Did you know?
January 2019 is…Hobby Month
Since humans became sentient we have always had hobbies. It started out with smaller hobbies, such as swimming, hunting, and drawing on cave walls. We have always done things to keep ourselves busy during the long days, but where did the word hobby come from?
The origins of the word hobby suggest that initially, it was the word given to pursuits that others thought somewhat childish or trivial. However, as early as 1676 Sir Matthew Hale, in Contemplations Moral and Divine, wrote: “Almost every person hath some hobby horse or other wherein he prides himself.” He was acknowledging that a “hobby horse” produces a legitimate sense of pride. By the mid-18th century, hobbies flourished as working people had more regular hours of work and greater leisure time.
They spent more time to pursue interests that brought them satisfaction. However, there was concern that these working people might not use their leisure time in worthwhile pursuits. The hope of weaning people away from bad habits by the provision of counter-attractions came to the fore in the 1830s. This has rarely waned since. Initially, the bad habits were perceived to be of a sensual and physical nature and the counter attractions, or perhaps more accurately alternatives, deliberately cultivated rationality and intellect.
How to celebrate Hobby Month
All month long, this celebration is one of the easiest things to do. All we have to do, is enjoy our hobbies.
