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The Religious Pajama Party, Kentucky, 1955.

Outside the window it’s dark. Striped, solid and patterned pajama clad boys are gathered round a big open bible cradled in the hands of a grown up Snow White. Her message is clear, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.” This is what bible study looks like at a pajama party.

Ye must also take note of the intoxicating color theory happening here in this party house. Clearly, whoever paired the brightest of bright yellows with stormy sea foam green is a creative design genius. Not to mention the curtains in that rare shade of chartreuse and that fancy coco colored cherry blossom wallpaper.

Bibles rarely show up in slides. Neither do pajamas. We all know where the holy bible came from but I didn’t know where pajamas came from so I Googled. Turns out India gave the world pajamas. And now that I think of it, it makes perfect sense. The spelling alone gives it away. The “P-A-J” in pajamas is like the “T-A-J” in Taj Mahal.

People love pajamas. We even have cutesy knick names for them like PJ’s and jammies. And some of us, when referring something really wonderful, say “Well, isn’t that the cat’s pajamas!” Pajamas even inspire parties. Everybody’s been to a pajama party. It’s an teenage Americana tradition of the highest order.

But If I were throwing a pajama party it would not have a religious theme. I have a better idea. Since pajamas are from India lets have an Indian themed slumber time shindig.

Transforming a home into an exotic Indian theme pajama party environment is easy. Crank up the Indian tunes, fire up the incense and light lots of candles. Display decorative items found at your local Indian market and hang sheets on the walls like drapes. Replace all the regular light bulbs in rooms where the party will take place with red bulbs to insure an exotic atmosphere.

Have your invited 8 to12 guests arrive at your place at 10pm in their pajamas with sleeping bags in hand. Greet them at he door by placing a bendi on their forehead. Serve madras, a festive light cocktail of vodka, cranberry and orange juice named for the colorful plaid fabric India is famous for. Have platters of Vegetable samosas and other delicious deep-fried Indian treats heaping on platters fresh from your local Indian take out. If you have time for a group craft project have everyone hot glue big fake plastic jewels on turbans that you got the day before at the beauty supply.

At 11 o’clock seat your guests on pillows around the coffee table and serve Chicken Tandori and Yellow Curry with all the trimmings family style. At midnight usher your turban wearing guests to the enclosed patio for a special surprise performance by a snake charmer. Back inside after the trilling show serve mango milk shakes, hot mango tea and Indian sweets. As everyone begins to settle in their sleeping bags show slides from your latest trip to the the Taj Majal. Then wow ‘em with your Sambo’s memorabilia collection. That will explain why, as guests wake up in the morning you are serving pancakes with “tiger butter” for breakfast.

Here’s to Pajamas, Indian themed pajama parties and YOU!


Posted Monday, March 9th, 2009 under Slide of the Week.
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14 Responses to “The Religious Pajama Party, Kentucky, 1955.”

  1. Miss Formica Dinette says:

    I am SOOOOO coming to your pajama party, Charles! Tiger butter pancakes were always my dream as a kid.

  2. Peter says:

    Charles. This is my favorite slide in long time. The operative word in your opening paragraph is “hands”! Those are the biggest man hands I’ve seen on a Mother in a long time and her makeup appears only slightly less understated. I have little doubt she went to bed with her face painted in all it’s Technicolor glory. Good work old boy (girl). Peter

  3. Mimi Pond says:

    I plan to host a pajama party for my teenage daughter and I will take all your suggestions! I think they will especially enjoy the Madras cocktails, Charles! Will you come over and help clean up?

  4. Sister Julie says:

    Sambo’s! Now *there’s* a blast from the past.

    Best thing about the Bible is that you can find all sorts of literature there. There are mentions of dragons, love poetry, action-adventure stories, etc.

    I wonderif that was a summer camp, an orphanage, or a boarding school?

    Thanks for sharing another great slide, Charles!

  5. Anne G. says:

    You are — amazing.

  6. Sheri says:

    That sounds like the BEST party ever!!!

  7. Tiki Goddess says:

    Great slide! Those boys seem enthralled with Miss Man Hands! Love the smoky eye. She seems strangely “done up” for a sleep over in the ’50’s. Your pajama party sounds wonderful! Maybe you could plan one at, say, the Starlight Rollerway???

  8. K. Ragan says:

    Another great slide Charles! It must be very hard to milk tigers to make tiger butter. No wonder it’s not done anymore:)

  9. Scott Pitzer says:

    Ravi Shankar would be rolling in his… oh, he’s not dead.
    Then Korla Pandit… oh, he wasn’t really Indian.
    Never mind.

  10. rebecca conway says:

    okay, that made me laugh out loud. I love you, Charles Phoenix.

  11. Ron says:

    You’re hilarious! I love your spontaneous humor coupled with fascinating local history.

  12. Jim Dally says:

    Speaking of Sambo’s..the original Sambo’s still
    exists in Santa Barbara across from the beach &
    West of State Street. A few years ago I was on a cruise ship that made a stop in Santa Barbara
    and yes, I went to Sambo’s for a light meal. The petite muffins never stop coming!

  13. Kamaaina56 says:

    Thanks for a fascinating window into our collective memory bank!

  14. Tim Severs says:

    My wife is from Kentucky. Interesting color pattern.

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