Hobbies are a relatively modern invention. The further you look back in time the less information you’ll find about hobbies and that is simply because most people could not afford ‘an activity that you enjoy doing in your spare time’ (Collins dict.) – more were too busy working or just surviving.
The quote comes from 1676 when Sir Matthew Hale Divine was acknowledging that a “hobby horse” gives us a sense of pride. Though initially hobbies were worrying to the wealthy, who thought that working people might be wasting their time! As if…
By the middle of the 20th century things had changed as George Orwell noted “the addiction to hobbies and spare-time occupations, the prolateness of English life. We are a nation of flower-lovers, but also a nation of stamp-collectors, pigeon-fanciers, amateur carpenters, coupon-snippers, darts-players, crossword-puzzle fans. All the culture that is most truly native centres round things which even when they are communal are not official—the pub, the football match, the back garden, the fireside and the ‘nice cup of tea”. Yes please and in that order…
Right now at English-Lunch we are discussing some of the most popular Hobbies:
1. Reading
All the E-Lunchers are readers, and it varies widely from non-fiction to novels. I am really enjoying the ‘Time traveller’s guides‘ right now.
2. Traveling
Most of us don’t consider travelling a hobby, though – if you’re not working (!) – backpacking might be a travel hobby?.
3. Fishing
Most of us have some experience here, though none of us are active anglers… we really should be able to fillet a fish though!
4. Crafting
This topic sparked a discussion about knitting. I had a student who was knitting a scarf during my course at the TU in Braunschweig – better than using the laptop or mobile phone!
Some of us remember knitting in groups at school – you won’t see that happening today!
5. Television
Strange hobby you might think, but most of us are enjoying some Netflix series right now…
Fancy joining the discussion??
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