Home » History » European Social History » I Love You,Throughout European History -- Courtship Rituals

I Love You,Throughout European History -- Courtship Rituals

© Rachelle Hughes

I have succumbed to the Valentines day cliche and am going to give you a few tidbits on courtship rituals from Europe's past. Some of the pathways to love will seem familiar, while others will be surprising. Enjoy!

First it is important to note that up until the 18th century most marriages among bachelors and young ladies of any type of property were arranged through parents, relatives, or on the basis of advancing a family's wealth, social status, or property. Of course,there have always been dances, socials, dinners to throw the marriageable into the arms, or at least the pathway of each other. While not all marriages or courtships were based on love matches, there was undoubtedly some love matches, as well as affairs, flings and yes, unrequited love.

SOMERSET, CROSCOMBE, ENGLAND -- 1400 The young peasant maidens block the village streets and permit the eligible young men to pass by paying a fine. The next day the young men enact the same game. The proceeds go to the local parish. A funny ritual, but a chance to flirt, and interact with the other sex, and perhaps decide who they want to dance with in the upcoming May Day festivities.

MEDIEVAL ITALY -- A young elegible bachelor has his eye on a beautiful or perhaps wealthy, daughter of an Italian nobleman. After succesful, and perhaps prolonged negotiations with the daughters' family, he presents her with a diamond ring to show his love. Hmmm! Sounds familiar.

A KNIGHT AND HIS MAIDEN IN 14th CENTURY FRANCE. Courtly love in France was almost a cult that any self-respecting knight belonged to. The knight would fix his attentions on some women (usually married) and would pledge his protection to her. He would write poems, ballads and dedicate deeds of valor to her. Often this love remained unrequited, but often the practice of courtly love led to risky situations between fellow knights when a wife returned his affections.

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER IN 18th Century WALES. If a boy and girl were interested in each other they would be ushered into the bedroom one night by their parents to participate in a courting ritual called "bundling." While they remained, at least mostly clothed, the couple would lay in bed next to each other all night, talking and probably petting. The girls nightdress would be slip knotted at the bottom. This ritual was practiced in Holland, Scotland, England, Switzerland, Germany and some areas of France.

The copyright of the article I Love You,Throughout European History -- Courtship Rituals in European Social History is owned by . Permission to republish I Love You,Throughout European History -- Courtship Rituals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.