I just found out that History Undressed was just given an “Excellent Blog Award” by Scandalous Women (7/15).
In present times we are obsessed with bathing. How many shampoo brands are there? Soaps, razors, perfumes? Hundreds, thousands! People make a stink, literally, if they smell the dreaded B.O…. Nobody wants to be downwind of someone who hasn’t bathed in awhile…
How did they wipe after going number two? We’ll discuss that next week who cleaned the toilets out…
So how did they deal with this in history? As usual we will only be discussing a part of history’s time line, Medieval through Regency times. In addition to the different time periods, we also have to remember that hygiene practices would have been different between peasants, nobles and royalty… Who would you rather be?
Bathing…
As in a lot of things medieval bathing was by some seen as a form of sexual debauchery and by others seen as letting the devil into you. It was also widely believed that being naked and letting the water touch you would make you severely ill.
At any rate, those that were able to in medieval times bathed more than we thought they did, by most historians standards. It particularly became more popular during the outbreak of the Black Plague. People were looking for reasons why it was spreading and how to decrease the effects, they found that frequent hand-washing in warm water, warm wine and also in vinegar helped. They also found that keeping the surroundings more clean helped too.
I’m also sure that looking, feeling and smelling clean was a bonus not only to yourself but to those around you.
Medieval kings and lords and their household bathed more than most. Some had special rooms set aside for bathing and others bathed in huge tubs brought into their rooms. The tubs tooth forever to fill as the water had to be gather, heated and then carried in buckets to their rooms, where it was poured in and mixed sometimes with perfumes, scented oils and flower petals. Their ladies were just as lucky.
Because gathering water was so difficult several people may enjoy the bath before the water was thrown out. Especially within the poor. The eldest went first down to the youngest, hence the saying “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water…”
Peasants submerged themselves in water rarely for a bath and were more likely to wash quickly with plain water and a rag and if they were lucky some soap. During warm months they may have slipped away to the river for a dip.
Hand-washing before entering the great hall for a meal was standard. During the crusades, knights brought soap from the East. Prior to that people used water only and the oils from flowers.
In chambers, people had basins of water for washing the face and hands, and maybe a more intimate part of themselves…
Rivers, lakes, ponds, etc… were used to taking dips and rinsing the filth from one’s body.
As a writer of historical fiction, and a lover of history in general, I try to do a lot of things the way they were done way back when. I dry my clothes in the sun sometimes, (not on a clothesline, but just a drying rack I set on my deck), I have a tapestry on my wall and an antique painting of a Highlander, I drink wine from goblets, I sit outside with the only light coming from torches and lanterns, I buy food from fresh markets and farms, I attend a Renaissance festival yearly, Huzzah! And I use homemade soaps from a local farmer. I really like them a lot. She makes them almost close to the way they were made in medieval times, and they smell fantastic.
Soft soaps were made of mutton fat, wood ash, and natural soda. Often they had flowers and herb oils added for a sweet smell, but this was very expensive. Hard soaps were made of olive oil, soda, lime, herbs and flowers.
In some cities they had public bath houses, where people could bathe all day. (Check out my previous blog, on the city of Bath England http://historyundressed.blogspot.com/2008/04/taking-waters-in-bath-england.html)
Elizabeth I, is said to have had a bath once a month. She herself also restored the bath houses in Bath, England.
During Regency times bath houses and sea bathing became popular. In the homes of the wealthy they bathed in copper tubs lined with linen. The poorer if they had a wooden barrel would bathe in them.
Earlier in the nineteenth century the hands, feet and face were regularly washed as in previous centuries, and the rest of your body every few weeks or longer. However the tides quickly changed.
It is said that Beau Brummel bathed every day, and made this more popular among the aristocrats. He believed men should smell clean, without the use of perfumes.
In some journals you read that children of the wealthy and their parents bathed daily. Some in the summer even bathed twice a day.
For the poor a weekly bath that all the family shared was more common.
It wasn’t until piping became regular sometime in the 19th century for homes to have water brought to them, rather than servants gathering the water themselves.
Brushing Teeth… 
The first toothbrush was not patented until 1857, so how did they get their teeth clean? Obviously from accounts in history of even the wealthiest and most royal of people having brown teeth, that most people didn’t get them all too clean…
Those that tried used the following methods:
Medieval:
* Rinsing mouth with water to remove gunk from mouth.
* Rubbing teeth with a clean cloth to wipe tartar buildup and left over food particles from the teeth.
* Chewing herbs to freshen breath, mint, cloves, cinnamon, sage
* Using “toothpicks” to clean out the teeth.
* Mint and vinegar mixture, used to rinse out the mouth.
* Bay leaves soaked in orange flower water and mixed with musk.
* “Barbers” would also be used as dentists and would extract teeth that were rotting or bothering a person profusely. They sometimes were able to muck out the junk in teeth and create a filling of sorts.
Elizabethan:
* Rubbing teeth with the ashes of burnt rosemary.
* Powdered sage rub used to whiten teeth.
* Vinegar, wine and alum mouthwash
* After dinner comfits were eaten to freshen breath
Renaissance:
* The same practices for cleaning were in use, but the “barbers” aka dentists had begun to learn more about dentistry.
* The first dentures, gold crowns, and porcelain teeth, were constructed in the 1700’s.
* 1790 brought about the dental foot engine, similar to the foot pedal of a spinning wheel, it rotated a drill for cleaning out cavaties.
* The first dental chair was made in the late 1700’s.
Regency:
* They again used the same methods.
* A letter from Lord Chesterfield to his son urges the use of a sponge and warm water to scrub the teeth each morning.
* The recommendation of using one’s own urine in France was widely flouted by Fouchard, the French dentist.
* Gunpowder and alum were also recommended.
Toileting…
A bathroom or toilet back in the day was referred to as a garderobe or privy. In castles and monasteries/convents they had large arrangements of these for the people.
I had the fortune of grandparents residing in France while I grew up, and so I visited several times. On one particular occasion we visited a small village in the south of France, I can’t remember the name now. At any rate, I had to go potty. I followed the signs in the village to the public restroom and was floored, literally… There was just a hole in the floor.
As I was a young adolescent at the time, I wasn’t quite sure how to maneuver it. I’d been camping before so hence I’d had the pleasant (joking!) experience of peeing on the ground, but a hole? How would I am? I’m female, not trained in the arts of target practice while urinating… Needless to say I was able to handle it, but I couldn’t help but imagine at the time how medieval it was J
Garderobes were a room in a castles or monastery that had a bench with a hole in it. Not unlike how we use a toilet today. The person would sit down, do their business wipe with straw, moss, leaves, wool or linen rags, and then walk away. The waste would fall down a shoot into a pit or a moat. If into a cesspit it was then cleaned and mucked out by gong farmers. Garderobes were sometimes blocked off by a screen or door and sometimes out in the open.
When I visited Ireland they showed us a garderobe with chunks of moss for writing. It was pretty interesting.
At some point an enemy took it upon himself to use the garderobe as means of access to gain entry to a castle…yuck! So they were then built with iron bars so no one could climb up them.
Chamber pots were used in bedrooms in a castle that didn’t have a garderobe. Some of the larger castles actually had a latrine tower, which was filled with them. Some city walls also had privies so the guards could use them while on duty.
Imagine sitting on that cold stone in winter with the wind whipping up and hitting you square in your most sensitive spot… No thanks!
For peasants, a toilet was a bucket in the corner of the room that was tossed into the river, or a bucket behind the house, or a tree in the forest. No privies for these folks. Unfortunately water for cooking and bathing came from the same river…shudder…Perhaps this is why they thought bathing could make you ill?
Chamber pots were used widely up to the 18th century and then began to taper off as more and more households began using toilets. Some chamber pots were hidden in boxes. Growing up one of the coolest pieces of furniture we had was a chamber pot box. My mom, humorously, used it as a side table. If you took her accoutrements off and lifted the lid, there was the hole where the pot would have sat. Quite funny.
Chamber-pots would be emptied into sewers or cesspits.
Even during Regency times sewage and waste could bring about illness. Some London homes had toilets, not like the standard toilets that we have today, but they did include piping, however these pipes frequently backed up causing fumes to carry throughout the house. Some people had “earth closets” that would periodically drop dirt into the pipes to flush out the waste. The poor had privies in the backyard that were emptied into a cesspool. “Night soil men” would come by and empty the muck. All the pipes from homes and the wagons full of muck were dumped into the Thames River. This led to plenty of epidemics until emptying waste at certain times and away from the water supply was developed.
Manor homes had cesspits, that frequently became overflowed. They were often in the cellars of these homes and were emptied by the “night soil men.”
Although a flushable toilet was invented in the 1500’s there was no way to use it since they didn’t have running water. However they were able to develop systems of valves to keep the smells from coming up from the toilets, and periodic flushing was done.
