Puritan society

Family Structure

Puritans believed that individuals could not live single-handed, making family structure the fundamental unit of society.

1. Sex

  • Not against sex, but framed it within Christian beliefs.

  • Saw sex as having a spiritual component alongside physical attraction.

  • Recognized sexual desire, though held unique cultural perspectives on it.

2. Dating & Marriage

  • The decision to marry was considered crucial, as was choosing the right spouse.

  • Believed in falling in love while maintaining sexual self-control.

  • Practiced bundling: serious courting couples were allowed to share a bed, with the woman wrapped from the waist down.

  • Tended to marry relatively late (averaging 23 for women and 26 for men).

  • Weddings were viewed as both a government contract and a religious event (with Bible readings tailored to the bride).

  • Permitted divorce under certain specified conditions.

3. Gender Relations

  • Did not view men and women as equal, but believed each gender brought distinct responsibilities.

  • Women possessed specific legal rights and privileges; the law aimed to protect both equally.

  • A husband could not command his wife to do something that violated God's law.

  • Women played a significant role within the church.

  • Couples were encouraged to mutually agree on major household decisions.

  • Jointure: both families provided a designated amount of land or money to support the young couple.

4. Children

  • High birth rates; lacked access to and opposed birth control.

  • Viewed large families as a blessing and a source of practical labor.

  • Did not view childhood as a time for play, but rather as a preparation or "boot camp."

  • Emphasized self-discipline and obedience.

  • Used physical punishment when necessary.

  • Practiced "sending out": sending older children to live and train with another family.

5. Old Age

  • Highly valued and respected elderly members of the community.

  • Held lore and cultural tales regarding elders, such as the "Gray Champion."

6. Death

  • Frequently contemplated death and mortality.

  • Introduced children to death early by taking them to funerals.

  • Practiced "daily dying" as a continuous spiritual preparation for the afterlife.

  • Avoided intense public displays of emotion at funerals.

Everyday Life
1. Education

  • Strongly emphasized literacy so everyone could read and understand the Bible.

  • Established a formal education system early in settlement.

  • Passed the Old Deluder Satan Act in 1647: required towns with 50 or more families to hire a schoolmaster.

  • Dame Schools: informal schools run by unmarried women in smaller towns.

  • Established the first colleges in the 13 colonies.

2. Recreation

  • The primary form of recreation and social gathering was Sunday church service.

  • Included rituals of purification for sins that could last up to an hour.

  • Services featured long sermons (often two 2-hour sermons separated by lunch).

  • Included extended prayer times (standing for up to an hour) and psalm singing.