NOTES FOR WOMEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20075, 16 April 1927, Page 27

NOTES FOR WOMEN.

By Philudju Continued from Page 24, QUAINT CUSTOMS. In some counties, Durham and Lancashire particularly, the custom once prevailed of "Lifting” at Eastertide. On Easter Monday the men lifted the women, one or more holding each arm, and lifting the body in a horizontal position three times, On Easter Tuesday the women did the same to the men. It was originally intended to represent the Resurrection. A whole year’s luck was gained by walking to tne top of the highest neighbouring hill or mountain on Easter morning; the earlier the start the better the luck, and the more likely the chance of seeing the sun dance along the horizon as ho does at no other time. A very early custom was to knock two eggs together, the one that broke becoming the property of the person whose egg remained' sound. For obvious reasons only hard-boiled eggs were eligible for the contest.—Answers. TRIFLES. There are useless trifles and useful trifles —ornamental trifles and trifles which cannot claim to be anything at all. Yet trifles —those numberless little etceteras which find their way into everybody’s stockings at Christmas, and on to everybody’s plate on a birthday morning—are not without a very definite charm. That ornamental lipstick; that .coloured , thimble which forms a hat for an absurd tiny doll; that be-ribboned back puff; those bizarre beads—are they ever used? Yet they look pretty, and it is a very strong-minded woman who will part with them on the ground that she does not use them. I knew of * woman who kept a drawer in her wardrobe especially for trifles. I opened it one day by mistake, and such a wealth of colour and confusion welcomed my eyes that I could not help exclaiming, and she looked round to see why 1 had done so. Coloured scarves, silken handkerchiefs, powder puffs, posies, shoe buckles, hair ornaments, useless bits of ribbon and remnants, a fan, feathers, and countless other oddments all jostled together jn what seemed to be a harmonious confusion. She smiled at my look of inquiry, “I keep them all together," she said. “Very occasionally just before a dance, or some other festive occasion, I delve in and find something useful, but for the rest they do not make a hundred and one odd places for themselves in corners where they would be a nuisance. Besides, you must admit that the sight of all those pretty trifles is a heartening one. I always take a peep when I’m feeling dull.” And certainly the colour and confusion of that trifle drawer was a stimulating sight. It would bo nearly as entertaining to turn out. I should imagine, as grandfmother’s rag-bag used to be.—Glasgow Weekly Herald. KEEPING FIT. This is the time of year when that “worn out, oh-for-a-holidav" feeling is most prevalent. We begin to think seriously of tonics and pick-me-ups, and secretly get ourselves weighed (says an exexhange). Lack of sunshine and exercise are taking i their toll. The busy girl who energetically plays lawn tennis almost every evening, indulges in long walks or other kinds of exercise in the summer months, settles down to a strictly sedentary life. From an office, stuffy, because the “head." dislikes open windows, or because papers will become disturbed by the draught, she hurries home to a sitting-room where open windows are again taboo. Often she is tempted to forgo the walk from the station in favour of a tram because time is precious, or the dull, ill-lighted streets are dreary and cold. Opportunities for playing games in winter-time are very limited, and dancing, though an excellent exercise, does not make up for the loss of fresh air and sunshine. Get all the fresh air possible, even if the only opportunity is in your own bedroom, where you are free to please yourself. As yrou probably spend quite a third of your time here, you are sure of sufficient fresh air to make all the difference j to your health. Draw your window down 'at tne top quite a foot Have extra cloth- ; ing, and even a hot-water bottle, rather than forgo this. During the day you • may have to work with people who object to having the windows open, but it is generally possible to give the room a good ! airing during the lunch hour, or when it : is empty in the evening. A sitting room can bo well aired when the family is at meals in another room by opening the windows and door, and allowing a current of air to blow through. It can thus bo kept ventilated all through the day. Make a rule of doing a few simple exercises every day. Five minutes spent jn I this way in the morning or at ni-ht will I help greatly towards keeping you fit and ; well. Wrap up warmly, but allow your- ; self perfect freedom of movement. , Stand ■ before an open window and begin by taking several deep breaths; then repeat ' some of the exercises you used to do in | the physical drill class at school. J Be sure to do some walking every day, 1 and at the week-end try to get in at least one really long walk. Strolling round the i shops is little good from the point of view •of exercise. Dress sensibly in warm I clothing, and comfortable walking shoes. i To get overtired is extremely bad If you feel weary when you come home to dress for the dance after a hard day at the office, spare a few minutes for relaxing. Lie perfectly straight, with limbs relaxed, and let your mind become perfectly blank. After five minutes spent in : resting you will be surprised to find how different you feel. If you take cold easily make a practice of gargling once every day either with *alt and water or some mild disinfectant. j\lso wash the nostrils every day with soop, which is itself an excellent anti- . septic.