De-Odorizing…
Obviously there wasn’t any Secret, Degree, Old Spice or Gillette, so what did they do to keep the big bad B.O. away?
Using perfumes was widely popular even in the middle ages. Oils from flowers, mixed with herbs and spices created all sorts of pleasant smells that both males and females indulged in.
When they did bathe, nobles and royals or even rich merchants bathed with scented soaps, so that their skin would take on the fragrance as it may not be a few days or longer until they could bathe again.
Nose-gays (literally kept the nose happy, or gay!) became popular when walking in the court or through crowds. A nosegay was something to keep the smells at bay, held in the hand, on the writs on a lapel. They could be a small bouquet of flowers, a sachet of dried flowers and herbs, an orange studded with cloves, or a sprig of herbs. People would often hold it up to their noses when walking in a large crowd.
Flowers and fresh herbs often adorned table tops in homes to keep the house smelling fresh…but we’ll discuss housecleaning in a couple of weeks.
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I have invariably left some things out, so if you know more, please share!
In the meantime what do you think? Could you go to the bathroom in a bucket or in a garderobe? Wiped with straw or moss? Chewed herbs for fresh breath? Bathed in a river? Carried a nose-gay?
Since the beginning of time we’ve adorned our figures with some sort of decoration. Whether it is a holly branch, bone necklaces, paint, we’ve always enhanced our looks with makeup, and jewelry.
Today’s blog is going to be on the history of makeup and jewelry, and of course because I love gloves, I’m throwing that in too! But, as usual, I will only be discussing a portion of history, so this concise bit of information will only journey up to the Victorian era.
Makeup
Egyptians have the earliest documentation of using makeup. Men and women both used an unguent concoction that they would rub on to their skin to keep it moisturized and wrinkle free. People today are still using these methods! Come on, everyone marvels at the feel of silky smooth flesh…
Darkening the eyes of women, for a seductive gaze, was also popular. The gals would use soot to color the lids of their eyes, and their lashes. Underneath their eyes they would color dark green.
There are references in the Bible of women using makeup to paint their faces as well, so we know that women in the Holy land also adopted these methods. Wearing eye makeup supposedly would ward off evil spirits and improve eyesight.
In Roman times, while they still used kohl to darken the lids and lashes of the eye, they also used chalk to whiten the complexion and rouge on the cheeks and lips. White lead was also popular for lightening the face. The Persians used henna to dye both the skin and hair.
During the Middle Ages, having a lighter complexion was a sign of wealth and status. Why? Because the peasants were outside working all day, developing a tan, while the upper classes were able to sit inside at their leisure, or under a shady tree. Needless to say, women used makeup to lighten their skin. Some even went so far as to bleed themselves to achieve the light pallor. Wearing pink lipstick was also popular, as it is today.
There is a story during the late 17th and early 18th century, that an Italian woman created a white powder for the face, which was called Aqua Toffana, or sold as “Manna di San Nicola.” Unfortunately, the makeup was made of arsenic…but on purpose. You see this makeup was sold under the guise of a cosmetic when in fact it was made and sold to women who wished their husbands dead. Over 600 hundred men died, most likely from kissing the faces of their wives. Toffana was executed after the Roman authorities forced their way into the church where she’d sought sanctuary from the charges held against her.
During Elizabethan England women wore egg whites on their faces for a lovely glazed look. Yikes! I wouldn’t want to look like a doughnut! Heavy white makeup was popular, as was ruby red lips. Looking pure was popular, hence the light skin, light hair, red lips and red cheeks.
Elizabeth I, on the right & Lettice Knollys, Countess of Essex and Leicester, on the left. Look how similar? You could mistake Lettice for the queen!
During Charles II’s reign in England (1660- 1685), the use of heavy makeup became popular to hide the pallor of illness, and to associate one’s self as healthy. The men would wear the makeup too; Charles II was one of those who used lots of creams and powders.
This carried through the French Revolution when red rouge and lipstick became popular as a sign of vitality and fun. The French became known as “The Painted French.”
During the Regency era, a pale face was still considered popular and so bonnets and parasols were used to keep the sun from their faces. Unfortunately deadly whiteners, made of lead, arsenic and mercury were used too and could cause hair loss, stomach aches, shaking and eventual death.
There is a story of a famous courtesan, Catherine “Kitty” Maria Fisher who died in 1767 from overuse of the whitener. After being known for her numerous affairs and even having a nursery rhyme sung after her, Kitty married a John Norris, a respectable man. They were only married four months before she passed.Lucy Locket lost her pocket
Kitty Fisher found it
Not a penny was there in it
Just a ribbon’ round it
Lucy was a prostitute and her pocket was both her poor lover and her purse where she kept her pay. Kitty reportedly took up with the man even though he had no money.
Dandies during the Regency era also wore cosmetic creams, scents, powders and pastes, even rouging their cheeks. Because of this wearing makeup among manly men was pooh-poohed.
During the Victorian era makeup was disliked and associated with courtesans, prostitutes and actresses. Women did use home-made face washes, masks and creams. Lipstick was only used by lower class women, and ladies of the upper class would use a sheer pomade to give the lips a shine. Some would discreetly add a tinge of color to pinken their lips slightly. Natural products were used instead of the deadly ones. Rice powder, oatmeal, rose water, honey, egg whites, beet juice, and lemon juice among the ingredients.
Jewelry
Gold has been very popular for making jewelry at least since Egyptian times. Why? Several reasons. Gold is rare, doesn’t tarnish and is easily manipulated to take on new shapes, either by melting or heating it to bend.
The Egyptians also used colored stones, glass, and enamels to decorate the gold. By Roman times, sapphires, emeralds, garnets, diamonds, and amber were in use.
The wearing of jewelry became so popular amongst all classes of people that during the Middle Ages, sumptuary laws were passed to ban the lower classes from wearing jewelry. In France, a royal ordinance in 1283 states that no bourgeois or bourgeoisie were allowed to wear girdles (belt) that were made of gold, silver or adorned with pearls, and gemstones. In England, the laws were very similar.
Precious stones were kept by many. Some of the lower classes and middle classes would keep the stones against future needs, like savings. The upper classes when they weren’t flaunting them on their persons would save them for more jewelry, plate or give them away as gifts during weddings and New Years. Of course they also kept some for sentimental value as we still do today.
The wearing of jewelry is much like we do today also. Some worn on day to day occasions and some that are kept for special days and celebrations.
Crown jewels have always been important to any empire. (More on crown jewels 8/25/08.)
During the 17th century jewelry became more a part of ones costume, and women often had earrings, made from pastes, to match each of their outfits during the day. At night, precious gems and stones were used. Stomachers on gowns were often decorated with the jewels as well. Sometimes even sleeves and skirts might be adorned with jewels and brooches here and there. Pearls were very popular especially on clothing. In Paris a man named Jacques developed a 
method to make very realistic looking pearls by coating blown glass hollow balls with iridescent fish scales and varnish. He would fill the balls with wax to strengthen them.
The cameo became hugely popular during this time, and with the widely easy making of steel, and glass and porcelain they were made in abundance. By Victorian times, machine made jewelry was being made quite a bit. Some Victorian women rebelled against these pieces preferring the hand crafted. Jewelry by this time was also being seen as more romantic.
Gloves
Glove making goes back to caveman times where they would make mitts to cover their hands from the cold. The crude mittens grew from oddly shaped constructions to the fingered creations they are today. Many see glove making as an art.
Made of leather, fabric and metal they take all sorts of shapes and forms. The glove that a horse master wears was infinitely different to the delicately embroidered glove of a lady. The leather glove of a gardener is different from the sleek leather of a gentleman. Three-fingered gloves would be worn by field hands and shepherds or even a falconer. Five fingered gloves were worn mostly by people of the church, nobles and royals.
Homer mentions in his book The Odyssey the Laertes is wearing gloves to protect himself from the brambles.
Besides being used as protection from cold weather, thorny bushes, or being used as part of armor or simply a fashion statement, gloves hold many symbols too.
In Regency times if a woman were to slowly peel away her glove, it would be like a striptease! In medieval times if a man threw his gauntlet, it meant a duel to the death. Same thing in Regency times, if a man slapped another man with his glove, a fight was inevitable.
It was during the 13th century that lady’s began to wear gloves as a fashion statement. They were made of silk, furs, leather and linens, and reached from wrist to even elbows. Some were adorned with jewels and pearls, or embroidered with gold, silver and corded silks. There were even sumptuary laws during some times and places! Samite (a heavy silk, sometimes interwoven with gold) gloves were banned in 1294 in Bologna, and in 1560 perfumed gloves were banned in Rome.
