By Hook or by Crook

Where did that expression ever come from? I’ve used the saying myself but until recently didn’t know how it originated.

In feudal days of the Medieval Age, the lord of the manor did not allow his peasant workers to cut down trees for firewood. Instead they could use only the limbs they could cut down with a pruning hook or pull down with a shepherd’s crook. Along with pieces lying on the ground, they had to be content with what they could obtain by hook or by crook.

We are indeed very fortunate not to be restricted to those conditions. In fact, most of us would have a hard time remembering when we last used wood to heat our homes. In addition many of us have freedoms, food, funds and family to enjoy that are not constrained by a mean boss. Most of us are surrounded by the benefits of nature, the stocked shelves of stores and the kindness of friends. Few of us are limited to what we can pull in “by hook or by crook”. We indeed have much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving Day is coming.

Gratefully,

Henry Wiebe