “Namaste.” This is a wonderful idea during these difficult times in our world.
Namaste
Thank you for your blogs, Lady Carnavon. I look forward to them every Monday.
Wonderful column on the beauty of a practice not often practiced anymore. Having just visited Highclere Castle, I was swept up in the beauty of the grounds, and the elegance of the home’s interior only to imagine living there during the Victorian era. You shared what life is like there today helping to form a connection between past and present. Thank you.
Thank you
17/3/20
Namaste Lady Carnarvon,
After spending a lot of time with many Japanese people, I find bowing comes naturally to me. There are many levels of speaking in the Japanese language and through this, bowing is part and parcel of the communication of respect. For example speaking to someone older or ones boss, one must use Keigo, a higher more respectful language than what one would use to a friend or those younger to you. I must admit I wish this level of respect was in our western culture. I bemoan the lack of respect people seem to have today and I sometimes feel uncomfortable being greeted with a hug and a kiss from strangers. Keeping a respectful distance is more comfortable to me especially now that our government here in Australia maintain we should stay our social distance due to this Coronavirus Pandemic. For me it is easy to comply.
I believe when in Rome though, do as the Romans do. It is always better to follow customs when greeting someone and yes it can display your true meaning, ‘delight or displeasure’. I have huge respect for our Royal Family, especially our Queen that if I were to be introduced I would curtsy without a moment hesitation.
Agreed!
Once again you provide a calm perspective to a frantic world. A place which has seen, and survived, so much history as Highclere helps remind us all to take that calming breath which is needed now. Thank you, as always, for sharing.
Here in Kentucky we are missing our basketball tournaments and horse races (but we still have our bourbon!) and must find different pleasures with the coming spring; we too have a history that indicates that if we take a breath and slow down we can get through our current troubles.
Deep breaths and I am afraid I had two truly excellent gin cocktails on Saturday evening – Highclere Castle Gin of course!! They were uplifting
“Hunkered down,” as we say in the States due to the Coronavirus, your Monday morning blog is a welcome breath of fresh air. I just finished a book that you might enjoy, “The Season: A Social History of The Debutante” by Kristen Richardson. It begins in the time of Queen Elizabeth I who, apparently, began this ritual (I had no idea) and comes to present day. Curtseying figures heavily in this book so your post was most apropos. Thanks, as always, for sharing your blog with us (especially today). And I might try the “Namaste” with the curtsey … in my case, it would certainly make people laugh! Be safe during this crisis.
Thank you Denise!
Dear Lady Carnarvon & Monday family,
As you have mentioned, the word “curtsey” is derived from the phrase “to make a courtesy”. One wonders what the derivative is for the word “bow”?
I believe that it is correct to also say that the curtsey is part of the tradition of making ‘obeisance’. When that word ‘obeisance’ first appeared in English in the late 14th Century, it had the same meaning as the word “obedience”. So it all was a form of courtesy that showed obedience/respect to a monarch or potentially even a master.
Having said that I recall reading somewhere that a bow is a gesture of respect or deference, whereas a curtsey is a half bow and hence represents the giving of a courtesy.
In any event, I would hazard to guess that a curtsey’s most common use in these modern times must be by performers, including in particular dancers (especially ballerinas) who curtsey regularly at the end of a performance, not merely to the royal box, but to acknowledge an adoring audience.
Also, do you remember the poem in ‘Mother Goose’ called “As I Was Going Up Primrose Hill”?
“As I was going up Primrose Hill,
Primrose Hill was dirty;
There I met a pretty lass,
And she dropped me a curtsey.
“Little lass, pretty lass,
Blessings light upon you;
If I had half-a-crown a day,
I’d spend it all upon you.”
Finally, a Happy St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday for you all.
May the dreams you hold dearest
Be those which come true;
And the kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.
Fondest regards,
Jeffery Sewell
Thank you Jeffrey! We all need kindness
So heartening to read your informative comments again Jeffery.
Kim, Gold Coast.
