knights' customs by Natalia Wieczorek

Oath - the knight was obliged to choose a lady close to his heart and to vow her faithful service. The chosen one was not always the future wife of the knight. Sometimes she was the spouse of another important knight or ruler.

Fitting the knight giving the adept knight's craft - the squire - the dignity of the knight by handing him a sword and belt. A knight could only be one who came from a knight's family or a man considered worthy of wearing the title of a knight. Martial arts and chivalric duties were taught from an early age. This meant entering the world of knighthood and adults, along with its advantages and responsibilities. The fit was a religious ceremony and a great event for the whole court. During the match, the gentleman who took the oath of the oath swung him lightly in the frame with his sword and uttered the words "I knock you on the knight."

A knight's code. It was a set of moral, ethical and professional standards that every member of the knights' state should be guided by. In exchange for observing these ideals, the knights were to enjoy an unblemished reputation and a decent life. The main feature of each knight was to be bravery and courage.

Knight tournaments were an important element of the medieval knight and court culture, they evolved as part of the evolution of knight's culture. The tournaments were a form of competition and checking the skills of the knight. They consisted in fighting according to strictly defined rules, and were often played at royal and princely courts. The tournament lasted at least three days, sometimes longer. The fight began at dawn. Different groups, connected by a community of geographic origin or feudal affiliation, struggled with each other, at first successively, then all at once. The duellers placed on the helmets arms and emblems, so that the audience would know who is fighting with whom.

Pardon of the convict – condemned knight was pardoned the moment the woman throw the white scarf called on the man's head. This meant that the woman wanted to become his wife and vouch for her beloved innocence.

In everyday life knights were not much different from us In everyday life knights were not much different from us. They liked to spend their free time listening to songs and drinking wine, eating various sweets. They reluctantly drank clean water. They were also not enthusiastic readers. They didn't read books at all. Knights played drafts, chess and bones in their free time.

The basic occupation of the knights was armed struggle, which forced the possession of appropriate weapons and a warhorse. The knight was obliged to have three horses: one for transporting armor, second used to fight and the third mounted, when he moved to the place of battle. The knight was wearing a armour during the fight. The shield and helmet also served as protection. He used a copy for the fight. The knight was also armed with a sword, ax or other tools to fight. The armour-bearer always followed the knight. He had to take care of the knight's equipment and weapons.

The advantages of being a knight: Success among women - they chose a lady of heart, which they were faithful to. Admiration on the part of men - they fought for their homeland, honor and religion. Respect among other social strata - the knights were courageous and brave, participated in every possible battle, war or individual skirmish. Opportunity to visit the world (during crusades). Respect and gratitude of the ruler which translated into privileges or material benefits.

Disadvantages of being a Knight: The big disadvantage was the risk of death at war. Knights had less time for the family, the farm. They always had to preserve the image and defend their honor regardless of the consequences.