Micheles Tribal Inspirations Jewelry blog

My dad and I were wondering what is the significance of the half-moon in out house doors?

Most out-house doors of old had a half-moon cut out of the door. This was before in-door plumbing.

I found this question on another website…

Dear Cecil:

Why do outhouses have half-moons on their doors? Perhaps it’s related to the great high school custom of “mooning”? –Joyce K., Seattle

Cecil replies:

This is no time for buffoonery, Joyce.

Level with me: you’ve never actually seen an outhouse with a half-moon cut into the door, have you? Neither have I, despite several decades of camping trips. I’ll bet the same goes for just about everybody else. The idea that outhouses always have moons on them has been perpetuated largely by several generations of cartoonists (e.g., Al Capp), probably none of whom ever saw one either.

The only reference I can find to the practice is in Eric Sloane’s The Little Red Schoolhouse: A Sketchbook of Early American Education. Discussing 18th- and 19th-century schoolhouses, Eric writes: “The woodshed was often a lean-to attached to the schoolhouse, but the most accepted arrangement was to place it between the schoolhouse and the privy, with a fence separating the boys’ entrance from the girls’. The ancient designation of privy doors was to saw into them a sun (for boys’ toilet) and a moon (for girls’ toilet).” Eric has supplied a sketch of both versions, showing the familiar crescent moon for the girls and a radiant sun for the boys.

By way of corroboration, I note here in my manual of semiotics that the moon “is usually represented as the feminine power, the Mother Goddess, Queen of Heaven, with the sun as the masculine.” Isn’t that just great? All this time you thought you were in there just doing your business and now it turns out you were participating in a pagan ritual.

Why cartoonists picked up on the moon rather than the sun as the universal symbol for outhouse is hard to say. But knowing cartoonists I’d guess it has something to do with the fact that the radiant sun is hell to draw. The reason there’s a hole in the first place is a lot simpler: it provides ventilation.

Half Moon (Official Trailer)

Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot, Clear $25.39 Amaze your guests with this beautiful glass teapot with twelve different jasmine green tea flowers. This pot gorgeously displays flowering teas in full bloom and the set has a sleek but classic design. The teapot comes with an infuser, for use with loose teas, and a lid to keep tea hot while brewing. The set is made completely of hand blown borosilicate glass making it safe for use in the microwav…

Chemex – Chemex Bonded FP-2 Filter Paper (Designed only for Chemex CM-1) 1-3 Cups (100 count) $8.00 Dispenser pack of (100) Chemex FP-2 Bonded Filters. These filters will work and are designed for all styles of Chemex 1 to 3 cup Coffee Brewers (pint size models CM-1, CM-1C and CM-1GH). Genuine Chemex-Bonded filters have absorbent special fibers for the highest quality coffee. Chemex filters remove even the finest sediment particles as well as the undesirable oils and fats. The formulation of the…

Roma 6 Inch Traditional Style Pasta Machine $34.99 Make fresh, homemade pasta anytime. Includes double cutting attachment for making both fettuccini and spaghetti. Adjustable rollers adjust to 7 various thickness settings. Heavy duty stainless steel construction and metal housing for a lifetime of use. 6” wide rollers. C clamp to attach the pasta machine to a countertop. Easy to follow instructions and recipe booklet included….

Up (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) [Blu-ray] $22.99 Features include: •MPAA Rating: PG•Format: Blu-Ray•Runtime: 96 minutes…

Have Rocket, Will Travel (The Three Stooges) [VHS] $12.95 Have Rocket, Will Travel is the first Three Stooges feature film after the team became television icons and Joe DeRita was called in to replace Joe Besser (who had replaced Shemp, who had replaced Curly). Aimed at a younger audience, it included a good deal of the physical violence their Snow White film tried to avoid. Curly Joe was given the old Curly shtick of being struck by a tool, exclaimin…

Half Moon Street [VHS] $14.99 …

Yamuna Body Rolling Foot Saver Kit $38.95 Foot Savers Kit – DVD edition. Once you can easily do the Foot Waker routines, graduate to Foot Savers. These plastic half-spheres, smaller and harder than Foot Wakers, are an intense, powerful tool for improving foot function and preventing your feet from restricting you at any time of life. Foot Savers actually re-educate feet. They improve gait, alignment, and muscle tone, stimulate reflexology…

Now Foods, 5-HTP 100 mg Vegetarian NOW Food’s 5-HTP is derived from Griffonia Simplicifolia, an African plant which is extracted to product 5-HTP, the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-tryptophan and serotonin….

