Knight Halloween Costume
Knights have been around for many centuries and quite a few countries. Maybe that is why there have been so many books and movies with knights in them through out the years. A Knight Halloween Costume makes a great choice for any costume party, Halloween trick or treating or renaissance faire.
The Noble Crusader Plus Adult Costume
The first picture that comes to our mind when we hear the word “knight” is that of a soldier. Yes, in fact, in the olden days knights were none but loyal soldiers of the rich.
RG Costumes 90248-BL-M Blue Medieval Knight Costume – Size Child-Medium
The position of knights was more relevant in the medieval era than the ancient period where wars and fights were more common. Hence, knights were ranked above ordinary men but below senatorial class.
Knight of the Round Table Adult Costume
Origin and History of Knights:
In the medieval period, society was not much civilized. The rulers could not ensure any protection by law. The war strategies and equipments were nowhere near perfection. Therefore, “quantity” was the key. The upper class and the government recruited large number of knights for protection, war, and such other responsibilities. They were given what was called “war booty” for their contribution. Gradually, their rewards increased and they became owners of land given to them as reward. This helped them to occupy a higher status in the society. This marked the beginning of the golden time of knights.
A day in a knight’s life:
Leading a disciplined life was very important for knights because of the onerous position they occupied in the community.
A typical day of a knight started at dawn with prayer and Mass. The importance they had attached to prayer is evident from the fact that there were 4 prayer sessions in a day – morning, mid-morning, evening, and bedtime prayer. After breakfast, they would devote time to hone their skills in fighting, weaponry, etc. What followed after this tiresome fitness session was a discussion of war strategies. A group of knights would come together and participate in discussions related to weapons, methods of attack and defense, strategy and tactics of war, etc.
The mid-morning sessions were “graceful and light” with the knights devoting time to music, dance, courtly love, and chivalry.
Activities like hawking, hunting, horsemanship, and estate inspection kept the knights busy in the evenings. Most of their entertainment took place after dinner. During these sessions, they enjoyed performances of dancers, musicians, acrobats, jesters, jugglers, etc.
Knight of the Dragon Child Costume
Armor and Weapons:
The fact that every knight had a squire to keep his armors and weapons shows the amount of weapons a knight handled and his expertise. Most of the weapons and armors were made of metal and they were very heavy and bulky. This made it very hot and uncomfortable. It required lot of practice to use them in a war. All vital organs were covered with metals. Even the horses were not spared from protection with metal plates. Swords, daggers, maces, etc. were some of the weaponry that knights used during their period. There were enough tournaments for the knights to showcase their skills.
Dress Up America Deluxe Knight Dress Up Costume Set Toddler T4 226-T
Interesting facts about knights:
One had to undergo a total of 14 years training (7 as ‘page’ and another 7 as ‘squire’) before becoming a knight!
The full plate armor of a knight weighed 50 pounds!
When jousting, 2 knights met at a high speed of 60 miles per hour!
Even a few women were knights.
Lady Knight Adult Costume – S
Peter Alan 7373 Black Knight Sword Costume Accessory
Peter Alan 7413 Knight’s Breastplate Costume Accessory
Warning: Funny but bloody!
August 14th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I did not realize that it took up to 14 years for a man to become a knight. They must have started fairly early in their training.
August 17th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
My kids have been learning about knights at school, i’m off to impress them with some new facts from this site!
Thanks