Medieval Games and EntertainmentDaniel Parow- 2nd Period

Main Idea

Have you ever thought about people in the Medieval Times? About what they did to have fun and keep themselves busy? What life was like without TVs, DVD players, computer games and the Internet? 

Medieval society participated in a number of games and recreation, which they played when the harsh lifestyle gave them a break.

There are many games played in Medieval Times that we still play today.

A few games they played One of the main games played during the Middle

Ages was chess. Other games played include bowling, prisoner’s

base, blind man’s bluff, ring toss, and marbles. As mentioned above, people in the Middle Ages

played many of the games we still play today. I mentioned chess, but a few other games were played, including wrestling, swimming, fishing, and checkers.

Other types of entertainment Feasts Performing arts (music, dance, acting, comedy) Tournaments (fighting)

Feasts feasts were usually held on holidays or special

occasions. Music, dancing and gift exchanges also took place

at these events. The main meat eaten was pork, and the medieval

society would use honey as a sweetener. Favorite drinks included wine, mead (alcoholic

beverage fermented with yeast), and especially ale (which was generally home brewed).

Peasants would harvest fruits and vegetables.

Fighting Tournaments Tournaments were series of mounted and

armored combats, fought as contests. These tournaments were held in large arena like

areas. Enjoyed by commoners and nobles. Tournaments were sometimes sponsored by

Nobles. There were different kinds of tournaments and

combat.

Types of Tournaments and Combat The Joust a plaisance Tournament - A series of

elimination jousts over several days and an overall winner would be determined.

The Pas d'armes or passage of arms Tournament - A Knight sends out a proclamation that he would take on all challengers at a specific time and place.

The Melee a pied Tournament - Teams of knights fighting on foot.

The Melee a cheval Tournament - Teams of knights fighting on horseback.

Performing Arts The Performing Arts were greatly loved during

Medieval Times. Types of Performing Arts and Artists include… Music Jesters Acrobats Tumblers Contortionists

Performing Arts (continued) Music gave musicians a chance to perform inside

the castle walls for lords and ladies. A jester would be used for humorous reasons such

as being a wit-cracker, making jokes, or doing hilarious acts to entertain audiences.

We see tumblers and acrobats even today. A modern day comparison to the medieval acrobats and tumblers would be acrobats and tumblers at a circus. We see them put their lives in danger to provide entertainment. Example: (tight rope)

Performing Arts (continued) Another performing artist in Medieval times was a

contortionist. A contortionist has a very strange talent.

Contortionists have extreme flexibility in their bodies and are able to bend their bodies in many different directions.

Contortionists are categorized as either front benders or back benders; depending on the direction the spine is more flexible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the games and entertainment used in the Middle Ages are not far from what we use and have today.

The End