WARNING: Some may find the pictures I will have displayed throughout this blog disturbing.
I first became enamored with the Chinese culture when in high school our history teacher assigned us the book Spring Moon, by Bette Bao Lord. It was also in the book that I first learned about foot binding.
Now, I haven’t read this book in over a decade, but I will be reading it again soon, and today I will present to you the ancient ritual of foot binding.
Women in China bound their feet for over a thousand years. There are several stories explaining why the custom began, but no one can say which one is the true reason. One tale, which is documented during the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) is of Prince Li Yu (R. 961-975) falling for a concubine, Yao Niang, whose tiny feet made her look like she floated as she danced, and was called the “lily-footed” woman. Women began to bind their feet to emulate in dance and grace the style of the concubine. Another story is that an had a clubbed foot, and in order to make herself appear beautiful and un-deformed, she asked her husband to order foot-binding to be mandatory. Another story is of a sleepwalking empress with fourteen inch long feet. It was decided her sleepwalking was from her large feet and so a surgeon was summoned to cut off part of her feet, making them 3 inches long. She was very pleased and did not sleep walk again, however she was not pleased that all the rest of the women in the palace still had naturally long feet. It was decreed from then on that all women must have small feet.
Foot-binding was more than just a beauty regimen. It was a way of life, and would be very 
difficult to get rid of. Because it was such a popular ritual in society, men would not marry a woman who did not have her feet bound. Starting among the upper class it trickled down to even the lowest classes as it was then seen as a way to marry into the upper classes. Small feet were so coveted, that fairy tale stories of peasants marrying upper-class because of their tiny feet did come true. A precedent was set, and girls at a very young age would have the painful ordeal of getting their feet bound. Men found the short steps in the gait of woman with bound feet to be erotic, calling it the “lotus gait.” One rumor is that the new way of walking would tighten a woman’s vagina, thus making her grip her husband’s penis during intercourse more tightly. This is because after the feet are bound and you can’t walk part of your lower leg muscles atrophy. When they begin walking again they use the muscles around their hips and buttocks to walk, which builds up those areas.
The foot fetish was extreme. Men liked to do things with the feet, touch them with their unmentionables, kiss them and caress them…The feet were considered to be the most intimate part on a woman’s body, kind of like breasts are today. Her shoes, like a bra or panties…
Have you ever seen an ashtray, pipe, dish, etc… in the shape of or designed with the “lotus shoe?” I recall many of these items in my grandparents home since my grandfather was stationed in China for a time.
Not to mention that crippling the woman did not allow her to participate much in anything having to do with politics. Women were mostly restricted to their homes as their dependency on their families was so strong. If they did venture from the home they had to have an escort help them, since they were so unstable on their feet. Most would be carried or ride in a sedan, for they couldn’t walk for long periods of time.
The Chinese are not the only ones with the painful rituals for beauty and social status. Think of women and corsets, plucking, waxing, dyeing, surgical enhancements, piercings, tattoos, high-heels. And don’t forget the saying, which I have said myself plenty of times when brushing the knots out of my daughters hair, “pain is beauty.”
***Groan*** I will never say it again!
During the 17th century, the Manchu’s tried to abolish the foot-binding practice, but it continued
into the 20th century when a real movement began to end the act. In 1911 when the Qing Dynasty came to an end, and the new Republic of China government banned the practice. Some still bound their feet in secret and still live today.
The process of foot-binding was very painful. The mother or grandmother of the girl would be the one to perform the binding between the tender ages of four and seven years old, before the arch of the foot had a chance to develop. Binding would be done in the winter months when feet were prone to be numb from cold, and the pain would be less extreme.
The feet would first be soaked in a warmth concoction of herbs and animal blood or warm water, then rubbed with ointment and massaged. This step would help remove all the dead skin on the foot. The toenails would be clipped before short. Then the four smaller toes on each foot would be broken. While this process was taking place the mother/grandmother would have been soaking 10 foot long bandages in the herbal liquid. She would then take these bandages and wrap them tightly from the broken toes to the heel. This would cause the bottom of the foot the bend concavely. Several accounts reported the breaking of the foot to bend it in half as well. The feet were then forced into 3-inch long “lotus shoes.” The feet were rebound every 2 days. Blood and puss would be washed from the feet. After two years of this, the feet would be about 3-4 inches long which was the desirable length. To keep them this size, the foot-binding would continue for another ten years.
For a woman who worked in the fields or somehow managed to refuse the traditional practice, she was often teased, and almost always looked down on. Names such as “lotus boats” would be referred to her feet. Mothers would refuse for their sons to talk to these girls, because of their non-bound feet.
Foot-binding caused a lot of health problems for women. If the feet were not bound properly, blood circulation would be cut off so badly that toes would die, fall off, the skin would rot, gangrene would start in the foot. Such bad infections could cause the woman to die, and some did. Infections would happen quite a bit from the un-cleanliness of the feet. Because it took so long to bind the feet, most women would along unbind them every two weeks to wash them. In that period of time, quite a bit of bacteria and other things can grow in the folds and creases of the bound foot.
Women with bound feet are not only more likely to fall and break a hip or their back because they are not as balanced on their feet, it is actually proven that they have lower hip bone and back bone ratio than women with unbound feet. Women with bound feet also have difficulty in squatting, which is necessary in numerous daily activities.
I myself, am naturally a clumsy person. I couldn’t imagine if my size 9 foot shrunk to 3 inches! I would not make it more than one or two steps without falling… How about you?
Have weddings changed all that much since the Middle Ages? Let’s take a look and see…
We still have the huge feasts which are accompanied often by rowdiness and drunken states. Music and dancing are done by all. The bride has her ladies in waiting, the groom has his attendants. The bride sometimes still wears crinoline and hoops… Most people still get married in churches. If you’re Catholic, you still need an annulment vs. a divorce. Marriage is still considered a contract under the law…
Here’s a closer look…
Medieval Weddings
During the middle ages, we saw the rise of marriage laws. In 1076, The Council of Westminster 
made it a law that marriage must be blessed by a priest, and in the 16th century it was said that the marriage must be performed by a priest with witnesses present. Contracts and legal documents started to be drawn up, similar to today’s prenuptial agreements, marriage contracts and licenses. Dowry, property, rights, etc… would be contained in these documents.
Believe it or not but in the Middle Ages, a woman’s beauty regimen prior to her wedding is very similar to what I did before mine… Her face would often be painted with some sort of cosmetic (discussing cosmetics at a later date). She might sun-bleach her hair. Some women plucked their hairline. In the middle ages, it was considered fashionable to have a high forehead. Now this one I didn’t do, but I have a friend who wasn’t very fond of her widow’s peak. Hair would be worn loose or with a garland of flowers. This might be the only flowers adorning a bride. Some carried a sachet of herbs and potpourri, but not the traditional bouquet that contemporary brides carry.
If a woman came from a wealthy or noble family, she would have a nice hot bath, followed with some flower and herb scented oils. If she wasn’t, she would be dirty…but still get some sort of perfume to cover the smells. It may be foul to think about, but if everyone is dirty, then it’s just normal.
The finest silks with gold or silver embroidery would be worn. Brightly colored fabrics were popular. Men would wear their finest court attire, or even a newly made set of clothes. Jewelry, furs and elaborate belts adorned every noble body.
Today white is the symbol of purity, and most wedding dresses made in this hue. In the middle ages this wasn’t so. Bride’s would wear blue most often, as blue was the symbol of purity. If her gown was not blue, she would wear something blue, like a ribbon on her person. Hence today’s, “something blue.”
The garter also became popular in medieval times. As guests followed the bride and groom to their room, where they “put” the couple to bed, overzealous guests would grapple with the bride’s gown, trying to take something for good luck. That’s when the garter became popular, so people would then try to take it. I wonder how shocked they’d be now if they saw a modern groom, buried deep under his bride’s skirts, pulling out the lacy garter with his teeth? “Oh, heavens!” **crosses self** That would be hilarious.
Peasants usually could only afford to wear their everyday clothes, perhaps the one good outfit they saved for church.
For a person of noble birth, their wedding may take place in the castle or manner. As long as it was blessed by a priest, it wasn’t necessary for the ceremony to take place in a church. Great feasts would follow, with fools, minstrels, musicians, and other entertainers.
Today’s tiered wedding cakes actually stemmed from the Middle Ages. Guests would bring little cakes and stack them on top of one another. The bride and groom would then try to kiss over top of the cakes without knocking them to the ground.
Guests included inhabitants of the residence, other nobles and distant relatives. Invitations were not sent out.
The noble wedding was rarely one filled with love. It was an arranged marriage.
