A law that says men have to walk the streets with their hands clasped behind their backs
A man with his hands clasped behind his back, near the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton Pennsylvania
Because I think it's cute & gentlemanlike.
Just kidding.
But I was reminded today about Alison's post about how all the older gentlemen in Belgrade stroll around with their hands behind their backs.
Today I saw a man, silver haired of course, in Scranton, with his hands clasped behind his back.
My photo's not as good as Alison's perhaps. Especially because in her photo, the old men are elderly (and therefore more cute), not to mention the photo was taken in a foreign city, which somehow adds to the romanticism.
I remember both of my grandfathers as having strolled around with their hands clasped behind their backs regularly. And it's very common in period films in Old English settings, such as Jane Austen's Emma and Pride & Prejudice. Though it's the young men looking gentlemanlike, not just the seniors.
asteriskhere: It seems like the law here...
It seems like the law here-- if you are a man of a certain age and you are taking a stroll through a park, you must clasp your hands behind your back.
Oh my god that is too cute! Glad to be of inspiration.
Posted by Alison | Wednesday 11 May 2005 5:35PM
Cool. I'm not the only one around here that does that. Not that I do it that often, but it's convenient when you want to walk around and stay out of people's way.
Posted by dave | Thursday 12 May 2005 9:00AM
Good idea about bumping into people less if you have your arms like that.
And I think it just looks nicer than swinging one's arms about.
Posted by Chloe | Thursday 12 May 2005 11:55AM
Wow, I would think that it would get uncomfortable after a while. But I guess the next time I'm in Scranton I'll have to do it lol.
Posted by Tim Pintsch | Friday 13 May 2005 10:26AM
Oh, I don't know... I don't think it would be uncomfortable if you're just strolling. If you're trying to take a brisk walk, then yeah... But generally you see this when people are strolling & conversing.
I say try it! haha. ;)
Posted by Chloe | Friday 13 May 2005 11:42AM
You often see this when men are strolling and conversing, but when you see men in parks walking like this when they are alone, I think it gives the general impression that they are either reflecting or contemplating.
Posted by Alison | Friday 13 May 2005 12:26PM
Yes, and there's nothing more attractive than a man reflecting & contemplating! Indeed, they should do it more often, I think.
Posted by Chloe | Friday 13 May 2005 12:35PM
what a nice/fun post...
us old guys need all the good press we can!
a yoga teacher of mine strongly urged against folding ones arms in front - tension causing pose not condusive to good posture - therefore i often clasp my hands behind - though not while i am walking - i imagine it'd have health benefits - opens the chest - breathes better - try it!
Posted by mike | Monday 16 May 2005 4:17PM
Are you in Scranton? I just love Scranton. Is Papa's Pizza still open?
Posted by tz | Tuesday 17 May 2005 3:26AM
I live in Scranton.
But I'm not sure about Papa's Pizza...
Posted by Chloe | Tuesday 17 May 2005 12:25PM
Yes, Papa's Pizza is still open.... and delicious.
Posted by KAT | Wednesday 20 July 2005 4:01PM
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Oh my god that is too cute! Glad to be of inspiration.
Cool. I'm not the only one around here that does that. Not that I do it that often, but it's convenient when you want to walk around and stay out of people's way.
Good idea about bumping into people less if you have your arms like that.
Wow, I would think that it would get uncomfortable after a while. But I guess the next time I'm in Scranton I'll have to do it lol.
what a nice/fun post...
us old guys need all the good press we can!
a yoga teacher of mine strongly urged against folding ones arms in front - tension causing pose not condusive to good posture - therefore i often clasp my hands behind - though not while i am walking - i imagine it'd have health benefits - opens the chest - breathes better - try it!
Are you in Scranton? I just love Scranton. Is Papa's Pizza still open?
Yes, Papa's Pizza is still open.... and delicious.
