Crafts for the Code of Chivalry
In medieval times, boys as young as 7 years old started as pages as part of an apprenticeship to become a knight. Although never codified uniformly, an informal code of chivalry governed the expectations of knightly behavior in the society of the Middle Ages. Crafts for the code of chivalry remind modern children of the virtues that knights were supposed to personify, such as faith, hope, compassion, mercy, honesty, honor, integrity, generosity, humility, courage, self-control, respect, courtesy, loyalty and justice. Teachers and parents can use chivalry crafts to encourage children to emulate the positive character traits inspired by medieval knighthood traditions.
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Chivalry Scrolls
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Although many think that chivalry is a quaint, outdated code of conduct, a close examination of a knight's desired virtues show many similarities to the character traits encouraged by parents, teachers and religious leaders today. The challenge for many children is to understand what it looks and sounds like to live out the standards required by good character traits. Compare the rules of knightly behavior with expectations for modern children to find the similarities. Brainstorm with the children what actions and words give evidence that a person is actively practicing each character trait. Have each child choose four to six virtues on which to focus. Crumple a long strip of white paper. Flatten it out and soak it in tea to give it the look of old parchment. Let it dry and, if desired, roughly tear the edges for additional "aging." Examine examples of medieval illuminated manuscripts for ideas on decorating the scroll. List the chosen character virtues and draw or write examples of each in practice. Older students can try lettering the scroll in Old English calligraphy. Design a personal seal to put your approval on the document. Roll up the scroll and tie it with a ribbon.
Heraldry
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Loyalty to God, king, country, liege lord, family, friends and anyone to whom a knight gave his word was an important element of the code of conduct required under chivalry. Coats of arms, banners and mottos declared a family or town's loyalty to a kingdom or feudal lord. Ask students to think of those to whom they owe allegiance and loyalty in the 21st century. They may list God or church, family, friends, country or other organizations to which their families belong. Have the students think of symbols that stand for each of the entities to whom their loyalty is due and design a shield, banner or coat of arms to declare their allegiance. They may cut a basic shape out of plywood and paint it in their chosen colors and designs, or they may make it out of cardboard or colored construction paper cut outs.
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Armor and Chainmail
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A knight had a sworn duty to defend the helpless and execute justice for the downtrodden and oppressed. Armor and chainmail were important tools in coming to the aid of those who could not help themselves. Children can paint their own cardboard armor and weaponry, or, with adult supervision, they can make wooden replicas of shields and swords. They may also try their hand at making chainmail by cutting small metal rings out of a spring or winding a metal hanger tightly around a wooden rod and clip off the rings. Weave the loops together to make chainmail necklace or bracelet that reminds children to stand up for what is right no matter what it costs, as medieval knights did.
Leather Pouches
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Generosity went hand in hand with the merciful and compassionate acts expected from a knight. Knighthood meant being generous with not only your money and resources but your time, respect and regard for the rights of others. Generosity pouches help children remember what they have to share with others. Cut a large circle out of leather-like cloth and punch holes every few inches along the outer edge. Weave leather lacing in and out of the holes all the way around. Tie the loose ends together in a knot and cinch it tight. Insert items that symbolize the things you have to offer others. A few coins (real or fake) are just a start. A heart might remind the child to share love and respect; a small clock can symbolize spending quality time with people, or a small model house can stand for being generous with your hospitality at home. A good cook can put in a recipe card to remind him to share food with the sick and needy. A writer may put in a notepad and pencil to remind her to use her talent generously to benefit others. Encourage children to think of all their strengths and resources with which they can bless others.
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References
- Scholastic, Inc.; Medieval Times; Rhodes Mackie; October 2002
- Education World; Knighthood and Chivalry; Carla Kinnard; July 2001
- History for Kids: Chainmail Project
- Chivalry Today; Essential Elements of Today's Code of Chivalry: The Seven Knightly Virtues; Scott Farrell; September 2002
- The Knighthood, Chivalry and Tournaments Resource Library; A Code of Chivalry,Modern, based on the "Old Code"; Brian R. Price; April 1997
- Youthwork Practice: Simple Craft Ideas for the Knight Theme
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