Now peasants were a little different. They would often marry for love… or perhaps a quick love-fest that resulted in pregnancy would push them down the aisle. Despite differences, peasants still considered marriage to be a legal contract, and there were some who also suffered through an arranged marriage. Betrothal ceremonies would be held in the home, attended by some of the villagers. A village tradition was the shower the bride and groom with seeds of grain to wish them a fertile marriage…not so unlike throwing rice, which is going out of style…
Rings were exchanged amongst the wealthy, however among peasants, often the groom would break a coin in half keeping one side for himself and giving the other to his bride.
Elizabethan Weddings
A lot of the customs from the middle ages were still upheld during Elizabethan times. Religion still played a major roll in weddings, and ceremonies would be conducted by a priest, most likely in a church. A procession would take the bride from her home to the church.
Prior to marrying, a Crying the Banns would be done. This was the couple’s announcement of their intention to marry. Should anything bar that from happening, it would be brought up during the banns. This custom still occurs in British churches today. The announcement would be made in church, three Sundays in a row. Anyone who married without conducting the Crying the Banns, their marriage would be considered illegal. If they lived in different parishes, the banns would need to be cried in both.
If someone needed to get married right away however, they could be issued a Marriage Bond, by the bishop. The marriage bond contract required only one week of Crying the Banns. Fun Fact: William Shakespeare and his wife elicited a Marriage Bond from the bishop for their own wedding.
Weddings were held in the mornings, before noon, and the feasts took place afterward.
Flowers played a bigger part. The bridesmaids would be in charge of making bouquets for guests, and to make the wedding garland, which was rosemary and roses. The bride would carry her garland until after the ceremony, where she would then place it on her head.
The cost of the wedding fell to the bride’s father, however in small villages; neighbors may prepare food for the feast, sort of like a pot-luck dinner. Another tradition stumbled into Elizabethan times as well, the bride ale. A bride would gather in a courtyard and sell ale to as many people would buy it, for as much as they would pay to finance her wedding.
Invitations were still not sent out. People knew of the wedding and they would attend. If it was to be held at court, courtiers knew to go. Sometimes little notes might be sent out, but nothing formal. Strict social order is observed in the church, nobles up front, peasants in the back.
The marriage contract was still very important, with details of the dowry and jointure (what the grooms family would provide to the bride should she become a widow).
Engagement rings were not yet popular; however diamond wedding rings could be seen.
Regency Weddings
During the Regency, weddings became mostly private affairs, and even if held at church was not attended by that many. A very popular place to have a wedding was at St. George’s Church in Hanover Square. In fact, in 1816 there were 1063 weddings held that year in the church. According to the Hibiscus Sinesis website, with that many weddings in the year, it was a rival with a Las Vegas wedding chapel.
It was during the Regency-era that white wedding gowns began to stick. Wearing white was popular during that time anyway, so it wasn’t only a wedding gown thing.
Reading of the banns was still done in the Regency-era but there were also a couple of other ways you could go about it. There was the common license, which was obtained by a bishop or archbishop. The couple had to be married in a church or chapel where either the bride or groom had lived for four weeks. The third way was a special license, which was issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Doctors Commons in London. The special license allowed the couple to marry anytime, anyplace.
Weddings were still done in the mornings and could be followed by a breakfast feast.
Victorian Weddings
Queen Victoria is often given credit for making the white wedding gown popular since she herself wore white to her wedding; however there have been many royal and non-royal brides before her that did not wear white.
Flowers began to play a bigger part in the wedding. The church or chapel would be decorated with them. Men would wear a flower in the lapel of their frock coat or morning coat. In the country, a bride would walk to the chapel on a carpet of flower blossoms.
Church bells rang to alert the people that the wedding was taking place, and to ward off evil.
By 1880, weddings could be held as late as 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
Scottish Marriages
In Scotland marriages were a lot different. There were not all the rules that applied to England. In Scotland a couple was considered married if they announced it to witnesses, and then consummated the marriage.
In England, people would elope to Gretna Green in Scotland to avoid the laws and restrictions. These marriages were considered legal in England, although they were discouraged. Sounds vaguely like a Vegas wedding…
So you tell me, have weddings changed all that much?
(***Note: This is a chapter from my manuscript, A Knight’s Victory. No part of this post may be copied, forwarded, etc… without my express permission. Copyright, Eliza Knight)
Arthur raced along the dirt road as fast as his nimble legs would take him. He’d finished his duties in the field in just enough time to hopefully make it to the list fields before too many of the jousts were completed.
It was his favorite part of a tourney. Well, that and the nice big jug of ale and leg of fowl he’d inhale.
He prayed he wasn’t too late. Whoever won the joust today, he was going to beg to allow him to be his kipper. Aye, he knew it would be hard to gain his employ, kippers were fast losing their popularity with chivalry taking the front row. But if that were the case, maybe he could become a servant of the knights, even if it only meant shining the armor. He was sure he couldn’t be a squire, and knew he’d never be a knight. Only kings and royalty could knight peasants. Even if he were to become some sort of assistant to the knight, that still placed him no where near King Edward II… However the king was known to favor lower-born vassals than those born of nobility. That was definitely something to think about.
The life in the fields was no place he wanted to be. At five and ten years of age, he’d already figured that much out. Now he wanted to serve a knight. He’d enjoy seizing the armour and other accoutrements from fallen knights. He’d even learn to fight. And if the mighty knight took mercy on him, and gave him the duty of kipper, he would be forever in the man’s debt.
His mother, before she’d passed had, often told him she’d named him Arthur, after King Arthur of Camelot. She’d brewed in him that he could be better than the sorry life she’d been able to give him. And then she’d passed, not six months ago. Poor sorrow filled woman.
Now he was alone, since his father had died shortly before her mother. Being the youngest and only boy in his family, his five older sisters had already married and had babes of their own.
He vowed on her deathbed, that he would find a better life for himself. It was then word of his master, Lord Gloucester’s tournament came about, and he knew just how to make a better life for himself. Since the winner was to be the new Captain of the Guard to his lordship, Arthur felt certain he’d be able to convince Lord Gloucester to give him up as a field hand. It wasn’t like he’d be leaving the service of his lordship anyway. In fact, he’d be adding the lord’s safety. That was just how he planned to persuade him too.
The surrounding fields of the tilt-yard were filled with knights, squires, horse masters and amourers. Practicing, retrieving, filling, and grooming. Arthur felt a surge of excitement. He’d made it just in time!
Finding a nearby bucket of water by some knight’s horses he dipped his hands in to wash the grime away. He wiped the dust from his rough woolen tunic and stockings, using some of the water to scrape away some stains. It had been at least seven months since his garments had been washed…and he only had the one pair.
Running his wet hands through his hair, he hoped he looked presentable enough when he introduced himself to the knight.
“Any idea when the jousts are startin’?” Arthur asked a squire as he walked through the throngs of people.
“’Bout an hour,” he said before scurrying off.
Arthur couldn’t wait to be rushing about doing his new masters duties. Oh the rush of it! Fulfilling his dreams, what he was born to do!
A minstrel strolling by stopped Arthur. “And what be yer name laddie?”
“Arthur,” he replied, not sure why the minstrel would stop for him.
“Arthur, eh? You look in a hurry, might I entertain you before you scurry?”
“I have naught to offer ya,” Arthur said plainly.
“’Tis just as well, I’m new and need to practice a few.”
Arthur stifled a laugh and the minstrel’s attempts to rhyme.
“Suit yourself.”
The minstrel tapped his foot, and began a ballad…
‘Oh, charming Mollee, you my butler shall be,
To draw the red wine for yourself and for me!
I’ll make you a lady so high in degree,
If you will but love me, my charming Mollee!
‘I’ll give you fine ribbons, I’ll give you fine rings,
I’ll give you fine jewels, and many fine things;
I’ll give you a petticoat flounced to the knee,
If you will but love me, my charming Mollee!’
‘I’ll have none of your ribbons, and none of your rings,
None of your jewels, and other fine things;
And I’ve got a petticoat suits my degree,
And I’ll ne’er love a married man till his wife dee.’
‘Oh, charming Mollee, lend me then your penknife,
And I will go home, and I’ll kill my own wife;
I’ll kill my own wife, and my bairnies three,
If you will but love me, my charming Mollee!’
‘Oh, noble Sir Arthur, it must not be so,
Go home to your wife, and let nobody know;
For seven long years I will wait upon thee,
But I’ll ne’er love a married man till his wife dee.’
Now seven long years are gone and are past,
The old woman went to her long home at last;
The old woman died, and Sir Arthur was free,
And he soon came a-courting to charming Mollee.
Now charming Mollee in her carriage doth ride,
With her hounds at her feet, and her lord by her side:
Now all ye fair maids take a warning by me,
And ne’er love a married man till his wife dee. “
“Thank ya for listening!” the minstrel called after him as Arthur hurried through the crowd. “Was it any good?”
