knighted described in many historical essays and works of art.And like any other tradition, it has its own history.
knighted: A Brief History
In fact, the first time such a ceremony was held in ancient Germanic tribes for many years before the onset of the Knights.After the boy came of age, the father or a respected member of the community handed him a sword and a spear.Now the young man was considered a full member of the tribe.
In Christian times this tradition was revived, albeit with some differences.In the fifteenth century, the Knights became usually, fifteen young men.Incidentally, in a period like the title could get too noble man, or even a simple peasant.
But with the development of the knights became more closed, elite group.As a young man first gave to the education of a noble family, where they served as squires.Rite of Passage was conducted primarily among men under 21 years.It is interesting that at the beginning of the 18th century even some barons and people with titles and lands, and left without dedication.After conducting the ceremony was due to the high financial costs.
Knighted: preparing for the holiday
In fact, the dedication was a very important stage in the life of man, therefore, preparing for this holiday thoroughly.
first young squire had to apply to his lord or another high-ranking official.Then carefully studied the potential biography of the knight: the other members of the community had to make sure his courage, honesty, straightforwardness, and other qualities.
Usually dedication mersed to any religious holiday, to further emphasize the importance of the event and the responsibility of the future knight.Before the date fixed for the young man had to stick fast as you can spend more time for prayer and repentance.The last night before the feast of the candidate should be held in the church.
At dawn he took away the old knight, who takes him to the traditional procedure of ablution.A young man dressed in a simple linen tunic and sash hung on the neck with a sword.
knighted how it looked?
After the ceremonial washing of the candidate, accompanied by a whole procession led to the appointed place.As a rule, it was a church or chapel, although there is evidence to hold the ceremony in a castle or an open field.
In place of the ceremony the future knight in armor helped to clothe.After that, the priest held a liturgy in honor of the Holy Spirit.By the way, all the time a candidate had to kneel.This was followed by a book of chivalry to read the laws.That's up to the young man denounced his duties to the lord, the king and the Christian church.
After getting acquainted with the laws of the emperor came to the candidate or the lord, who struck him with the sword on the shoulder.Oath Knights who spoke with the rookie, contained a promise of fidelity to God and the sovereign protection of the country against any threat.
Then the newly made knight wore golden spurs, which symbolized dignity.Another important part of the outfit - a shield, which was the emblem of sorts.But the sword was associated with the cross - it symbolized justice.In fact, each piece of armor had its value.
At the end of the ceremony to the knight summed warhorse.Now, noble man was driving down the street to loud cheers of peasants, brothers in arms, and of course, beautiful women.
Now for the young man started a real adult life.Of course, the primary responsibility of the knight was to participate in military campaigns or the protection and strengthening of border areas of the state.
