The practice of employing a wet nurse was particularly widespread among the nobility and the wealthy. For the elite, breastfeeding by a mother was often considered inconvenient and a task beneath their status. Wet nurses, typically women from lower social classes, were employed to care for infants, ensuring that the babies received nourishment with
The History of Love: Breastfeeding in the Middle Ages
Breastfeeding has long been one of humanity's most intimate and essential acts of care. In the Middle Ages, it was not only a biological necessity but also a social and cultural practice deeply intertwined with the concept of love, duty, and identity. While the practice of nursing children has always been understood as a mother's responsibility, it
Gender Roles and Expectations of Women
Medieval etiquette also closely aligned with the gender roles of the time, particularly in the way women were expected to behave. What to Do: Modesty and Humility: Women, particularly noblewomen, were expected to exhibit modesty in both their actions and their dress. They were encouraged to be quiet, humble, and virtuous, reflecting the m
Common Manners and Etiquette: Dining
Medieval dining, especially among the wealthy, was a formal affair, with its own set of rules and expectations. Meals were a time for displaying social status, and the behavior of guests and hosts was scrutinized carefully. What to Do: Use of Utensils: The use of utensils in the Middle Ages varied, with knives being the most common tool f