Middle Ages Research Project 

Isabella Martinez

Encounters 6

Ms. Damante

March 24, 2022

Ways the Feudal system shaped the Middle Ages 

Introduction

Were kings, barons, and nobles just a thing of the middle ages or are they still a thing today? We would like to think that those types of social statuses were a thing of the past.  However, even in today’s society there is still a great divide between social classes.  They may no longer be called kings, barons, and nobles as referred to during the Feudal System, but we do differentiate between the high, middle and low or poverty class.  In addition to social classes, we also adopted certain celebrations like Halloween that originated in the middle ages.  As we all know, styles tend to circle back and hairstyles from the middle ages also have made a modernized comeback in recent years. Celebrations, styles, and social classes may have been “modernized” but their roots will always remain the same.

Feudalism

Feudalism was an important government system from the middle ages that affected everyone's life that lived during this time. The Feudal system was a social status that was not based on intelligence but rather the social class you were born into.  This system was like a pyramid consisting of The king on the top who had the most power. Since no one person can control all the land himself, the king chose barons and nobles to help him rule large amounts of land.  The barons and nobles were the next highest on the pyramid after the king and therefore were considered very powerful people. The barons and nobles maintained the army for the king. They also split their land between the lords. Furthermore, the lords and knights ran the manors that the peasants and serfs used for protection and to live in.  The lords were also the knights and could be called into battle at any moment.  “The lords owned everything on their land including the peasants, crops, and village” (Ross).  Lastly, the lowest level of the feudal system were the peasants and serfs. “Some peasants were considered free and could own their own businesses like carpenters, bakers, and blacksmiths. Others were more like slaves. They owned nothing and were pledged to their local lord. They worked long days, 6 days a week, and often barely had enough food to survive”(Ross).

Halloween

The name Halloween originated from christian traditions in the early Middle Ages. The original holiday was a descendant of the celtic festival Samhain or summer's end that was held on November 1, the Celtic New Years. It was believed to be when dead souls would rise and roam the earth. As part of the tradition, soul cakes were left out and lanterns were lit. The traditions all had significance to their beliefs. Candles were lit to ward off evil spirits that escaped the underworld and soul cakes were left out as treats for the good spirits. These traditions are the most similar to the current Halloween traditions. For example the candles are similar to the jack-o-lanterns that people light. The soul cakes left as treats can be compared to the candy treats that are handed out on Halloween night. In the eighth century, the church named November 1st  ‘All Hallows Day' for the saints. Then two centuries later, they added ‘All Souls Day’ on November 2nd in honor of the dead. In addition, the evening when they would start observing was named ‘All Hollows Evening’, which is the modern day Halloween. The pumpkin or jack-o-lantern wasn't used for celebration till later, instead they used a turnip.  Moreover, trick or treating was called ‘Souling’ and was popular for adults in England to participate by dressing up in groups and visiting large houses to sing and collect money and or food. Halloween also was once used for romance divinations because of a poem by Robert Burn in Victorian times. They put hazelnuts in a fire with you and your partner's name on it. If they burned gently and then went out, this indicated a long and harmonious life together; if they coughed and sputtered or exploded, this was a sign of problems ahead (Halloween)”.  Apples were also used for divination. You would bob for the apples to know you and your partner's future. “Apples were also used for divination purposes: the skin was thrown over the shoulder, or the fruit floated in water or hung upon strings, to be seized by the teeth of the players (Halloween)”.

Hairstyles

Hairstyles in the Middle Ages were formal and consisted of a large variety of styles. These hairstyles were greatly influenced by Germany, who had just created the downfall of the Roman Empire. The Germans had given hairstyles a great importance because they considered it a symbol of importance and authority.  Although all hairstyles were popular for the same people, vikings were different. Viking men tied their hair at the top of their head and made a tight knot. The women kept their long hair in braids to prevent their tresses flying or falling on their face. “During the medieval ages, women mostly had long hair which they arranged in various medieval hair styles. There was rarely a trend of short or medium hairstyle length(Medieval).” These hair arrangements included long plaits, braids, updos, and coiled buns on each side of the head. The hair also included things in it like flowers, leaves, and silk bands. For men it was most common to have short hair and brush it towards the front till the forehead with no parts. Although the monks would have the same hairstyle, except they would shave the middle of the head. In addition it was the most humiliating thing to have your hair shaved fully. Unless you were a monk then it was also acceptable to have your hair shaved with just a narrow strip around your head. On the other hand, long hair and parting it in the middle was the most common type of style for nobility. Moreover peasant children that were boys would mostly shave their heads. Unless you were a noble child then similarly you would keep your hair long and part it in the middle.  In the same manner, girls would most commonly make two braids and part their hair in the middle. 

Conclusion 

The roots of celebrations, styles, and social classes will always be the same no matter how modernized they may become. The names associated with the social classes during the feudal system may have changed from lords or knights to the modernized middle class or working class. We no longer have a need for the titles of kings, nobles, and barons.  However, the social classes still exist. Unlike the feudal system, where you remained in the social class you were born into, now you have the opportunity to receive an education, advance in your career or profession to help you move from one social class to another.  Traditions are important in every culture.  However, it is just as important to understand the roots and true meaning of the different traditions and celebrations one honors as they will continue to change and become more modernized from generation to generation. Even simple things such as hairstyles that change so often can be seen as showing a person’s status.  The downfall of the Roman empire by Germany created a sense of power which inspired change to hairstyles for the middle ages. The middle ages was an important time period because it is the root of important historical events and ideology of economic and political theory and policy.  Most importantly the social classes established during this time period have continued to exist. The middle ages also would go on to help modern day civilization.

Works Cited 

“Middle Ages Feudal System.” Ducksters. www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages_feudal _system.php  

Accessed 22 February 2023. 

Ross, David. “Feudalism and Medieval Life.” Britain Express. www.britainexpress.com 

/History/Feudalism_and_Medieval_life.htm Accessed 7 February 2023.

“Halloween in the Middle Ages.” New York Carver. newyorkcarver.com/halloween.htm. Accessed 31 

January 2023

Clarke, Dr. David. “10 things you didn’t know about the history (and mystery) of Halloween.” History 

Extra..www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/halloween-history-facts-pumpkins-ghosts/  

Accessed 31 January 2023

“Medieval Hairstyles.” Medieval Chronicles.. www.medievalchronicles.com/medieval-clothing/ 

medieval-hairstyles/ Accessed 31 January 2023