Medieval Society was strictly hierarchal, meaning there were
certain expectations that were upheld depending on where you were on the social
scale. Medieval or Western European etiquette was based off knightly code of
honor and conduct, countries separate customs, religious rituals, superstitions,
prejudices, and ethical standards of that society. For this important aspect of
society can also be traced all the way to literary and cultural
monuments of the period. The earliest roots of this social standing in
medieval society can be found in the teachings of St. Augustine. His doctrine, “The City of God” eventually
became a base along with other writings for the codes of chivalry for the order
of knighthood, which was a very integral part of various medieval cultures.
Adding the importance of a long and impressive genealogy, which was one of the
most important factors in this social class, for it, was noted that a knight
was to have come from “good stock.” Society quickly embraced the image of what
the knight stood for, his code of ethics, his honor, etiquette, and eventually
adapted similar rules that became a base for court etiquette and of the nobility.
This later is what modeled modern day etiquette that in some families and
societies is still used today. (I can hear my mother preaching to me the
importance of “Thank You” notes, and proper silverware placement etc.)
If an event such as the Red Wedding
existed in real life (Which it did, I will discuss this later.), it defiantly
would be a very big insult on the hosting family to allow such events to
happen. But believe it or not, an event such as this did happen. In 1440, the Clan Douglas in Scotland was
gaining a great amount of power that was a bit unnerving for the 10-year-old
king at the time; James II. The power they were gaining was actually seen as a
threat to the nation of Scotland and its soviernity. As a part of a conspiracy, that year, William
Douglas, the 6th Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited to
dine with the king. During the dinner a
black boar head was brought out, which according to custom was a symbol of
death. Whether they knew this meant
impending doom or not, it is unclear from my reading whether they realized this
or not. After dinner, the Earl and his
brother were dragged out, brought to a mock trial and beheaded. Siege was later
laid upon the castle Edinburgh by the Clan Douglas. Lord Chancellor Sir William Crichton
eventually surrendered the castle to the king. It is suspected that others:
Livingstone and Buchan were also responsible for the deaths. The dinner is
known through out history as the “Black Dinner” and it was used as a historical
bases for “Game of Thrones” the Red Wedding.
This event even to this day is frowned
upon many as a great insult meaning to slaughter your guests when they are
under your roof for a celebration. It is a ground of commonality, at times
holy, and one of peace. To have such an action performed or even carried out
was not a good thing to do. Not only was it a huge break in tradition, but also
it brought great distrust and dishonor to that household. At large dinners or even weddings; may meals
were blessed by the Catholic Church so in all essence to slaughter your guests
would be like killing someone on holy ground or in a church which is considered
sanctuary and forbidden in church and secular law. Not only are rules of etiquette tossed out at
this point, but the rules and traditions of the church as well. That person you just killed at your dinner,
just cost you’re your place reserved in heaven.
I wonder if Lord Bolton, Lord Frey, and the folks at the Black Wedding
realized this. Trust, honor, tradition,
and loyalty all go hand and hand, definitely were the case in the Middle Ages
and are still true today amongst those who still hold these values important. So if you want to be a good host, don’t murder
your party guests. It does you no favors, in this life or the next, and......
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Douglas#Black_Dinner
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