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Cedar Chests From The Cedar Store Keep Holiday Memories Fresh
By Kathy Moran
(HIT)- The word ‘valuable’ may be defined in the dictionary, but its true meaning is subject to opinion. After all, most of the possessions that people prize above all others are things, such as family heirlooms, photographs, love letters, a grandmother’s quilt, or precious holiday ornaments, that have no value to anyone else. In fact, it seems that the only thing that we cherish more than our treasures, is having a safe place to keep them. This may explain the timeless popularity of the cedar chest.
As far back as ancient Egypt, wooden chests were used for storing jewels, gold, documents, and other important possessions. For centuries, Europeans, using entire trees, would carve one-piece chests to use for storing their valuables. These chests were also commonly given as gifts to honored friends who were held in deep affection and high esteem.
In early America, when cellars were damp, and closets were unheard of, colonists used chests made of cedar for storing blankets, linens, clothes, and whatever little bits of finery they owned. Since chairs were also scarce, the chests doubled as benches. At that time, too, they were among the most thoughtful, revered, and enduring gifts that anyone could receive. Indeed, these chests were so important that, according to the logs of many ships that transported settlers to America, they were often the only possessions that families brought with them. Years later, the same was true of many pioneers who traveled west.
The cedar chest has also been known as a "hope chest," which would traditionally be given to a young woman, who would use it to accumulate linens, blankets, napery, towels, quilts, and other items that she would need to start a household when she got married. Although that custom has long been outmoded, a cedar chest is still beloved for its beauty and durability, as well as its inherent ability to repel insects and resist decay, which allows it to keep items in pristine condition.
No longer associated with marriage-minded maidens, a cedar chest is at the top of everyone’s holiday wish list, because it’s simply a charming piece of furniture that can instantly bring an air of coziness and warmth to any room. At CedarStore.com, you’ll find the finest in hand-crafted, heirloom quality cedar chests, in traditional and contemporary designs, including stunning steamer trunks accented with brass-plated hardware and genuine leather straps.
A cedar chest from CedarStore.com is an ideal holiday gift for anyone. With its rich, radiant lacquered finish, it will retain its beauty, as well as the keepsakes entrusted to it, for generations to come. A cedar chest will complement any décor beautifully, which also makes it an ideal housewarming, birthday, or wedding gift.
CedarStore.com also has magnificent oak and cherry chests, available in several lustrous shades of stain, and finished brilliantly with double coats of lacquer, for the ultimate in durability. With your choice of styles from rustic to elegant, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at http://www.CedarStore.com. For more information, call 888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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