Pet Buddies PB6500 Cat Litter Butler Mat 15.25 x 11.75 Half-Moon Shape $9.82 Litter box mat in half-moon shape. Non-absorbent backing and fibers are easy to clean…just shake or rinse off….

Iguana XXX Habanero Pepper Sauce – 5 oz $4.00 Iguana XXX Habanero Pepper Sauce is a hot, classically-styled sauce featuring a 50% aged habanero base with carrot, onion, garlic, tomato and lime juice rounding its full-bodied taste. The striking natural orange color comes from the dominant ripe habanero and carrot base. Its thick and pulpy texture and robust flavor come on strong and feature the famous and fabulous delayed habanero burn. Igu…

Carved Wood Half-moon Hall Table $166.99 Accent any room with this carved wood half-moon hall tableBeautiful furniture is hand carved Table is a great piece for any household

Goldtone Cubic Zirconia Half Moon Earrings $18.99 Goldtone fashion jewelrySemi-hoop earrings lined with clear cubic zirconiaEarrings feature a half-moon design

Santa Fe Nailhead 2-tier Half Moon Table $72.49 The Sante Fe Nailhead Half Moon table will provide your home or garden with a timeless touch. This two-tier table is ideal for use as a display for your home decor.

Concrete Half Moon Ivory Sink $234.99 Concrete sinks are an incredible addition to any home’s decor. The most durable vessel sinks on the market today, each sink has been handmade by a skilled artisan.

Faux Leather Half-Moon Ottoman $95.99 Available in three elegant, unique styles, this half-moon ottoman will complement any sort of indoor decor. Constructed of wood and upholstered in foam and faux leather, this ottoman will undoubtedly add an element of comfort and style to your decor.

Half Moon 2-drawer Wall Table $265.99 Add subtle beauty to your home decor with a half moon wall tableAccent table is designed to nestle tightly against the wallFurniture piece has four hand-carved wood legs

Iron Half Moon Table $54.99 Weather-resistant and durable patio tableDecorative table is a versatile pewter colorMeasures 28 inches high x 28 inches wide x 15 inches deep

Set of 2 Hand-woven Half-moon Rugs (2′ x 3′) $37.39 Update your home decor with a set of half-moon rugs Set includes two rugs with your choice of red, black and beige borders Casual rugs are hand-woven of sisal

Valencia Resin Wicker Outdoor Half-moon Table $78.99 A functional and stylish addition to your outdoor decor, this decorative table features a half-moon design and matte brown finish. This outdoor demilune patio furniture is weather-resistant.

Concrete Cream Half Moon Sink $226.79 Concrete sinks are an incredible addition to any home’s decor. The most durable vessel sinks on the market today, each sink has been handmade by a skilled artisan.

Michele Mies Silvertone Cubic Zirconia Half Moon Necklace $16.49 Circle pendant is half lined with cubic zirconia for a half moon designSilvertone fashion jewelryNecklace comes with a matching metal chain

San Juan Half Moon Shoulder Bag (Guatemala) $42.49 The San Juan Moon bag is crafted in fabric hand-woven on the backstrap loom. This shoulder bag has two inside pockets, one zippered and one cell phone.

Concrete Marble Half Moon Sink $228.99 Concrete sinks are an incredible addition to any home’s decor. The most durable vessel sinks on the market today, each sink has been handmade by a skilled artisan.

Concrete Half Moon Beige Sink $224.99 Concrete sinks are an incredible addition to any home’s decor. The most durable vessel sinks on the market today, each sink has been handmade by a skilled artisan.

Elan Women’s Handmade Dolman-sleeve Half-moon Crochet Top $84.99 This Elan handmade top features a gorgeous open crochet. A boat neckline, dolman sleeves, and a half-moon bottom add sophisticated shape to the women’s top.

Shangri-La Hand-carved Taiji Wood Half-Moon Table $187.99 This handsome half moon table features a rich oak finish and elegant craftsmanship. A hardwood construction adds strength and durability to this table.

