Appearance: Appearance of women was very important in the middle ages. Females aged quickly due to numerous child births throughout their lives. Women normally had bad teeth and bleeding gums due to lack of vitamin C. Dyeing of the hair was popular to create a younger look. It was created with ingredients such as saffron, Cumin seed, celandine, and oil. Women applied face make-up to create a pale look. A pale completion was a sign that their family was wealthy enough to be protected from the elements. They desired this look so much; they would bleed to achieve this. Face make-up was made out from plant roots and sometimes leaves.
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Youth: As young as seven years old noble women were sent away from their homes and to another noble family. They would be taught a range of skills and many different subjects.
Manners and etiquette were of prime importance, including how to curtsey. Time would be spent learning how to dance and ride. Archery was also taught to young noble women.Younger noble women were expected to act as slaves to older ladies of the castle. The duties they were expected to do were look after clothes and assist the ladies with their dressing and coiffure. They were taught to preserve fruits and skills to manage households at a very young age to better prepare them for duties as married women. High ranking young women would take on the role of ladies-in-waiting and were taught French. They were also taught the principles of the Medieval Code of Chivalry and Courtly Love and would join spectators at jousting tournaments. |
Chivalry: In the later Middle Ages, knights adopted a code of conduct called chivalry. It required knights to be brave, loyal and true to their word. In wars, they had to fight fairly and be generous to their enemies. For example, knights agreed not to attack another knight before he had a chance to put on his armor and prepare for battle. Chivalry also dictated that warriors treat a captured knight well or even release him if he promised to pay his ransom. Chivalry applied to nobles only, not to the commoners. It also had limits.
Chivalry raised women to a new status. The code of chivalry called for women to be protected and cherished. Troubadours, or wandering poets, adopted this amazing view. Their love songs praised the perfection, beauty, and wit of women throughout the ages. Much later, ideas of chivalry would shape our modern ideas of romantic love! |