Is there anyone I may contact who will help me identify five of the paintings which hang on walls in the Drawing Room? The only views I have found of them are blurry, out-of-focus so it is difficult for me to identify the portraits and names of artists. There is a pair of Georgian portraits, possible husband and wife on one side of fireplace. Then there is the oval portrait of young boy with long dark hair on other side of fireplace. There is portrait of young man, I believe in Regency jacket and high collar. Above one door hangs a portrait of what I guess may be a young child in white cap and dress with large white dog with dark ears. Thank you for any help you may give me in identifying these elusive unknown (to me, anyway) portraits.
They are all family portraits of the 1st Earl of Carnarvon and his children
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Better late than never.
I truly enjoyed reading your blog on Curtsey. It should remind everyone about the necessity of both admiration and respect, which is sorely absent from today’s society. It also made me nostalgic for my adult ballet class, which is on hold, due to the COVID-19. Performing Reverence in my kitchen simply cannot become a permanent event.
Look forward to your next posting.
Loved this particular blog. It is an excellent idea in these stressing times!
I too take yoga and with this outbreak, I have used the practice of hands together for Namaste’- I find it is better than the elbow bump or risking falling down to foot bump-
Exactly
..courtesy..
Will henceforth curtsey with more intent as we start each dance at our Greensboreo, NC weekly RSCD group dancenights. Will be thinking more.. “Courtesy”. Thank you!!
That sounds good
And when my five sisters and I were little, we were taught by Mother to curtsey as a form of greeting and respect as her own Mother did when presented at Court at the turn of the last century. It is such a lovely form of greeting. Thank you for your sharing this morning!
Good Monday morning!
I am heading out to my local market to get some things for the two twenty-somethings who are working remotely from my house today. I will see and greet many of the cashiers and managers whom I often meet and I’m sure that they could all use a crinkly-eyed smile and a cheery, “how are you?”, so that will be my goal. In the turmoil, there are so many good things to see. Praying that we can be a light and a comfort and help to the fearful. God is…a very present help in trouble.
What a timely posting. Here in American I started using the Namaste greeting. At first, people gave me a puzzled look, but now, many are returning the gesture.
It is lovely and heartfelt
Good morning! Thinking of you and your family during these difficult times with this virus making the rounds. Hope you are all keeping safe and well.
Carolyn Dear
Montréal, Canada
I am walking and eating well!!!
Lady Carnarvon,
The courtesies we pay others is so important during these stressful times. Practicing “Namaste” is a wonderful way to greet others and be greeted to encourage peace and calm. Living in the serenity of Highclere is a joy, I’m sure.
Wishing you virtual Namaste,
Martha G.
It is tough – but it is remembering to enjoying the moments of sunshine!!!
What a lovely blog. Thank you. At our small Quaker Meeting in Solihull we have adopted Namaste instead of our traditional shaking of hands to denote the close of meeting for worship. We feel it suits very well.
Namaste
Love your posts!
Thank you for a peaceful respite from what is a stressful time in America.
Is Highclere still open for visitors?
Be safe and thank you for sharing your glorious mind.
Bonnie in Alabama
It is – it is small numbers, good views. The challenge for us all is that isolation is the opposite of happiness and stability however we all know that those who are more vulnerable through compromised health, whatever their age, are the ones to be be nurtured
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
In these precarious times its good to remember gentler forms of communicating our care and respect for one another. Like you, I am not sure that elbow bumps really express that. Namaste
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a lovely commentary! Thank you and Namaste to all.
Namaste
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a wonderful post! I too am a Jane Austen fan and love how she used the smallest of gestures to create so much meaning! Thank you so much for bringing joyful reading during difficult times!
My dear – It’s a wonderful post today. I’ve been recommending bow/curtsy to all who have asked me. That was my childhood instruction: all the variations of curtsies(USA spelling). My upbringing was rather formal.
I do like the “Namaste'” greeting & your specific method w/touching the heart. Well-done for bringing that to the Highclere Family (Downton Diaspora).
Best wishes to all your family and the Highclere extended family.
Mme. DuPlechin
Thank you for this lovely story … I remember early in my childhood being taught to courtesy to my grandparents. I think it is a very respectful way of greeting someone and I like your idea of saying “Namaste.” As always, a very delightful read this morning. You all stay healthy in the UK, we now have 21 cases of the virus here in Kentucky with a death this morning to an individual who had underlying health conditions.
