The History of Manners and Etiquette in the Middle Ages: What to Do and What Not to Do
The History of Manners and Etiquette in the Middle Ages: What to Do and What Not to Do
Blog Article
The Middle Ages, stretching roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, were marked by social hierarchy, feudal systems, and deep religious influence. The period saw a profound emphasis on manners, etiquette, and appropriate behavior, reflecting the rigid societal structure of the time. In this article, we will explore the history of manners and etiquette in the Middle Ages, identifying the expectations and actions that were considered proper and improper.
The Role of Social Hierarchy in Medieval Etiquette
In medieval society, one's social status determined much of how they were expected to behave and interact with others. Feudalism, with its rigid hierarchy, governed the relationships between lords, vassals, and serfs. These distinctions were also reflected in the expectations of manners and etiquette.
- Noble Etiquette: The nobility was bound by a strict set of rules regarding behavior, particularly in the presence of royalty and fellow nobles. At banquets, for example, nobles were expected to behave with dignity, maintaining composure and demonstrating grace. They had to follow the rules of court etiquette, which governed everything from seating arrangements to conversation topics. For example, only the king could speak first at a banquet, and others had to wait for permission to join the conversation.
- Clergy Etiquette: The clergy, consisting of priests, bishops, and monks, held an influential position in medieval society. Religious etiquette was equally important, with the clergy expected to maintain humility and sanctity in their daily lives. Monks were expected to practice silence, humility, and devotion, while priests were expected to set an example for the laity through their conduct.
- Peasant Etiquette: For peasants, the rules were much less formal but still rooted in respect for the social order. Servants and laborers were expected to show deference to their lords and landowners, often kneeling or bowing when addressing them. Although there were fewer complex rules of etiquette, the essence of respect for authority was ingrained in peasant life. shutdown123