Appalachian Word of the Week -- DIVAN

My aunts and my mom

 Whether you call it a DIVAN (pronounced DYE-VAN, with a flat “i” sound, couch, sofa, or even davenport, this week’s word is the center of an Appalachian family.

It’s where people meet, eat, talk, watch TV, nap, or fight.

Also, when you grow up and leave your mountain home, it’s where you sleep when you come back for a visit. That could be a contributing factor why your visits are short and far between.

After years of service to the family and friends as the main piece of furniture in the living room, the divan then often gets relegated to the front porch for its second life.

Granny's siblings

As the divan ages, it often gets covered with a quilt or a crocheted afghan whipped up by Mama or Granny. It may or may not contain the same colors as the original fabric on the DIVAN. At least it covers up the now threadbare spots and stains of spilled food and coal dust that have made the original fabric unsightly.

No matter how old, uncomfortable, or downright ugly your DIVAN became, it meant home to your family. It’s where you learned to walk by holding on. It’s also where you first went sparkin’ when you were a teen. You also held your first baby on that DIVAN.

 

Mom and my niece at Easter

At my age, I tend to sink into the DIVAN and need a bit of assistance getting pulled out of the drooping cushions.

What did your family call the DIVAN? Do you have any special – or hilarious – memories of yours?

Here are some more photos of DIVANs through my family's history.

Mom and nephew ready for Halloween

My first birthday

My uncle's wife on their fancy DIVAN

Mom, not looking thrilled to have her photo taken

Me, being comforted by a friend's friends

An old family photo

Son taking a nap

Some things never change