“Aye!” He yelled without turning back. He wanted to make sure he got that big jug of ale, and a steamy leg of fowl before the jousts started. He didn’t want to miss a thing!
He patted his pocket where his coins jingled and smiled. “I’ll have a jug o’ale,” he said smiling at the brewer.
“Ye got the coin fer it, boy?”
“Aye.” He dug into his pocket and handed the man one of his coins.
Taking a swig of his ale, he sighed. His day was going splendidly so far. Now, onto the fowl leg. He weaved his way through the crowd, sipping on his jug, and watching the entertainments. As he waited in line for meat—the aroma was delectable—he observed a nearby bear-baiting.
The large bear stood on its hind legs, chained to post in the middle of a marked off circle. The crowd stood back as four large and snarling hunting dogs were let loose on the fearsome creature. He swatted at them, sending one of the dogs through the air, its yelp of pain was quickly silenced as it landed, either dead or unconscious on the ground, far out reach of the bear.
The other three dogs either not sensing their own danger, or angry over the fourth dog’s injuries, crept low to the ground, slowly gaining inches on the bear. They circled him; their mouths pulled back, saliva dripping, canines bared. An ominous noise emanated from them, growling that meant most certain death.
The bear didn’t seem the least frightened by their aggressive behavior, and instead, opened his mouth wide, and letting loose a roar that chilled Arthur to the bone. This was a fight to the death, and he wasn’t sure who would win.
“Boy, what ya want?” His attention turned back to the sweaty cook.
“I’ll have a leg o’fowl.”
The cook simply wiggled his pudgy fingers, obviously wanting to be paid before he handed over the mouth-watering meat. Arthur eagerly dug in his pockets and produced the coin needed. He nearly spilled his jug of ale in his haste to sink his teeth into the juicy leg. Mmm… Absolutely delicious…
He rushed through the mob to make sure he had a good spot by the tilt-yard in which to observe the joust. He wouldn’t be allowed a seat, and although he was tall for his age, he’d yet to fully grow into his man’s body. He would need to have a space up close. Elbowing his way through, he made it to the front of the fence. He munched on the rest of his meat, and drank his ale until not a drop or bite were left.
Then he settled in to wait for the announcement of the knights, which didn’t take long. The fierce warriors were all the more impressive on horseback as they rode into the lists. Murmurs went through the crowd as the knight called Devereux bowed to the lord and his lady. He tried to listen, but couldn’t make out what the mass of peasants were saying. All he could make out were clipped words, “bold,” “favor,” “tokens…” What could it all mean?
Arthur’s eyes glued to the field, as the knights began to charge. He was mesmerized by the event. It had been several years since he’d been to a joust. He recalled bits and pieces, but most of all he’d remembered the thrill of the event, and it was that feeling that now raced through his veins.
“Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!” he shouted with the crowd. It look liked Sir Devereux would be his champion.
“Whoop! Devereux! Huzzah!” The crowd around him joined him in his cheers. They’d seen it too.
He needed to practice what he would say when he approached Sir Devereux later. He hoped he could convey all he needed to. The might knight had no idea how one yay or nay for him, could change the course of Arthur’s life.
Ballad Borrowed from : http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/ballad01.html#006
(***NOTE: This is a scene from one of my manuscripts. No portion of this post can be copied without express permission by me. Copyright, Eliza Knight)
“M’lady.” A knight from her husband’s entourage assisted Elena in dismounting from her horse. She ignored the leer he was giving her.
They’d ridden at a leisurely pace that morning, and had only just arrived. The tournament was in full swing, but she knew none of the actual jousts would have started yet. Not without her and her despicable husband present.
“Thank you,” she said, extricating her hand from eager knight’s grasp.
Her ladies quickly stood around her, six in all. They proved to be a perfect barrier for her, as her husband apparently detested women. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and snort as he walked over to them.
“I shall see you at our place for the joust, soon.” He stressed his last word, letting her know he wouldn’t tolerate her tardiness. God forbid she should embarrass him in front of his people by not obeying his orders. She nodded stoically to him, not letting him start her knees shaking which she was sure he would enjoy. He turned from her without another word. How long would she be able to endure such a horrific match? She hadn’t had much choice in the marriage, actually none at all. Frowning she turned to her ladies.
“Let us have a look at the goods.” She smiled at their eager nods. She’d been known in the past to purchase them each a little token.
“Beautiful ladies, won’t you come over? Let me show you these elegant fabrics,” a merchant called to them.
She nodded and headed in his direction. The crowd separated like the Red Sea as Elena and her entourage passed. After being married to Lord Gloucester for three years, she still wasn’t used to the amount of respect and worship she received from the people. Perhaps they were in awe of her survival of such a man.
Oh, how she wished she could return to Ireland, her family, her friends. One in particular…
“M’lady, may I be so bold as to say your gold brocade gown brings a sparkle to your green eyes?” the merchant said.
“Thank you, kind merchant. Might you have a fabric of similar coloring, mayhap with some flowers embroidered within it?”
“I believe we do, m’lady. While I fetch it, would you care to peruse the scarves? Perhaps find one for a handsome knight?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, and Elena and her ladies all feigned shock, gasping and covering their mouths.
“Sir, you are too bold, now go and fetch my fabric.” She softened her rebuke by smiling at him genuinely. His soft laughter could be heard behind his trailing figure.
If only she did have a handsome knight she could give a token to. All of her husband’s men were either overly eager for her affections, making it quite clear which affections they wanted, or they were just as horrid as her husband. Hurling vulgar offenses at Elena and her ladies was one of their favorite after dinner delights. She always insisted on leaving at that time, not wanting to see how far they would try to take their churlish behavior.
Elena’s nerves prickled. Someone was watching her, she was sure of it. Turning to look through the crowd, she spotted a knight’s gaze fixed on her. But she wasn’t repulsed as she normally was with gaping knights; there was something familiar about his black wavy hair. It was his eyes that gave him away. She only knew one man with eyes as powerful as his. Bright blue by the irises, then slowly fading into a brilliant green. Flecks of gold sprinkled throughout.
“Michael…” she whispered, smiling in his direction. Before he could come her way, he was blocked by the crowd. She searched the sea of faces for a moment, but he was lost to her.
“Ladies, I am indeed in need of a scarf for a noble knight.”
Elena’s blood raced through her veins. She felt giddy, overjoyed. How had he made it here? How had he known? Would he be participating in the joust? The sword fight? Oh, how she wished he was. She wanted him to win. Michael was an excellent warrior from what she remembered. But there were many skilled knights in attendance. A number of them her husband’s own knights, fighting for the charge of Captain of the Guard at Gloucester castle.
If Michael were to win –
She didn’t let her mind get away with her. It would be better not to get herself worked up. If he weren’t to succeed she would surely plummet into despair. If she thought of him winning, her husband would pick up on it and have him banished from the tournament. That couldn’t happen, Michael could be her savior from a lifetime of unhappiness.
Grabbing a sheer gold scarf from the pile, she wrapped it around her neck. Elena let each of her ladies pick a scarf, their girlish antics took her mind from Michael for the moment. 
The merchant returned with a bolt of the most beautiful brocade fabric. The background was a lovely shade of gold, and maroon roses, with green vines were embroidered throughout.
“It’s lovely, sir, I will take it.”
After she paid for her purchases, Elena turned to one of her ladies maids. “Charlotte, please make sure this fabric gets to the tent.”
Elena needed to walk around; she needed to see if she could catch another glimpse of her childhood love.
A strolling minstrel stopped them in their path and began a lively tune. Elena stood smiling, tapping her foot to the rhythm as her ladies danced a little to the music. Furtive glances around the crowd rewarded her with no sight of Michael. Although, several other oglers surreptitiously conveyed they would be more than willing to take his place.
Disgusted by the vast amount of unwanted amorous attention she was getting. Elena clapped her hands, turning from the minstrel, she walked towards the list fields. She would just have to sit and wait until the joust began. Besides, tournaments were only entertaining to an extent. Elena couldn’t stand when knights got hurt. She also couldn’t fathom why having animals fight each other seemed to be a sport. She always felt sorry for the poor things. The food, music, laughter and merchants good’s were exciting.
Settling herself into her chair, she waited, her ladies fanning the heat of the sun from her. Her husband sat to her left, but virtually ignored her, which she was more than thankful for. She wondered how fabulous it would be when Michael approached her. Would she be able to hide her excitement? Keep his familiarity to herself?
Elena didn’t have to wait long to get the answers to her questions. The subject of her thoughts was coming towards her at that moment. He sat straight and tall on his destrier as he approached. He held his helm in one arm the other deftly holding the reins. His oddly colored seductive eyes were locked with hers. She licked her lips nervously willing herself to calm down, lest she give away her excitement.