Bay Shore Collection Half Moon/ Round Hall Table $127.99 The Bay Shore Collection half moon/round hall table is perfect for entry ways or hallwaysTable makes a great place to put keys, the mail or a potted plantThe table measures 32.5 inches high x 23.5 inches wide x 11.7 inches deep

Half-moon Stainless Steel Napkin Holder $17.99 Dress up your dinner table with a stainless steel napkin holderNapkin holder from BergHoff features a half-moon shapeTable accessory will be admired by your guests

Nova Half Moon Table Lamp with White Shade $157.79 Add a touch of romance to any room with this celestial style. Featuring a half moon nightlight set against a rich dark brown wooden base, this striking table lamp is topped off with a white shade.

Shangri-La Mozi Hand-carved Wood Half-Moon Table $169.59 This handsome half moon table features a rich oak finish and elegant craftsmanship. A hardwood construction adds strength and durability to this table.

Copper Recycled Brown Glass Half-Moon Earrings (Chile) $22.99 These handmade half-moon-shaped copper earrings showcase an embossed square of brown recycled glass in the center. These earrings hang from hook findings and feature a natural patina.

Amber Amphora Vase on Half Moon Metal Stand $25.49 Accent any decor with an amber amphora vase on a half moon metal standDecorative accessory boasts removable vase for easy cleaningAccent piece is constructed of iron and recycled glass

Shangri-La Zen Hand-Carved Wood Half Moon Table $158.99 This beautiful Shangri-la table features a unique half-moon shape. A rich oak finish adds sophistication to this hardwood table.

Medium Bamboo Half Moon Hamper $81.99 Materials: Natural bamboo strips and faux leather accentsDimensions: 13 inches x 22.75 inches x 19 inches Type: Hamper

Clear Amphora Vase with Half Moon Metal Stand $24.49 Add an elegant accent to your home decor with a clear amphora vase and stand setDecorative accessory is made of recycled glass and ironStand features half moon design

Copper Recycled Blue Glass Half-Moon Earrings (Chile) $20.99 These handmade half-moon-shaped copper earrings showcase an embossed square of blue recycled glass in the center. These earrings hang from hook findings and feature a natural patina.

Sterling Silver Miniature Flowers Half-moon Necklace (Mexico) $20.79 This necklace features miniature flowers preserved in a half-moon shaped resin pendant. Handcrafted of sterling silver, this pretty necklace hangs from a silver-plated snake chain.

Hand-carved Shell Half-moon Necklace (Philippines) $39.99 Double strands of hammershell nuggets and green shell heishi with glass beads spectacularly accent a hand-carved half-moon pendant of violet sprayed Kabibe shell in an original handcrafted necklace.

Stainless Steel Filigree Cut-out Half Moon Earrings $20.49 These hollow half moon earrings feature an intricate cut-out filigree design. This fashion jewelry is crafted of stainless steel.

Adee Waiss Silver Half-moon Pink Crystal and Cubic Zirconia Earrings $15.99 Each of these designer earrings from Adee Waiss features a half-moon-shaped pink crystal dangling on a chain under a heart-shape post set with a clear cubic zirconia. The earrings are crafted of sterling silver with butterfly clasps.

Shangri-La Dao Hand-carved Wood Half Moon Table $200.99 This beautiful Shangri-la table features a unique half-moon shape. A rich oak finish adds sophistication to this hand-carved hardwood table.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 20-in Half-Moon Chain Necklace $47.99 This 20-inch sterling silver chain necklace features alternating black rhodium and silver half-moon beads. Each half-moon bead is diamond-cut, allowing for a beautiful sparkle with each twist.

Copper Recycled Red Glass Half-Moon Earrings (Chile) $20.49 These handmade half-moon-shaped copper earrings showcase an embossed square of red recycled glass in the center. These earrings hang from hook findings and feature a natural patina.

Copper Recycled Yellow Glass Half-Moon Earrings (Chile) $20.49 These handmade half-moon-shaped copper earrings showcase an embossed square of yellow recycled glass in the center. These earrings hang from hook findings and feature a natural patina.

Sterling Silver Lab Created Opal Half Moon Necklace $19.49 Luminous lab created opal adorns this stylish jewelryHalf moon pendant and princess-length chain are crafted of fine sterling silverSuperior quality lab created opal makes a very fashionable semi-circle necklace

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Silver Black and White Half-Moon Necklace $44.99 This 3-mm thick necklace chain features alternating black rhodium and diamond-cut half moon beads. The diamond-cut and high polish finishes allow the necklace to sparkle with every twist.

