The word chivalry has come to have many different meanings over the course of history. Its definition seemed greatly varied in written texts depending on the authors of the time, thus making its true meaning very elusive. Derived from the French “chevalier,” meaning knight, chivalry has long been associated with such knightly virtues as honour and courtly love.
In medieval Europe, the term can be traced as far back as the 10th century; in Eastern culture, the tradition of “the knight in shining armor” can be found as early as 580 A.D. However inconsistent in its use, the word chivalry has held onto one distinct foundational and guiding principle throughout history — honour.
In more modern times, the concepts of “the knight in shining armor” and “courtly love” are still prevalent in fairy tales and romantic movies, and are more commonly associated with men displaying courteous behaviour towards women.
Chivalry is traditionally depicted by such scenes as, for example, a gentleman bowing when greeting a lady whilst respectfully kissing her hand, occasionally proceeded by the opening of a chariot door as he graciously leads her by the hand, bending on one knee to allow her to gracefully climb aboard …blah blah blah! Gone are those days forever, or so it seems, in our current reality!
For one thing, chariots are so yesterday! And two, nowadays the general attitude seems to be, “They’ve got arms… women can open their own damn doors!” Chivalry seems to have lost its romantic appeal over the past couple of decades and sadly, with it, so has its foundational and guiding principle…honour. And by that I mean that in today’s urban world, with a few exceptions of course, we see and experience a lot of “every ‘man’ for himself” sort of attitudes that not only lack the courtesy towards women of yesteryear, but also lack common courtesy towards everyone in general.
Is chivalry dead? A better question is perhaps…Can chivalry make a triumphant come back? The meaning of the word itself has changed and evolved over the course of history, so why not reclaim this dying art of courtesy and gracious good manners and redefine what chivalry means in our ever-changing and evolving world? Why not create a new heritage to pass down from one generation to the next?
To me, chivalry is quite simply about kindness. And without kindness in the world, we have a dismal prognosis for our future. I for one am choosing to lead this revival of an age old tradition of “honour” by example, by being courteous and conscientious towards everyone who happens to cross my path along life’s fabulous journey: men and women alike.
I don’t know about you, but I personally love to open doors for people, and am quite happy and grateful when someone offers to do the same for me. It’s not only a simple “random act of kindness” that puts a smile on my face and brings me joy to both give and receive, but it can potentially bring someone else out of their cluttered minds and daily grind, even if just for a moment, and put a smile on their face as well. And that’s just plain lovely!
Of course, there are countless ways and opportunities to express acts of “chivalry” towards others in our daily lives. The key for me, and my innate oath, is to express it authentically and wholeheartedly in all aspects of my life. If that means bending on one knee to help someone climb into his or her ‘chariot’, then so be it. Then maybe, just maybe, they will pay it forward.
Chivalry is NOT dead! Long live la re-(e)volution!
Photo Credit
“Godspeed!” Edmund Blair Leighton, 1900, Oil on Canvas, Wikimedia
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Nice article. This is one element of traditional masculinity that need not be jettisoned as men try to evolve a more self-congruent sense of manhood in the 21st century. No reason women cannot also take part in this tradition – it is, at least in part, about good manners and kindness.
On the other hand, there are some patriarchal religious elements and codes of violence that need to be left in the past.
Peace.
thx for your input william, i definitely agree!
it’s about all of us taking the very best out of a very mixed historical tradition and wholeheartedly embracing and embodying it:)
~kylen
Bravo dear Knight in Shining armor, (Sir) Kylen.
This old lady appreciates any time a gentleman or lady, opens a door for her, or even simply smiles in passing by. What a wonderful world this could be if there were more like you and my dear ones..
It begins in the home and is passed on to children through example.
I was taught it, my children have been taught this and have adopted it wholeheartedly since they were very small.My grand-children have also been initiated thus.
It is quite simply good manners in appreciating others.
Thank you (Sir) Kylen, for a wonderful article.
I would be very remiss in closing without mentioning and remembering those who lay down their lives for us as we write and speak. Fantastic Knights, male and female, in or without armor.
My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones.May the great Spirit bless them, and you all, for this greatest of all sacrifices,.
well thank you for your kind words, joan!
and it is wonderful to hear that it is still being passed down as a tradition in your family.
much bliss to you
~kylen