All the best,
Jean
Keep walking – eat well
Dear Lady Fiona,
Indeed, greeting these days is being displayed in so many fashions. And the bowing and curtsying are still, to me, the most pleasant. And as you mentioned, how delightful it was when His Majesty graciously offered assistance to the Dowager to rise to the occasion if I may say.
In more current times, and certainly at this very moment, we can certainly get comfort by greeting one another … although at a distance. Joining hands seems respectful.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I totally agree that elbow bumps need to go by the wayside. Particularly as we are also being told to sneeze and cough into our elbows if there isn’t a tissue available! I like your idea of Namaste. I am going to adopt that practice. Stay well!
Regards,
Kimberly McLaury
P.S. I look forward to your blogs very much. Thank you for adding a little spot of happiness to our lives!
Thank you… peace be with you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Truly, the elbow bump has little to recommend the gesture and the whole ankle thing could go so wrong. A slight bow or curtsy seems preferable: respectful, elegant, much less room for error, and the bonus of social distancing required in our current time. Should that slight bow take the form of a traditional namaste salutation, all the better, as it is a beautiful, old and well tested tradition.
Best wishes for good health and happiness, to you and those around you.
Namaste “The light in me honors the light in you” – is what we say at the end of yoga class. Currently our beloved Yoga teacher is recovering from breast cancer and we are supporting her with love and food. I love love love the first picture today – was it a wedding? Very thoughtful blog today – enjoying your writing more and more – Love the doggie book, have to get one from my grandniece!
The first photo was from when we hosted a Queen Charlotte ball here – the young women curtsey to the cake!
I love it! Curtsey to the cake!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I did a little ” Mosley” curtsy to you when I met you August 4th 2019. My sister-in-law Melinda still laughs about it! It was automatic. Thank you for the great post. Namaste, Karen Roman NJ
It was a very good curtsey!!
Again, another good short well written article and very practical to to practice given the current situation.
Thank you!
I’m female but somehow I’ve always just felt a little bow was my comfort spot. Even as a kid, I’m told I bowed whenever introduced. I can curtsey, fairly well even, well, I could when I was younger. Now, I’m more like Dame Maggie, but I digress.
I hadn’t seen the elbow bump, but it does make sense. I saw the foot bump and thought it was just silly looking, plus I’d fall over if I tried it.
I think this is the perfect time for the bow and curtsey to come back.
PS thank you for clearing up the first picture – I had thought it was a wedding with socially awkward bride’s maid dresses 😉
Namaste!
Thank you for your excellent idea for greeting people in these crazy times. Even before this, as a singer, I have tried to avoid hand shakes and hugs, even at church, with most of the choir using fist bumps during the public greeting. If I have had to shake a hand or more, I generally try to wash or find sanitizer before I eat anything. As a twice a week “yogi” I do very much enjoy the Namaste at the end, and think I will begin to use either that or nod. I agree that elbow and ankle bumps are awkward and personally think they look stupid. Unfortunately, my yoga classes have been suspended due to the virus, but in my case, when I finish writing this, I am heading out to ride a horse instead.
What a lovely thing to do!
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I love this, In Hindi, it means ” the divine in me bows to the divine in you”. I will begin to use it specially now that kisses and hugs and not a good idea. Thank you, I include some mexican sunshine for you.
Thank you
Like you, the elbow/footsie options were uncomfortable for me to even think to use, so I am also opting for ‘hands together and Namaste’. Otherwise, I would end up entangling myself in some awkward way with the other person. lol!
My most fervent wish that you, your family, and the staff at Highclere stay healthy and happy as the world weathers this current crisis. It is, as always, a treat to enjoy one of your posts.
All the best from here in socially-distanced Summerville, South Carolina,
Natalie
Weather passes
Good Day to you and our Monday Family,
You struck a nerve…I despise the ‘high five’, the fist bump, the elbow bump, and the rest of it. It seems in America all sense of respect and propriety has been forgotten. If young people greet an elder, 99% of the time they will respond…”hey, what’s happenin’ ” . How totally disrespectful. It grieves me.
