Was talking to an employee of a funeral home. In their garage was a long, narrow wicker basket. I suppose, in the days before folding lightweight metal wheeled gurneys, it would have been ideal for transporting bodies. Lightweight, yet strong. So I asked him if THAT was the origin of the phrase. He didn't know. Anybody know for sure?
2006-10-01 14:36:38 · 3 answers · asked by L.V. Ames 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
That is more of a 1800's saying. Do you remember during the witch trails in Salem, Mass ...well while they were burning at the stake some of the bystanders would shout out burn in hell witch. Same thing with the cowboys back in the day as well... when they hung them..many would say "rot in hell...", so now the term "Going To Hell in a Handbasket" was directed more towards people who have been incarcerated that died, however the same holds true for a well respected person except with the saying "Going To Heaven in a Handbasket"
2006-10-02 15:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by WV_Nomad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is only a guess, but I wonder if it has anything to do with Moses being set afloat in a basket down a river as an infant.
2006-10-03 18:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by musselsfrmtheshell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.wordorigins.org/Words/LetterH/hellinahandbasket.html
2006-10-01 14:40:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