Where did yarn come from?
April 19, 2007 - 7:56pm — AgapeMom
Can anybody tell me where the term "yarn" in reference to a story originated? We have some good guesses just wanted to see if there was anything official. Thanks!
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Spinning a Yarn?
Not sure about how "spinning a yarn" got associted with telling a story. I always associated the saying with people tell a talll tale. A story with very little fact.
We have a resident expert at StoryTrax.com. Her name is Paula and she is by far the expert on this subject. I look forward to her comments. Good question.
Clay hardens by immobility – men's minds by standing pat. Both lose the power to take new impressions. (Pinchot 1910: 138)
Ahoy, matey!
Gotta love Paula!
Thanks Paula! Your explanation was fun to read! This is one of the reasons we are beginning to teach the kids Latin and soon some Greek- so much history (and fun) in the study of word origins!!! Hey- maybe from the whole idea of the Greek word intestines- our stories come from deep within. They are such an integral part of who we are- just like our intestines!!! Ha! -or should I say Bleck!!!!
Good for you!
You know, I took a couple of years of Latin in high school, and I have never regretted it. It helps me everyday to understand something I read or write. And it sure makes you a great speller!
I am not sure I understand -
I am not sure I understand - What story?
Meg
Sorry- jotted it down too quick!
Sometimes a story or a legend is referred to as a yarn. We were reading the history of Johnny Chapman who was Johnny Appleseed and the author said a piece of information was adding to this yarn. We were thinking that since yarn is several fibers woven together- it is saying a yarn is several different versions of a story woven together to make one. Maybe?
New Piece
Oooh, that's a new piece of information for me!
Your explanation makes sense to me - I would have thought the same thing. Or when someone says "this is just adding to the yarn" they mean the story is getting bigger/longer with more exaggeration just like when you add more string the yarn ball becomes bigger?
Meg
My addition to the "yarn"
Since you were talking Johnny "Appleseed" Chapman, let me add my .02.
My mother, and I suppose me and my kidlets, are related to Johnny Appleseed. Her grandmother's name was Lulu Chapman Wilder, and Johnny Appleseed was a cousin to her father. My mother's uncle was Abijah Chapman (AC) Wilder, and the Chapman name has come thru that part of the family, most of whom i don't know.
Another tidbit!
And the Yarn Grows!!!!
How cool is that??!!!! We just went on a field trip today to a blockhouse from which Johnny Chapman began is legendary all-night run to warn the people of this area that the British are coming! One of the frustrating things about reading and studying about him is there isn't much information about him from his birth through his appearance in Pittsburgh before he began his travels into the NW Territory soon to be Ohio. A lot of it seems to be based on people's different tales. Do you know much about him that's been passed through the family?
Johnny Appleseed
In the summer of 2005, a community in Ashland County ,Ohio, built an outdoor theater to bring the Johnny Appleseed story to life. They had a full summer schedule and had professional actors supplemented with people from the community. Alot of kids were used in the cast. They were hoping to duplicate the success of the long running 'Blue Jacket' and 'Tecumseh' Outdoor Dramas that are popular here. However, this play did not take off and the theater closed after one season. Last summer our newspaper said the production needed some retooling and should be back for 2007. I have not seen any advertising or promotion for this year.