Sharing behind-the-scenes fun facts with you as we begin the countdown to the release the Keeping Christmas collection, Volume 2, October 18.
Foster Castle’s housekeeper uses the phrase “sooth the savage beast.” Sadie refrains from telling her it is really, “music hath charms to sooth a savage breast.”
Some assume the idiom is Shakespearean, but actually it comes from William Congreve’s 1697 play “The Mourning Bride.” As used in Congreve’s day, breast referred to feelings, emotions, and heart.
Many misquote it as Mrs. Pickett did; in fact, you’ll probably hear more people say beast than breast, and it has found its way into the popular lexicon.
The quote continues with: “To soften rocks, or bend the knotted oak.” Studies show that music affects heart rate and blood pressure. Add laug
hter and prayer to improve cardiac performance. Music also unites communities, heals, and can regulate emotions.
More importantly, music is part of worshiping our Creator. Scripture tells us “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace …” (Col. 3:16), and “make[ing] melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
Does music help you worship the Lord, sooth your soul? What is your favorite music?
You can order the Keeping Christmas collections with A Castle For Christmas here.
Have you missed the previous fun facts? You can find them here.
Leave a Reply