Two gossips having a blast, from the series Witches Primsang,
30x24cm, acrylic and oil on canvas, available
30x24cm, acrylic and oil on canvas, available
!!!!Little did I know!!! that the word gossip comes from godsibb=godparent. Back in the days women would invite close friends or relatives (all female) for support during childbirth. This ranged from giving morale boosters to giving warm wine. These ladies were called gossips, and this tradition reflects the strong bond between them.
Buuuuut around the 16th century witchcraft accusations became more popular, and so the position of women went straight downhill. The meaning of “gossip” changed to “women engaging in idle talk.” Female friendships were a big target of the witch hunts. Women were not to gather in guilds, drink and chat in taverns or simply enjoy each other’s company.This would not only keep women away from home and hearth, but what would happen if we shared our thoughts, ideas and stories? During the witch trials they were encouraged to snitch on their friends, sisters, mothers and daughters = their gossips 👿😮💨