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The colonies had religious services. Each of the colonies had different beliefs about what people should learn in those services. Most of the New England colonists were Puritans and they led very strict lives. They would meet in a meetinghouse. It was a large building in the center of the town and was used for meetings as well as church services. The Middle colonists were a mixture of religions, including Quakers, Catholics, and Jews. The Southern colonies also had a mixture of religions including Baptist and Anglicans. All colonists were expected to attend their religious services. Some colonies had special laws for the Sabbath. Children could not laugh or play games. No one could do any work. Men were not allowed to shave or cut their hair and it was against the law for a child to kiss his mother or father. Some church services were very long and lasted the whole day. There would be a break for a large meal and the colonists would have time to greet and meet their neighbors. After they finished eating they would return for more services. The Puritans were very strict and everyone had to sit up straight and listen to long sermons. A person called a “tithing man” would walk up and down the aisles with a long stick. There was a goose feather on one end and a wooden knob on the other. The goose feather was used to tickle the noses of those people who fell asleep and the knob was used to knock on the heads of those people who talked during the service. Children also had to follow these rules or the same punishment would be given.
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During the break in the religious services the colonists would have a chance to visit with each other. |
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A Puritan meeting house used for religious services on Sundays. |
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Created by Justin and Elliot Solomon Schechter Day School June 2006 |
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