When there was a knock on the door our old Dad would say, "Oh dear, it's the vicar, hide the spoons". Any ideas?
2006-09-29 05:42:08 · 13 answers · asked by Harriet 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
ha ha no idea but i love the way you worded your question!
2006-09-29 05:52:04 · answer #1 · answered by monkeynuts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your Dad was (and maybe still is)? a great character! Not much time for the Church or the vicar!
It was a common belief at the time (mainly fostered by religious unbelievers) that the clergy were a lot of scroungers or beggers, (not far out in my opinion) and the "Hide the spoons" bit was to get your Mother or whatever family member annoyed, and at the same time demonstrate his his dislike and distrust of the clergy!
I have heard the same thing many times in the far distant past!
All I can say is I like the sound of your Dad ("Old fool" or not)!
2006-09-29 12:56:29 · answer #2 · answered by budding author 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Were the spoons bent and burnt in such a way as might have given the vicar a tip off about your Dad's smack habit?
2006-09-29 19:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by mad alan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because a lot of people had nice silver spoons and if the vicar saw them he would think you rich and expect a huge donation to the church.
2006-09-29 18:15:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Serving spoons were made from silver and used so infrequently that it was believed the vicar would steal (borrow) them to finance the church and they would not be missed until the next Great Dinner.
2006-09-29 12:48:56 · answer #5 · answered by wadenovakovski 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cutlery would show the relative wealth of the household and the vicar would be looking for a donation for the church
2006-09-29 12:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by Bladerunner (Dave) 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think he meant that if the vicar thought you had some money he would be after a donation but if he thought you were that poor you couldent afford any spoons then he wouldent bother you.
2006-09-29 21:15:01 · answer #7 · answered by BLACKY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a Monty Python-type line.
2006-09-29 12:48:05 · answer #8 · answered by lovelylexie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
consider.a farmer and his son were working out in the farm.the son exclaimed"pa,i see the reverend coming up the lane."the father ask"which one?"the son replied"i can't tell,but he is headed to the house."the father instructed the son"quick.go up to the house.if it's the episcopalian,lock the liquor cabinet.if it's the baptist lock the liqour cabinet,find your mother and sit in her lap till i get up there."
2006-09-29 13:25:11 · answer #9 · answered by denny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a reference to greeginess of the Catholic Church. True or not it's still a little funny istn't it?
2006-09-29 12:55:31 · answer #10 · answered by Raymond 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