Entertainment
Medieval Entertainment
Some forms of Medieval Entertainment had their roots in the Roman times. Romans had a passion for performances in the circus and amphitheatre, as well as for chariot races, horse races, foot races, combat of animals, and feats of strength and agility. A taste for similar amusements can be also found during the Middle Ages. Among the nobles and the wealthy, it was not uncommon to hold feasts as a form of entertainment, though the lower classes, other than serving the food, were largely excluded from these events. The wealthy individual would open their castle to their other wealthy neighbors, often around holidays or other special occasions.
Knights, nobles and kings had way more things to enjoy in the castle and out doors. Knights would learn to teach falcons, or hawks, to hunt, entertain others and would play chess on cold winter days. Kings enjoyed jesters the most, a jester was a person you entertained the king with funny plays jokes and some learned to do acrobatic tricks. Jesters clothing are usual frilled clothes with bells on them.One type of Medieval entertainment was the feast. These gatherings were usually held to celebrate holidays or special occasions. All of the lords and ladies of the kingdom gathered together either within the walls of a neighboring castle or a sunny, flower-filled courtyard to eat and share one another’s company. Music, dancing, and gift exchanges also took place at these events.
Medieval warfare produced entertainments, in the form of ritualised battles, known as tournaments or tourneys. Tournaments seem to have been invented in the eleventh century by Geofroyde de Preuilly. They were particularly a feature of French courtly life, and were far less popular in England except in the time of Edward III. Medieval dance music dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The carole was the most popular dance-song which could be danced in a circle, in a chain, or as a processional. Our modern Christmas Carols are derived from this practice.