One of the things I love most about our visits to England is the pace of life in the small towns and Villages. Taking time for afternoon tea is a wonderful way to recharge and reset one’s ‘batteries’. We had many delightful encounters with people we met while we were just roaming about. They took the time to stop and visit with us and offer help if needed. It is ‘Nameste’ in action, (if that makes any sense).
Well, I’m off to try locate supplies for the expected sequestering. The shelves here are bare. It is a sad time. So many are greedy and only care about themselves as they hoard the supplies others so desperately need. God help us.
Well, I’m off to find Bathroom Tissue!
To our Monday Family…Stay safe. Drink lots of water… Nameste!
L. Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
Namaste, agreed drink water (and tea and my morning coffee) we will be fine, a frenzy and panic are totally unhelpful.
I got a giggle the other day when someone suggested we go back to the 1970s disco “bump”. Although you would first probably want to ask permission before doing it. 🙂
Val (social distancing in So. Calif)
This was an absolutely wonderful to read. So elegantly stated! I hope that during this time, many more people will find the time to read your writings. My husband and I had scheduled a trip to Biltmore House to enjoy the Downton Abby exhibit, the tours of course, are cancelled. Reading these words helped to bring a smile. Namiste to you and yours!
Namaste
I have the same thoughts! Namaste!
And Thank you! I live in the mountains in Oregon and feel very peaceful and a bit removed from all the hysteria! Blessings to us all wherever we are in our world!
With gratitude,
Lorrie
Excellent and well thought out post. I had seen some places that had suggested bringing back the Austen era bow and curtsy, which I thought was interesting. I like your idea extremely well. Just because we aren’t supposed to have contact (for good reason) doesn’t mean we have to be inelegant about it. I like the Namaste much better then a fist bump! Always enjoy reading your blog.
Thank you and Namaste!
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Thank you for your interesting blog. Hands to heart namaste with a little dance too. Kindest regards
Thank you!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I send you and your redoubted husband a curtsy with wishes of peace and well being.
Susan
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Today’s subject on “Curtsies” is just too precious for words !!! Do you know where can I geta copy of Finse Books “Dogton Abbey” ? I am so curious about the other drawings in the book !!!
Spring is here and I wonder how the daffodils and tulips are doing at Highclere ? Can you show us
some photos ? I bet there are many other flowers that are blooming in succession Which ones are you picking for display at Easter? Again, please photos, photos…..Your Monday blog is such a pleasure
to start the day…. Many thanks again.
Thank you the books are in our gift shop – just email the office and they will pass it on
I just love the photo of you with Stella and friends. Everyone looks so happy. I pray you are virus free. Have a super evening.
We are doing ok, staying calm and going for walks – namaste
Thank you, hope you all stay well. We have fingers crossed our trip across from Australia is able to go ahead at the end of June.
Namaste
Thank you – yes I think the next month is where we all take a deep breath
Thank you for this entry. It reminded me what that meaning of Namaste is all about – when saying it in yoga didn’t seem to have the same impact as your story shared. That is beautiful to think that when I do the Namaste with someone I am offering that the soul in me meets the soul in you. A real way to put grace into this situation our world is facing at this time.
Carol Blue
Good morning lovely and interesting blog this week. I agree that it would be more beneficial to maintain a more calming and thoughtful approach to these times…especially in the media. Can you explain what event is pictured in the first photo….such elegant dresses. Thank you.
Queen Charlotte’s Ball was founded by George III as a birthday celebration in honour of his wife, Queen Charlotte and originally raised funds for a hospital. It ceased after WW2 but was revived in recent decades, again with a fundraising focus. Debutantes curtsey to a large birthday cake in honour of Queen Charlotte and we hosted one here a few years ago!
