How would your family act at an 18th century ball/party?

No offense taken, and it is an interesting question.
I have Jewish and Native American ancestors as part of my heritage. I know they were not always treated correctly. Even my Catholic ancestors would have faced adversity for a time. I am thankful that America is better now compared to back then and that we can just see each other as human. :-) 🇺🇸
 
Bump it back to 14th-15th century and I am all in-as would be my family. We do it anyhow as recreational activity (SCA for those who have heard of it). I'm not sure of the comfort level of 18th century clothing, but it is probably like Elizabethan and properly fit is extremely comfortable. Yeah, we'd be up for it.
 

We'd probably be the ones serving the drinks and food.
As I said in my previous posts, in this fantasy, one exception for this historically accurate ball would be that in this wish all those attending would be nobility regardless of race or gender. So think of the question instead in those terms. Also, please note many in colonial times did not support slavery. In the POTC 1 movie, the governor’s household had poor white people work as housekeepers, footmen, butlers, and chambermaids. Not all rich white nobles had slaves, several used indentured servants and also skilled workers who received payments. The 18th century experience of life greatly depended on where one lived on top of the skills one possessed. I’m not justifying racism or slavery in any fashion. I’m just saying not everything is black and white in the 18th century. You can enjoy elements of a century in the past that are acceptable by today’s standards while also rejecting problematic principles of the past that we know are legally and morally wrong today. Just a thought. :-)
 
Fireworks usually ended the balls during the 18th century. Some are believed to have been as epic as fireworks shows today. 🎆🤯
 
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As I said in my previous posts, in this fantasy, one exception for this historically accurate ball would be that in this wish all those attending would be nobility regardless of race or gender.

I just want to say that I didn't mean to imply that I was a person of color; I'm not.

I've researched my Mom's side of the family extensively, and there was one common thread running through most of their occupations listed on the census records- the men were laborers, and the women were domestic servants until or even after they got married. I'm thoroughly working class. I'm quite proud of those laborers and maids. So, I only meant that I would have been a domestic servant in the 18th century. :)
 
Sounds like a dream - my mom and I would be thrilled. Hubby would not. Not sure what we'd do with our 3 year old... I'd imagine he'd stay home with his governess. ;)
 
I do wonder how over protective/intimidating fathers were of their daughters when they were asked to dance by a fellow noble’s son? How over protective do you think you would be at the ball with your own kids or how over protective do you think your parents would be with you (if you were unmarried at the time) if they were at the ball too? 🤔
 
Weren't those balls filled with drunken debauchery? They weren't family friendly at all.
Not the majority of them. Most were actually well mannered. You're thinking of the famous royal French ones that were known for out of control craziness (they lasted anywhere from 12-to 18 hours :jester:). The 2015 Cinderella ball scene was more closely accurate to what it would have been like than what you are thinking.
 
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I’d yell that’s my jam! As the band played lol. Then I’d probably get jailed since women weren’t supposed to be vocal like that.
Some noble women did things like that at balls. Most were just seen as a little weird and eccentric. Almost no one was ever jailed for that. So you could do so if you didn't care what others thought or weren't looking for a marriage prospect. :-)
 
Uh, take a look at the privies you would have to use and then ask that question. Also, total lack of sanitation and the fact that most people did not bathe often or at all. In a word, gross.
Indoor flushing toliets actually did exist in the 18th century, just an FYI. In fact, one of the earliest ones invented was during the Renaissance in England. Queen Elizabeth 1 (I believe that is the 16th century royal I'm thinking of) was actually offerded on as a gift. She thought it was a weird idea/invention. It was partly expensive which was why the majority in the 18th century didn't have them. Some also thought outhouses were perfectly fine. Sanitation practices started to be practiced in the late 1700's as medical procedures were being tested and furthered. It wasn't perfect but many medical personnel were trying their best to make the world a healthier world with what they had available to them and the latest knowledge they possessed.
 
Bump it back to 14th-15th century and I am all in-as would be my family. We do it anyhow as recreational activity (SCA for those who have heard of it). I'm not sure of the comfort level of 18th century clothing, but it is probably like Elizabethan and properly fit is extremely comfortable. Yeah, we'd be up for it.

 
Sounds like a dream - my mom and I would be thrilled. Hubby would not. Not sure what we'd do with our 3 year old... I'd imagine he'd stay home with his governess. ;)
Do you think your husband would have enjoyed the classic games that happened at the balls? Charades, blind man's bluff, billiards, or whist are just a few examples that I can think of.
 
You bumped your own 2 year old thread? Why? My answer would have been then and remains NO NO NO NO NO!
 
You bumped your own 2 year old thread? Why? My answer would have been then and remains NO NO NO NO NO!
I was answering a few questions. Geez, I think the back of the room of the Disboards heard your answer of no. 🎙️👂🔊🙄:rolleyes1
 














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