Fear gripped her spine as she realized she’d been openly gaping at Michael. She glanced to her husband to make sure he wasn’t paying attention. Thankfully, he was also staring at the fascinating knight that approached.
“My lord,” Michael said, bowing to Gloucester.
His Irish accent caressed her very soul. She could listen to him speak all day. Usually surrounded by English, even growing up, his burr was a tease to the heart. Then he was looking at her, his hand held out for hers. Without thinking, she placed her hand on his. Even with his chain link mufflers covering, she could feel the warmth emanating through.
Elena’s face grew hot, as she remembered several timid, innocent touches like this they’d shared in the past. How she longed to let him embrace her, kiss her.
“My lady.” Those two simple words stroked along her insides, curling up and settling in the pit of her stomach. He leaned down and placed his soft lips against her hand. His breath was heated, sensual, and then the feather light kiss was over. The skin of her hand tingled where his lips had been.
“Sir Devereux,” she said as serenely as she could, even though she really wanted to climb the railing, jump into his arms, and let him carry her away on his massive black horse. His blue-green eyes twinkled, and his lips curved slightly in the corners. Could he read her thoughts?
“I’d be honored if your ladyship would be so kind as to bestow a token on this noble knight?”
Elena bit the inside of her cheek to keep from shouting, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Instead she smiled at Michael. Standing, she pulled the gold scarf from her neck, the one she’d purchased just for him.
She tied it the tip of his lance, and with her eyes, hoped she conveyed her hopes and well wishes for him. He bowed to her, before making his way to the lists. She sat down, her gaze glued to his retreating form.
Jousts today, swords tomorrow. The next two days would determine her future.
***
Elena perched on the end of her chair, muscles clenched, knuckles white and teeth grinding throughout the jousting tournament. Michael continued to be undefeated. But he had to tire soon didn’t he?
She frowned. He didn’t look tired. He looked—exhilarated. How was that possible? He’d been jousting with knights for the better part of two hours.
At long last he defeated all fourteen knights. Elena sighed heavily. After hours of sitting stiffly, she would need a hot bath.
Gloucester nodded to her as Michael approached. She bristled inside, how she hated needing his permission to do anything. She well understood the duties of a lady to her noble husband, and had it been any other man she wouldn’t have minded. But this cruel husband of hers was more than she could take.
“My lord, my lady,” Michael said, bowing low. When he was again sitting straight he smiled broadly.
Elena couldn’t help returning his infectious smile. He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Even better was his personal nature. She knew him to be strong and fierce, but he was also chivalrous, especially with her. How she wished she didn’t have to be so formal in giving him a prize for such an awesome feat, but if she were to stray from what her husband had told her to say, not only would she be punished but so would Michael.
“Sir Devereux, we are most proud that you’ve competed fairly and shown your superior skill this afternoon. We bestow on you today this diamond. We wish you luck tomorrow in the sword fighting. The prize for winning tomorrow’s feat will gain you a position within Gloucester as Captain of the Guard.” And much, much more.
(***NOTE: This is a scene from one of my manuscripts, except for the entire ballad in the middle. No portion of this post can be copied without express permission by me. Copyright, Eliza Knight)
Sir Michael Devereux of Wexford, Ireland scanned the English surroundings. This wasn’t his first tournament, and would hopefully prove not to be his last. His squire Fletch polished his armour, while the rest of his servants set up his tent.
Although the tournament games had yet to begin, the list fields were abuzz with knights training, squires running here and there. Roars of laughter could be heard from the crowds that watched all manners of entertainment.
His nerves were shot, or else he would have surely wandered the grounds to take his mind off the games ahead. He had to win.
Ah, what he wouldn’t do for a nice cold mug of ale and slice of sweet bread.
“Sir?” His newest squire Colin, peered at him.
“I hear there’s a boxing match about to being, mind if I go and have a look?” His voice was filled with desperation and short of having the poor boy begging on his knees Michael relented. He remembered his first tournament…what a thrill.
Hoping to appear that he was watching the lad run off, he scanned the crowds of nobles. Where was she? Had she come?
He’d been in love with Lady Elena since childhood. Her family had held the neighboring holding to Michael’s father. They played, and when they’d gotten older, he felt for sure he could court her…but she’d been whisked away to England to marry the conniving old-
He spotted her husband, Chauncey DeBurgh, Earl of Gloucester’s, flag flying above a set of tents. It’s bright yellow backing with red or, 3 chevronels, gules, waved proudly in the wind.
Sweat broke out on his forehead, dripping down the sides of his temples, and tickling his sensitive earlobes. But it wasn’t fear of the joust, or even a sword fight. It was trepidation at the thought of not being able to speak to her, make eye contact. Perhaps, if he were so lucky, even gain her favor for his upcoming competitions. It wasn’t uncommon for a married lady to bestow courtly love and tokens upon favored knights.
If he were to win the tournament, he would be closer to her… Michael paced the grounds knowing he still had an hours worth of time before he needed to begin preparing for his first joust. And then he spotted her.
“Lady Elena,” he whispered.
A sheer gold hood covered part of her hair, but he’d know those wavy honey-hued locks anywhere. She turned towards him, the fairest beauty in all of Christendom.
Her mossy green eyes met his, but before he could approach her a strolling troubadour bounced in front of him and began reciting a ballad. Bystanders crowded around him, blocking his view of Elena, as well as keeping him from moving without having to cause a scene.
By the time the troubadour moved on and the crowd dispersed, Elena as nowhere to be seen. Just as well, he needed to prepare for his joust.
Locating Fletch they headed to his tent. One of his other squires, Colin was gathering his blunt tipped lances and broad-sword. It had only been recently that the earls along with the king had deemed that no other weapons could be used. He was now only allowed his three esquires to assist him, or he’d risk imprisonment. He didn’t fault the lords, as it had become quite common place with such large tournaments for massive fights to break out, as well as the raping and pillaging of nearby towns. He shuddered to think that the men he held in as much esteem as himself, who knew to follow the chivalry code, would dare to act so heinously. He was only glad he didn’t know any of the men personally.
Jon assisted his groom in readying Black, his warhorse, making sure his caparison was in place, the heraldry of the Devereux family showing on the fabric draped over his body. His chanfron was of superior quality and fit so well, that no cursory glance from the lance would injure his horses face.
“Jon, make sure Charles puts on the high back saddle and long spurs. Fletch, you’ll help me with my armour.” His squires nodded and hurried to do his bidding. He was all business now. Everything had to be perfect.
His armourer had done a spectacular job of outfitting him for the tournament. He’d convinced his father to purchase the new suit, as his father had much pride in him that he would indeed win the spot in Gloucester’s regiment. He’d worn it during training to let his body adjust to its weight and length. Michael had no fear that he would lose the armour and his horse today. No, he was confident he would win. The stakes were too high, and he’d trained for this day for nearly ten years.
Inside his tent, Michael began to mentally prepare for what lay ahead. He took deep even breaths as he undressed, letting his body relax, and gain total control. His anxiety over Lady Elena ebbed somewhat. Jon brought him his usual regiment of cold water to splash on his face. Then he took a bit of orange letting it wet his palette, refreshing his breath and mind.
Colin and Jon together helped him to don his leggings and gambeson. The quilted doublet was long and fitted, coming to mid thigh. The slits up the front and back would enable him to sit Black without interference. Next came his hauberk of chainmail, attached to it his mufflers. Michael flexed his hands letting the soothing metal of the mufflers ease into place. He slipped into his tunic that bore his family crest, a simple white background with a fes gules, in chief three torteaux.
Jon attached his cuisses to protect his thighs, while Fletch fitted his chainmail coif over his head, and his shoulder-plates. Colin easily put his vambraces on his lower arms, while lifting his feet for Jon, and slipping them inside his leather boots.
It was like a dance with his three esquires. All knew what to do, and moved with rhythm and grace until the task was complete.
“Your helm, sir,” Fletch said handing Michael his helmet. He hated to wear the darn thing. It enclosed his entire head and face. It’s length was so long it came nearly to his shoulders. Slits were made for his eyes, ears and mouth, but the whole thing threw him off his senses.
Grasping its cool metal in his hand, he mounted his destrier and headed for the lists. His destiny was almost in his grasp.
Michael boldly approached the covered stand where Lady Elena sat beside her loathsome husband. Her eyes flickered with excitement turning almost emerald in color, as he approached, and she nervously licked her lips. For a fleeting moment their gazes locked, until she broke the spell by glancing quickly at Gloucester. The old man seemed to be oblivious, until Michael stood in front of them.
“My lord.” He bowed his head in Gloucester’s direction, feeling all the more ashamed of his Irish burr. The English truly didn’t like to have him at their games, even though his bloodline was the same as theirs. His father had been given an earldom in Ireland, where he and his brothers and sisters were raised. He swept the sourness of the earl’s distaste from his mind and turned to the object of his affection.