What wonderful pictures and a lovely explanation of why we should at times like these look back to history to tell us why these traditions started – I love your solution to the current situation and wish you and all at Highclere good health
Prince Charles was at an awards ceremony about a week ago and he used the “Namaste” gesture instead of shaking hands. I think it’s lovely!! If it’s good enough for you – a Countess – and Prince Charles, it’s definitely good enough for me. PS… I love the idea of the curtsey, though. That really harkens back to a different time. Terrific blog. Wishing you and Lord Carnarvon good health during these difficult times. Be well!!
Absolutely LOVE this post. Well said, Lady C!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
A very timely and thoughtful blog. Your idea for a simple yet dignified and respectful greeting is perfect. In my opinion it’s a shame the English language doesn’t have honorific terms for “you” as other languages do; vous, tu in french, shoma, tu in farsi and others. As always I enjoy reading your blogs.
Sincerely,
Donald Huntington
Schenevus, NY
Thank you
Lady Carnarvon, I hope you, your family and all your staff are healthy due to the C virus. God is with us.
We are fine thank you so much!
Lady Carnarvon, I do love the curtsey and Namaste ideas! I am a little late responding about this, as I have been busy trying to cancel/reschedule a planned trip to Jane Austen in Bath and to “you” at Highclere. In fact, a group of us have our tickets for the Living in a Castle event – and were so looking forward to it! Will we be able to reschedule for a visit of some kind next Spring?
I will run the same event next year it may be called Castle and Gardens and offer a ticket reschedule form 2020 to 2021. I am just trying to sort this Easter opening reschedule and I have so many hours in the day to try to sort and some poeple are so frenzied that it leaves my team here in tears. We are all in it together and we will all walk out if slowly at first.
Lady Carnarvon, thank you for your quick response. What you are having to deal with must be overwhelming and under appreciated! I work on a much smaller scale leading groups from here in the States to England and Europe, and am struggling with rescheduling trips. I wish you and your staff good luck, good health, and good wine. Barbara
Thank you – and of course good spirits and Highclere Castle Gin!!!
Greetings from down under Lady Carnarvon…….or can I still say G’day?
Although g’day is not used often now, in the country areas it is an essential part of greeting particularly amongst men, e.g. “g’day mate”, then it is almost obligatory to engage in a conversation about the football, price of cattle or sheep and the weather….too much rain or that we need more rain.
It is much better than having some weathered farmer squeezing your hand so hard that it cuts off the circulation and pumping your arm up and down furiously while you slowly sink to your knees!
It seems that “hi” has slipped into our vocabulary a greeting which I find very annoying especially as it has no particular meaning! It feels to me almost a “throw away greeting” when you cannot be bothered to address somebody correctly, but at least it is an acknowledgement of your presence.
Namaste is a gentle way of acknowledging the recipient with sincerity and kindness. In Japan bowing is a sign of respect and when you visit that country you find yourself bowing automatically when you come home.
I hope you and your family are staying well and continue to be so. Now I will say Namaste
Namaste
You bring light to every Monday
Thank you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for this lovely suggestion. I practice yoga and find great peace in . I have always tried to greet everyone I meet on a daily basis with respect by intentionally looking at them directly in the eyes. It is so important and hopefully after our lives return to a new normal more will follow suit and be grateful for every encounter with our fellow man. God bless you.
Lisa Stevens
I have just done some yoga this evening – I could feel how stressed I was but the pleasure of reaching up and out, to breathe in and then out – amazing moments.
Confined to our home in Florida, I have just watched Downton Abbey through again and then the movie for the third time as a capstone. What a lovely escape. Now I’m dreaming of a trip to Highclere Castle. My ancestors are British and each time I come to England I feel as if I’m coming home. May you and yours be safe and well.
Thank you!
https://waterfallmagazine.com
May I simply say what a relief to find a person that really understands what they are discussing on the net.
You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it
important. More people should read this and understand this
side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
I’ve just watched all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey as well as the movie for the first time. I can’t imagine why I haven’t watched it before. I was absolutely amazed, what a wonderful series with a wonderful backdrop. I’m enjoying leaning more about Highclere.
The picture above with the women waiting in line, are you able to explain what they are doing?
I enjoy all the information surrounding your estate.
We once hosted the Queen Charlotte’s Ball here. It is something from the past and they are about to walk down the stairs!