Tarring and feathering facts for kids

Tarring and feathering was a very harsh way to punish people in public. It was used to make people follow rules that weren't official laws, or to get back at someone. This punishment was seen in old Europe and the places they ruled a long time ago. It also happened in the early American frontier, often when a group of people decided to punish someone themselves.

The person being punished would have their clothes removed, sometimes just to their waist. Sticky wood tar was then poured or painted onto them. Sometimes this tar was hot, making it very uncomfortable. After the tar, feathers were thrown onto the person, or they were rolled in a pile of feathers. The feathers would stick to the tar, making the person look very strange and feel very embarrassed.

Even today, if someone is criticized very strongly in public, people might say it's like being "tarred and feathered." It's a way to describe a very harsh public shaming.

See also

In Spanish: Emplumar para niños