The basic form of greeting was bowing, with numerous variations depending on the occasion and the mutual status of the participants. A light bow with the hand on the heart would befit two noblemen of equal rank. A deeper bow was a more respectful greeting (to a guest or someone of higher standing). The next level was to kneel on the left knee and bow the head in deference to rulers, barons or high ranking commanders and it expressed allegiance. The person would have to remain in this position until invited by the superior to rise. The most subordinate level was to bow while down on both knees – an expression of complete subjugation, often combined with a plea (typically for mercy).
Doffing headwear was a practice that came in with ‘Burgundian fashion’ in the 15th century. Loyalty was expressed by kissing the rings of magnates and prelates. It was not proper to kiss the hands of ladies, but they were given a deeper bow than their social rank alone would elicit.
Particular forms of salutation also applied when addressing a certain person (e.g. in writing): for example, a townsman was to be addressed as ‘Honest’, a Baronet as ‘Esteemed’ and a titular Lord as ‘Highborn’.
In the countryside, people greeted each other according to their nature, often mentioning in the greeting wishes of good health, prosperity and God’s blessing, or making reference to Christian tradition (‘God bless', 'Christ be praised' etc.)
The basic form of greeting was bowing, with numerous variations depending on the occasion and the mutual status of the participants. A light bow with the hand on the heart would befit two noblemen of equal rank. A deeper bow was a more respectful greeting (to a guest or someone of higher standing). The next level was to kneel on the left knee and bow the head in deference to rulers, barons or high ranking commanders and it expressed allegiance. The person would have to remain in this position until invited by the superior to rise. The most subordinate level was to bow while down on both knees – an expression of complete subjugation, often combined with a plea (typically for mercy).
Doffing headwear was a practice that came in with ‘Burgundian fashion’ in the 15th century. Loyalty was expressed by kissing the rings of magnates and prelates. It was not proper to kiss the hands of ladies, but they were given a deeper bow than their social rank alone would elicit.
Particular forms of salutation also applied when addressing a certain person (e.g. in writing): for example, a townsman was to be addressed as ‘Honest’, a Baronet as ‘Esteemed’ and a titular Lord as ‘Highborn’.
In the countryside, people greeted each other according to their nature, often mentioning in the greeting wishes of good health, prosperity and God’s blessing, or making reference to Christian tradition (‘God bless', 'Christ be praised' etc.)