“My lady.” He reached out and grasped the delicate hand she offered him. So light. He wished he could remove his mufflers and feel the silky smoothness of her skin against his own sword-wielding rough ones. He pressed his lips fleetingly to her skin, breathing in her essence. Lavender, honey, and orange, a fragrance he would cherish.
“Sir Devereux,” she whispered. Her face was a mask of serenity but her eyes nearly lit his soul aflame, such was the depth of their emotions.
“I’d be honored for a token, my lady.” He held his breath, as he pulled away. Elena smiled at him, not saying a word. She took the sheer gold scarf from around her neck and tied it to the tip of his lance. With the feminine piece in place he bowed his head to her and headed for the starting point in the lists, trying to ignore the soaring in his heart.
Black pawed the ground, and snorted, challenging the charger at the other end of the list field. He seemed to say, “you may have been breed for stamina and agility, but with my superior size and strength my master will deliver a devastating blow to yours.” As if in answer, the charger raised its head and whinnied, followed by a loud snort.
The crowd laughed and shouted, their excitement rippling from one end to the other. “Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!” Michael looked once and then tuned them out.
He only half listened as Fletch shouted of his family heraldry, his strengths, his victories and then the other knight’s squire shouted about him. He didn’t want to focus on that, instead he studied his opponent. He sat his horse well, his armor looked just like his. His size was impressive, but he was not nearly as muscular as himself. With the weight of Michael’s horse and the extra muscle weight he no doubt had on the other knight, he could easily throw him from his horse. All he had to do was-
It was time. His opponent immediately took off, charging towards him. Michael counted, one, two, three, and spurred Black forward. Thrusting his body forward, he leaned a little to the left and lifted his lance into place. As his opponent neared, he leaned back and then – WHAM! He thrust his body forward, the extra weight of he and his horse unseated the other knight, in a flash.
The crowd cheered, and his squires rushed to him, shouting and slapping each other on the backs.
“One down, thirteen to go.” There was no time to celebrate his victory, or that he’d just won the unconscious man’s armor and horse. He walked Black to the prone knight just to make sure he hadn’t killed him with the force of his blow. As he drew near he saw the heraldry of Warwick. A powerful man’s son. He gloated for a moment on that note.
The fallen knight lifted his head slightly and shouted, “Good tactics, my lord!”
Michael was impressed with the Warwick knight’s show of chivalry. “Thank you, my lord, for allowing me to display my skill. I am equally impressed with your horsemanship.”
The subsequent jousts were quick and easy. Now he would only need to prove himself in the sword fights. His future was almost within his grasp.
“The names Rory. Are ya ready? We’ve got to hurry, we’re goin to the tourney today!
You know the tourney don’t ya? You don’t? Where have you been? I s’pose we’ve a few minutes for me to explain. We’re going to a tournament, you know, the chivalrous play fighting of the knights. Jousting, sword fighting, and the like. Well it’s always got lots of people, lords, ladies, merchants like meself and Gerald, and even the lowly peasants attend…
But we must get goin or I won’t be able to set up me shop and show you around. Come on now!”
Rory hustled the odd group of people into the back of her wagon filled with all her wares. She didn’t know where this group had come from, but she was forever being tested by the merchant’s guild and didn’t want to cause any problems.
Music, laughter and the clanging of armor could be heard before the tournament was even in sight. As they drew closer, she pointed to the tents, covering the fields, with flags for each knight posted. A field was sectioned off with special seating for the nobility and stands for lesser folk.
Upon entering the masses of people and tents Rory’s husband, Gerald handed her the reins and hopped off the wagon. “This’ll be where we set up love.”
She nodded giving him a loving smile, she was so pleased to be married to Gerald, he treated her like a partner rather than a servant. She turned from him to study the people in the back of her wagon.
“Now you folks just sit tight, after we have everything set up, I’ll take you around to see the entertainments.”
Rory glanced from the corner of her eye at the strangers who watched in open mouthed anticipation as she and Gerald erected their tent and tables. She smirked, remembering her own first time at a tourney. She’d have to show this lot a good time. 
She helped her husband meticulously spread out their wares. She was still in wonder herself at the opulence of their goods. Bolts of the most beautiful fabrics and scarves for any lady who may have forgotten one, or desired another. Brocades, in bright opulent colors and rich designs, velvets in rich blues and reds, some with aglets of silver gilt, bordered with spangles, silks and fine wools, and soft linens. Noble ladies walked by, arms linked with their husbands or courtiers and eyed the products on display. She called out to them to come and have a look.
Peasants looked out of the corners of their eyes, their gazes devouring and wishing they could just have a feel of the fine fabrics. To them she gave a glower, not wanting their kind to put their grimy fingers on her livelihood.
“Welcome to the tournament,” a strolling minstrel said to her entourage, making grand gestures with his hands. The group seemed enthralled by his grand manor. “Be sure to come and watch my lord, the Earl of Stafford joust this afternoon. He is by far the most talented knight, a most excellent horseman, and very pleasing to the eye.” He winked to the ladies in the wagon, and then strolled away, stopping to praise his lord to another group of tourney visitors.
“All set, my love. Go and help those poor folks,” Gerald said waving his hand in the direction of the wagon before turning to the crowd. “Ladies and gentleman!” shouted Gerald with a huge smile on his face. “Come and see me wares! I have the finest fabrics from France, the Orient and places you can only dream about. Feel their fine lines and gaze upon their rich designs.”
As if pulled by a magnet, people began to mill about as Gerald the merchant advertised his products.
A drum roll began in the distance which shook the strangers from their attention on her husband. Rory rushed to the wagon, time to give this group an introduction to the grandest of entertainments. “Come on folks, there’s a joust about to begin, lets go and see.”
The group jumped with enthusiasm from the wagon and followed Rory through the throngs of people. The smell of baked goods, smoking meats, herbs, flowers and leather wafted all around them. A few in the group exchanged coins with a baker for sweet rolls, while a couple more were drawn into the evocative jokes of the jester.
Rory stopped short to stare and call out at a passing acrobat who flipped through the air, and another who balanced himself on blunted sword tips. It was a wonder to her that they didn’t slice their feet off or break a bone.
Her attention was caught again by a bawdy musician singing. She couldn’t help but laugh at the words or the astonished looks on her guests face.
WOMEN.
[Lambeth MS. 306, leaf 135.]
Women, women, loue of women,
Make bare purs1 with some men,
Some be nyse as a nonne hene,2
Yit al thei be nat soo.
some be lewde,
some all be schrewde;
Go schrewes wher thei goo.
Sum be nyse, and some be fonde,3
And some be tame, y vndirstonde,
And some can take brede of a manes hande,
Yit all thei be nat soo.
some be lewde,
some all be schrewde;
Go schrewes wher thei goo.
Some cane part with-outen hire,4
And some make bate in eueri chire,5
And some cheke mate with oure Sire6,
Yet all thei be nat so.
Some be lewde,
and sume be schreuede,
go wher thei goo.
Som be browne, and some be whit,
And some be tender as a tripe,
And some of theym be chiry ripe,7
Yet all thei be not soo.
Sume be lewde,
and some be schrewede,
go wher thei goo.
Some of them be treue of love8
Beneth the gerdell, but nat above,9
And in a hode aboue can chove,10
Yet all thei do nat soo.
Some be lewde,
and some be schreude,
go where thei goo.
Some cane whister11, & some cane crie,
Some cane flater, and some can lye,
And some cane sette the moke awrie,12
Yet all thei do nat soo.
Sume be lewde,
and sume be schreuede,
go where thei goo.
He that made this songe full good,
Came of the north and of sothern blode,
And some-what kyne to Robyn Hode,13
Yit all we be nat soo.
Some be lewde,
and some be schrewede,
go where thei goo.
Some be lewde, some be schrwde,
Go where thei goo.
(For translation of some of the lines visit: http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/medlyric/women.php)
The atmosphere was jubilant and there was not a moment to spare to boredom. Entertainments were everywhere. Bear-baiting, cock-fighting, jugglers, mimes, troubadours, and contortionists. It was easy to get lost along the way to the field to watch the jousting, and an hour went by with the group of odd folks and Rory wandering from entertainment to entertainment.
“Well we’ve missed a few of the jousts, lets head on over there, before we miss the whole day!” Rory hollered to the group trying to round them up.
After their initial shock and awe, this group was truly enjoying the festivities. A few waved her off, too busy in their cups of ale and watching the amusements. One of the tipsy fools even took it upon himself to try and juggle daggers…it didn’t end in death, but it didn’t end well either.
What few were able to make it to the tournament made it just in time. Rory got them seated close to the field.
“Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!” the crowd shouted, and Rory encouraged her followers to join in.
A knight decked out in the finest of armor on a beautiful stallion approached the seat of noble lady. He bowed to her, his lance outstretched and waited patiently as she elegantly tied a gold silk scarf to the tip. She blew him a kiss which he captured and held to his heart. Rory couldn’t help but sigh, it really was very romantic. She named him the Golden Knight.
The Heralds toted their respective knights valor, family lines, and talents. And then it began. The two horses facing each other from opposite ends braced their lanced and then CHARGE! The hoof beats on the ground vibrated Rory’s seat, and she felt the familiar buzz of exhilaration in her blood.
Within an instant the Golden Knight, thrust his blunt tipped lance into his opponent, who was unseated and fell heavily to the ground. Her breath caught in her throat. The crowd gasped and then grew silent as they waited. Although these games were meant merely for practice, they could be deadly.
The Golden Knight rounded his horse to stand next to his fallen opponent. The fallen knight lifted his head slightly and shouted, “Good tactics, my lord!”
“Thank you, my lord, for allowing me to display my skill, I am equally impressed with your horsemanship.”
Rory sighed again, the knights were certainly of a different standard. So chivalrous to each other, end ever the romantics… She turned to her acquaintances. “Well my fine folks, I must be heading back to Gerald. He’ll be wanting to take part in some of the festivities as well. Good day to you.”
With that, she meandered her way back through the crowd to peddle more of her wares.
It would be no wonder to many that the word aphrodisiac comes from the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, for aphrodisiacs themselves are meant to stimulate us sexually and to enhance desire.
All of the five senses can get use out of aphrodisiacs, sight, scent, taste, sound and feeling. I love the smell of certain colognes…Armani Night being one of my absolute favorites. But of course there is one thing that isn’t a sense that also increases sexual desire, and that is love, ***sigh***
So today I thought I would bring you the lists of all five senses and aphrodisiacs associated with them, and then the history… Bom-Chick-A-Wow-Wow…
Sight
Sight can cover many different topics, romantic or pornographic movies, romance novels, erotic books, erotic dancing, sexy clothing…whether you and your partner do these things with each other, for each other, or separately, you get the picture, let your mind do the wandering if you don’t…
It doesn’t necessarily have to be erotic either. You may love a certain style of jeans on the perfect butt…or you see a total hottie walking down the street. Maybe all it takes is the sight of your spouse even if you’re together 24/7. I know they say that looks don’t attract…but, you can’t tell me they really don’t can you?
Scent
As I mentioned above I love certain colognes. If I catch a whiff of it, my nose turns without any regard to whether or not I want it to… So what other scents are there? Oils are a big one, with scents such as rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, myrrh, lavender, geranium, patchouli, pine, nutmeg, clary sage, cinnamon, and ginger.
Food scents are also on the list. For men, black pepper, buttered popcorn, vanilla, pumpkin pie, doughnuts and licorice (no I’m not kidding!) For women, licorice, cucumber and pumpkin pie. If one of these scents turns you on, I have to know about it! I’ve never met anyone that got hot and heavy just from making salads and pie!
Most obvious of sensually enticing aromas are natural body scents. Pheromones are also made and sold…some people add them to their perfumes and colognes.
Believe it or not but our brains associate certain smells with activities we’ve done, so if the smell of the beach turns you on… naughty naughty.
Taste
There have been many foods around for centuries that have been claimed to increase our desire and sexual prowess. Some of these foods are considered aphrodisiacs because their shapes are suggestive, others have actually had studies done that show they will increase libido. You wouldn’t believe how many of these foods are actually good for you too, so chow down and then get down…
Agave, artichoke, arugula, asparagus, bananas, caviar, celery, chocolate, epimedium grandiflorum (aka Horny Goat Weed…wonder where it gets its name from?), figs, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, honey, kelp, maca, mamey sapote, mucuna pruriens (legume), mussels, oysters, peaches, pimento, pineapple, pomegranate, puffer fish, radish, sea beans, squash, sweet potato, strawberries, thorn apples, tomatoes, truffles, turtle eggs, Walking Palm, wild lettuce.
Some spices are, basil, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, horseradish, jasmine, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, saffron, time, vanilla and white pepper.
Alcohol is also an aphrodisiac in limited quantities as it lowers inhibitions, champagne in particular.
Warning! Red meat is actually a turn off and has been proven to lower testosterone! So if you plan on getting a little action, don’t have a steak dinner 🙂
Sound
Certain types of music are considered aphrodisiacs, whether it’s a song’s words that heighten your senses, or the instruments strumming a tune to your body. As it is with all of your other senses you may have a particular memory with a song that may get you going.
Of course other sounds may be the sound of someone’s voice while talking or the sounds they make while you are “together.” It could be listening to others making love, for example if you are watching a movie. You may also enjoy listening to your partner read you an erotic story or just telling you one from memory.
Feeling
Besides the feelings a lover may give you physically that will have your body humming, there are several other things that can come into play. Anything that makes your body feel relaxed, completely free. This could be getting a massage, laying on the beach, going for a swim, feeling the warm breeze against your skin as you watch the sunset or rise. It doesn’t just have to be relaxing however, you may get all worked up from exhilaration. Riding a motorcycle or horse, racing down the highway in a convertible, going dancing out on the town, skydiving, skiing, etc… Exercise is considered an aphrodisiac, because it gets your body’s endorphins flowing. This may explain your panting over the sexy specimen working out next to you.
We as humans are sexual beings. We may not be the only species that has sex for recreation, but we certainly are the only ones that have developed thousands of products for sexual play. We are also most certainly the only ones that prepare a meal together or a sensual situation to turn each other on.
History
How did aphrodisiacs play out in history? Since the beginning of human time there have been mentions of aphrodisiacs. They are mentioned in the Bible in Genesis when Leah exchanges mandrakes with Rachel…mandrakes were used again in the Song of Solomon.
The Kama Sutra, an Indian book about the art of making love written somewhere between the 1st and 6th centuries, mentions aphrodisiacs as well, encouraging the consumption of chick peas and anointing your organ with black pepper, white thorn apple powder and honey. (Warning before you try this…white thorn apples are toxic, so you may want to skip that part…)
Foods throughout history have been used to heighten libido. It was often said that food should be served warm and moist… You’d find a variety of spices in the dishes, many of which I listed above. Carrots, asparagus, anise, mustard, nettles, and sweet peas were often served with meals as they were seen as aphrodisiacs as well. As we know now, aphrodisiacs are used to heighten amorous feelings, and don’t have anything to do with the actual mechanical workings. But in the past that wasn’t common knowledge. A man who wasn’t able to get an erection may chow down on a pound of carrots at dinner, just as a woman may munch on asparagus all day if she is trying to conceive.
The Greek goddess Aphrodite supposedly held sparrows as sacred because of their “amorous nature,” and so throughout history, people would consume the bird hoping to gain some of her lustful inhibitions.
Tomatoes in history were called the “love apple,” before they were called tomatoes, just as potatoes were at one time called the “apples of love.”
Cleopatra was said to use many oils and perfumes to seduce her lovers. Love potions have been concocted from the beginning of time. In the middle ages, alchemists would make a concoction with gold in it. Women who wanted to become pregnant often sought out midwives who would make them a potion of different types of herbs.
Shakespeare often made reference to aphrodisiacs in his works. In Macbeth he writes that alcohol “provokes the desire, but it takes away from the performance.”
The Greek poet Ovid admits in his work that he knows the power of his erotic words, and how they may act as an aphrodisiac. His poem Remedia Amoris (The Cure for Love) published in 5 BC, is filled with how to make love and even suggests that a man might have two girls at once… In his poem Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love, 1 BC) he writes:
Wine rouses courage and is fit for passion:care flies, and deep drinking dilutes it.
Have you ever heard of the Marquis de Sade? He is known for some very erotic writing…120 Days of Sodom, is his most notorious work. He is also known for his affinity for aphrodisiacs in which he was arrested in the late 1770’s by the French court. Why you ask? Because at a private party he slipped some chocolate covered Spanish Fly, a very potent aphrodisiac into the deserts, which then turned quite a few people very randy indeed. At least one of the girls became sick and was hospitalized for poisoning which is why he was arrested. This party is now known as the Cantharidic Bon-Bon Orgy. There is a quote from ball-goer who relates a similar story, so either it had happened more than once, or the ball incident was just a rumor…
Spanish doctor Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma, wrote that chocolate “…vehemently incites to Venus, and causeth conception in women, hastens and facilitates their delivery…” in his book Curioso Tratado de la Naturaleza in 1631.
What turns you on? Have you ever tried any of these aphrodisiacs? Have you tried one not listed?
History Undressed 
