New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-15
GERMAN LINEN CLOSET.
Pride of the Good HouscscTe-Lit-
tie Chance in Old Customs.

r+ g.. ~ czsus1 or accidental interest that the
German housewife takes in her linen closet
According to the old legends the powerful god
d.ss Freya, who made her yearly visitaIions to
the earth at New Years time came IN a long
garment OF snowy white linen and peeoed In
st the windows 10 If the mails we're busy
with distaF and spindle. and woe TO the idle
ones whose portion OF work was unfinished 10
this day belief IN this superstition is current
and no country wife or maid viii leave her fax
unspUn until Epiphany.
Amid all the changes and improvements that
tine has brought, the spinning wheel has neen
subject to fewer alterations than any other
invention Of modern civilization, and although
# has been in a large measure replaced by ma
chinery it stands to-day IN hundreds Of Ger
man houses a symbol Of German womens IN
dustrr Just as 1t was first made. according to
Jurgen, in Silesia in 1880. and is still IN con-
slant use
Among the most precious inheritances of the
past generations in this country is the linen
hidden away IN rare old oaken chests with
scented herbs among its yeIlowed folds, and to-
day It is safe to assume that Germany is richer
IN the products of this ancient industry than
any other nation. Table and bed linen forms the
greater part Of this rich legacy, although the
finest linen underwear has been provided in I'M
heard Of qualities since the German Princess
Elizabeth OF Bavaria brought it into fashion in
the early part of the fourteenth century.
To certain extent the family status is meas
ured by its linen treasure, and question often
nut by women is. How many dozen dozen OF
this or that did your daughter have in her
dowry?'
pAMAsk DESIGNS BY ARTISTS.
Old German darlasks are among the finest IN
tbs world Artists were employed to make the
rsre and beautiful designs, and the hand of the
slx,i,ed weaver brought them out in the fullest
perfectiou-the family coat-of-arms, stars, ara
besoues and scenes Of country life or others de-
ricting the tastes or disposition Of the family
The serviettes were larger than they are now
and It is not unusual for q hostess of to-day on
great occasions TO lay over her conee table a
geryiette from the dowry Of her grandmother
or ereat-grandmother It is to these fine dam
asks and linens that the invention OF the mangle
is due. These priceless materials never feit the
pressure Of hot Iron Ihey were H!dAeleo
with great care until they shone like satin, ana
laid away In loose, lengthwise folds 10 guard
them against damaging cTeases.
Linen chests have been replaced In modern
times by giant linen presses. These are capable
of holding an almost incredible supply. and not
the least important duty Of the hausfrau Is the
numbering OF her linen The tablecloth Tor state
occasions for which there are thirty-siX ser
beneath. and all the serviettes viii be num-
hered So second cloth is numbered IA ana
the servfettes "a. Should there be two sets OF
the same number Of pieces the number Z VIII
he added 10 the other numbers In addition 10
this are tea and coffee tablecloths, those for
ordinary use being bordered with gray OF pale
yellow with small frnged napkins
Next in Importance comes the bed linen This
comprises the undersheet, two pllloWcases, one
large case for the plumeau, or feather bed COW
ering and one upper sheet provided with button
holes in which the quilted comforter is but
toned The clothing is never tucked In, but laid
out over the top Of the bed. Tucking-in is called
English bedma king. and is unknown except IN
the cities Colored bed linen is provided for
man servants and all except those who live in
closer connection with the family, such as nurses
and ladies' maids
sfdered a moderate number In the case OF
these tradition has given way TO hygiene, and
are replaced by rough linen even coarse hemp.