Although our Medieval block concluded at the end of December, we are bringing stories of that time period into our January chemistry block. We are also carrying the theme of knights.
To become a knight is an arduous process. At the age of seven, the son of a knight (for it was only sons of knights who could become knights themselves) would leave his home (castle) and be sent to another knight to learn the rules of knighthood, for no son was allowed to be taught by his own father.
For the next seven years, the young boy would serve as a page, doing the errands not only of the knight but also of the other nobles of the castle. He would serve food and drink at meals and always ensure the knight’s cup was full. In addition to doing all the errands and taking care of the knight’s horse, the page would practice for several hours a day with swords, spears, and bow and arrows. In this difficult daily routine it was crucial that he would never complain or show any sign that he was tired.
After this dedicated seven years, now at the age of 14, the boy became a squire. As a reward for his service as a page he was given a sword, shield, armour and his own horse. He now rode by the knight’s side for both hunting and battles. He had to keep the knight’s armour clean and shiny, as well as his own, and look after both his and his master’s horses. He had to learn to show courtesy to ladies, to show respect to older people, and have good manners.
Only after 14 years of training as a page and then a squire would the boy become a knight at age 21. Before the knighting ceremony, the young man would bathe (which was not very common in those days), fast for 24 hours and pray to God to make him worthy.
During the next two weeks, the Grade 6/7 class will go through the process of knighthood (we are cutting it down from seven years to seven days—the ease of the modern age!). Rather than being in service of a knight and his castle, our students will be contributing to the whole school, i.e. doing ECE dishes, helping kindergarten and preschool students get dressed to go outside, shredding paper in the office, cutting painting paper, and reading with the younger grades.
We will also learn about the virtues and vices of knighthood. Virtuous attributes are expected to be embodied by the students.
To become a knight is not a given. It needs to be earned through deed and demeanour. After our two weeks, we will have an afternoon at Totem Hall with medieval games and a knighting ceremony. It is my hope that all students will be knighted, but only if they have earned it.
– Christine