Medieval Feasts and Festivals

Posted by Rachel Bellerby Apr 21, 2008

The medieval calendar seems to have an abundance of feast days and festivals, with a celebration occurring every few weeks. But medieval life, for the majority, was tough, mundane and often short.

Before electricity, quality of life was largely determined by the weather and the changing seasons. Cold winter days made outdoor work difficult and winter evenings were lit only by candles, for those who could afford them. Food was scarce and harvest must have seemed a long time off.

Little wonder then, that communities took every chance to celebrate. Feast days and festivals were a way of cementing local loyalties and remembering what was good about life. Local rivalries, such as who could bring in the biggest maypole, or who had the largest bonfire, made people work together for a common cause. And they might certainly need each other in the case of attacks or famine.

Most of the major medieval festivals are still celebrated today. Easter, Christmas, May Day, Midsummer’s Night can all be seen on the modern calendar. But I wonder if we enjoy them as much as our medieval predecessors did? Most of us take for granted a good supply of food and a warm house. And treats can mean so much more when something has been in short supply, as many things were in medieval times.