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New Netherland, New York Genealogy
Obsolete Occupations of the Netherlands
© Cor Snabel
Beguine (begijn)
Beguines were devoted virgins or widows, who were situated,
by their special religious way of life, between civilians
and nuns. They obeyed two rules: obedience and chastity.
This movement started in the 12th century and originated
from Brabant. The beguines settled in small houses around a
church or near a convent and often a wall surrounded it, so
it became a secluded community.
Although these women had possessions, they often owned the
house they lived in, they lived according to the vow of
poverty; they had sober furniture, allowed themselves no
luxury and owned dog nor chicken. By this outlook on life
and in later years by the fact that they stayed Catholic,
they separated themselves from the rest of the world; they
expressed that by their cloths too, a black wimple and a
white apron. They volunteered for the tasks within the
church, like cleaning and polishing. These religious women
had to support themselves by knitting and washing.
Contact with the outside world was limited to the absolute
minimum. If a craftsman like a carpenter or silversmith had
to work within the walls of the beguine court, there were
strict regulations how to approach this man: only some
coffee or tea, a sandwich for lunch, but no talking. They
were also not allowed to receive presents and only at Sint
Nicolaas, on 5 December, they could exchange small gifts.
Until late in the 19th century these beguines lived their
religious lives within their secluded communities.
>Choose from the following ancient occupations
Baker |
Beachcomber |
Beguine |
Candlemaker |
Dumpman |
Executioner |
Fanmaker |
Fireman |
Gravedigger |
Innkeeper |
Laundrywoman |
Nightwatch |
Peddlar |
Porter |
Seat Caretaker |
Ship Shanghai |
Soapmaker |
Streetpaver |
Tolltaker |
Pharmacist
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