Call It “Macaroni”
July 13th, 2010Do you remember the old Revolutionary War song, “Yankee Doodle”? In the song, Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his hat and called it, “macaroni.” Have you ever wondered what pasta had to do with Yankee Doodle’s hat?
This is one of those lost definitions. In the late 18th Century, saying something was “Macaroni” was like almost saying it is “phat” or “hot” today. Even those words’ meanings are easily lost in time.
When we study the Bible we can discover words or ideas with which we are not familiar. We either pass over them or we make an educated guess to the meaning. We may develop two entirely different views and both are off base. Yet, we will make them a point of contention without knowing the facts.
The Yankee Doodle legend has to do with the shabbily dressed American soldiers facing the immaculately dressed (Macaroni) British. The Americans stopped at a farm before fighting the Brits. The farmer’s daughter saw their attire and decided to help out. She plucked a chicken and gave the Patriots a feather for their hats. Once they placed the feathers in the brims, they called it “Macaroni.”
Studying the scriptures involves many things. It is more than finding a proof text or two to use in winning an argument. It includes understanding the original intentions of the writers. It involves digging into original meanings of words as well.
Study the scriptures. They testify of Jesus, the source of eternal life (John 5.39). He is the One we follow (John 14.6).
Keep The Light Burning!
Dr. Perry Greene
