Taught by Professor Bradley Fish
Lesson 30 Essay: Saxon Culture
Written by KryssaLee Baze
(These are old essays from over a year ago that I forgot to publish)
Saxon culture is interesting and unique from other cultures. What was the culture like for this renowned people? And what did they do in everyday life?
Saxon culture in the wealthier classes was more lavish than the poorer classes. They wore fancier garbs, however these were never very bright and gaudy. Poorer Saxons were plainer, and were distinguished from the wealthy by style of clothing as well.
Wealthier Saxons always had an elaborate feast prepared for guests, and this was a staple in the culture. The Saxons were known for their eating, drinking, and merriment at meal time. Even the poor made sure that they had a sufficient feast for guests. Saxons ate on plates and with their daggers and fingers, as forks were undreamt of at that time. After a meal at an inn or other similar resting place, the host would bring a dish of water and napkins, and each guest would dip his fingers and wash their hands. After the meal a singer would usually come in and amuse the guests.
Saxons dwellings differed, but that of a thane (a land owner that had the land given to them by the king) was a large, massive house with barred windows and a heavy, sturdy door. There was not much decorations, but there were hangings of tapestry that the dames and maidens would weave.
Saxons, like all other people, had their own form of entertainment. The men often went on hunting parties together, or they would also go hawking, where they would hunt in the countryside with a trained hawk or falcon.
Different from others, Saxon culture is the an example of an iconic Euorpean culture.
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