Sweep the Dirt!

There was a time when people did not have the amenities that we have today. In an ever-changing society like we live in today with its smart designs and connectivity to the entire world, it may seem a bit hard to imagine how different times were for the parents and grandparents of this age. All homes did not have electricity, nor did they have indoor plumbing. Color TV was a luxury and dishwashing was a family affair. Closets were not walked in and clothes were dried on a line outside for all the world to see. Of all these things that were normal, the one that stands out in my mind is when people had to sweep the dirt outside.

Why sweep the dirt when there was so much of it? What purpose did it serve? What kind of benefit could come from it? Just for clarity, I grew up in an urban area that had lawns, sidewalks, and the like, so when I would travel around to different places, I would do the best I could to remember it was better to listen with two ears than to talk with one mouth. I learned that this practice of sweeping dirt was not what I thought it was by listening.

The primary reason for sweeping the dirt outside the house was to keep the grass and weeds from growing.  People swept the dirt in the northern states and the southern ones. They swept the dirt in the city and the country. Older photos of areas show how little greenery there was in urban areas. Some would think that only those who were poor swept the dirt around the outside of the house. This would explain why it would make little sense to a person who had a lawnmower. Because the assumption is that they have always been there.

It turns out the reasons for sweeping the dirt were quite practical. If there was no mower of any type available, you would not want the greenery in your yard to overtake you. The clear view from around your home provided an excellent perspective on if there was anything nearby that could cause harm. The kind of harm that could come in the form of a person, animal, insect, or even poisonous foliage. Practical indeed. 

The principle of sweeping dirt away from the house is just as important today as it has always been. We must keep a clear view on the things going on in our home and community that bring hazards to our front door. By doing this, we create an atmosphere and environment that allows security for our loved ones and the potential for growth as we introduce new things into our life, just as the lawnmower did for our yards.

HHJ News