Goldtone Half-Moon Red Coral Hoop Earrings (Thailand) $21.49 Pretty and earthy, these hoop earrings feature a half-moon design made of cotton wax rope with red coral embellishment on hook findings. These earrings were handmade in Thailand by artisan, Siam.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 24-in Half-Moon Chain Necklace $51.99 This 24-inch sterling silver chain necklace features alternating black rhodium finish over silver half-moon beads. Each half-moon bead is diamond-cut, allowing for a beautiful sparkle with each twist.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 30-in Half-Moon Chain Necklace $62.99 This 30-inch sterling silver chain necklace features alternating black rhodium finish over silver half-moon beads. Each half-moon bead is diamond-cut, allowing for a beautiful sparkle with each twist.

Sterling Silver Colorful Flower Half-Moon Necklace (Mexico) $27.99 This beautiful necklace features a half-moon pendant with a bouquet of flowers preserved with resin. Handcrafted with sterling silver, this necklace hangs from a silver-plated snake chain.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 18-in Half Moon Chain Necklace $42.99 This 18-inch sterling silver chain necklace features alternating black rhodium and silver half-moon beads. Each half-moon is diamond-cut, allowing for a beautiful sparkle with each twist.

Rubber-Cal ‘Isle of Crete’ Half Moon Coir Rubber Mat $25.99 Our coir welcome mats are made with natural and reclaimed rubber material and all-natural coco coir fiber for eco-friendly durability. This ‘Isle of Crete’ anti slip doormat is an eye-catching doorway accessory that will preserve your interior floors.

Stainless Steel Hollow Half Moon and Star Necklace $33.99 This necklace features a detailed moon and star pendant that are hollow. This jewelry is crafted of stainless steel in a polished finish.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 36-in Half Moon Chain Necklace $83.99 This 3-mm 36-inch chain necklace features alternating black beads and white diamond-cut half-moon beads. The diamond-cut and high polish finishes allow this necklace to sparkle with every twist.

Tiffany-style Half Moon Stained Glass Mallard Accent Light $43.14 Lighting features colorful hand-blown art glass in a classic Tiffany-inspired designLight displays colors of blue, tan, purple, orange and pinkWireless wall sconce will dress up any room in your home or office

Cotton and Leather ‘Half Moon’ Shoulder Bag (Guatemala) $49.99 The women from Aj Quen in Guatemala create the cotton fabric on traditional looms of this lovely shoulder bag. This fully-lined shoulder bag features beautiful leather trim.

Half-moon Stained Glass Appolonia Accent Light $67.99 Introduce unique and beautiful lighting to your home decor with a sconce Wireless LED wall sconce combines style, convenience and flexibilityLighting allows decorative creativity and practicality

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 30-in Half Moon Chain Necklace $69.99 This 3-mm 30-inch chain necklace features alternating black beads and white diamond-cut half-moon beads. The diamond-cut and high polish finishes allow this necklace to sparkle with every twist.

Eternally Haute JewelQuake Sterling Silver 20-in Half Moon Chain Necklace $48.99 This 20-inch sterling silver chain necklace features alternating black beads and white diamond-cut half-moon beads. The diamond-cut and high polish finishes allow this necklace to sparkle with every twist.

Hand-painted Half Moon Lotus Accent Light $35.49 Lighting features colorful hand-painted glass of liliesLight allows decorative creativity and practicality to shine anywhereWall sconces offer a safe and cost effective light to add a stunning, flexible effect in any room

Marlins New Era Batting Practice Cap – Mens – Black $26.99 Wear what the pros wear with the New Era MLB Batting Practice Cap. This official batting practice cap is made of 62% polyester and 38% wool in a tight-weave mesh, stretch-fit construction, just like other caps in the 39THIRTY collection. This updated design includes a half-moon gusset and piping along the sides of the cap. Stay cool and dry with its vapor management qualities. Stretch resistant with a flex fit, this classic baseball cap also includes a center front with a raised embroidered team logo. Other graphic elements include a stitched New Era flag logo at the wearer’s left side and an embroidered MLB logo or team logo on the rear. Imported.