Medieval Meals: This essay is on food that was served in Medieval Times, and what some of there feasts and festivals were like. Also has some information on Music that was played. INCLUDES FOOTNOTES

Essay by Marizzle0174High School, 10th gradeA+, April 2005

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During medieval times people lived very differently than we do today. One aspect that stands out more than others though was the food that was eaten. Holidays and celebrations during medieval times were also very different. There was a lot of work involved in preparing meals and getting ready for feasts. It took time and careful planning, but in the end it was usually worth the effort.

Medieval celebrations were a time for food and enjoyment. The celebrations were usually based on feast days that were determined by when certain crops would be harvested. Wheat and rye were usually sown from the end of September all the way up until Christmas. Spring crops were then planted and would be harvested from Christmas time until Easter. Cold weather would often affect other important things such as how much feed was available. By November feed for the animals was often so scarce that farmers could not keep the animals.

Therefore November became known as the "blood month" because all of the meat was salted, cured, and smoked in order to be kept for the winter. The biggest feast during medieval times was celebrated for two weeks straight. It went on from Christmas Eve until January 6th. These were the 12 days of Christmas. This was a vacation time and the lords of the castles would usually give out gifts as bonuses to the servants. (www.medieval-life.net/festivals.htm)

Music was also a big part of celebrations. It would be played during feasts for entertainment to the guests. Many instruments were used such as recorders, horns, trumpets, whistles, bells, and drums. Many times the music would be played on a specially built stage that was placed at the end of the Great Hall. Not only was music delightful to the ears, but it was also believed...