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Purposes of Sachets and Perfume in the Middle Ages
Why did people use sachets and perfume in the Middle Ages? There is a reason.People used sachets and perfume in the Middle Ages to make them and the air around them, smell good. They believed that sickness came because of bad smells. Folks also wanted to smell good. Because people could fill sachets with all…
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Ghosts and Haunted Castles in the Middle Ages
People believed in ghosts in the Middle Ages. What are some of the most haunted castles in Europe?In the Middle Ages, spirits and souls were essential to life. Folks believed they could sneeze out their soul (see my post on superstitions in the middle ages here)! Therefore, people believed in phantoms. They were the deceased’s…
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Famous Medieval Castles and Dungeons
Medieval castles were seats of power. What are some famous and infamous medieval castles? Some medieval castles were infamously horrible to their prisoners. Dungeons could be places of torture and death. Many people know about the Tower of London. It was infamous in the Middle Ages, and there are claims that many ghosts roam its…
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Punishment and Torture in the Middle Ages
Punishment in the Middle Ages could be extremely harsh. It was up to the people to enforce the law.Punishment in the Middle Ages was a lot harsher than in modern times. Fines, shaming, bodily injury, and death penalties were the most common forms of punishment. Fines are pretty self-explanatory. We use them today. Shaming made…
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Powerful Gangs and Criminals in the Middle Ages
When they think of criminals in the Middle Ages, most people jump to Robin Hood. Who were the real outlaws of the Middle Ages? Stick around to find out. Criminals in the Middle Ages could be poor people poaching to survive or wealthy, noble gang leaders. In fact, Robin Hood likely had some factual basis;…
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Wedding Traditions in the Middle Ages: Good and Bad
People have wedding traditions all over the world. People also had wedding traditions in the Middle Ages.Many of our modern wedding traditions came from the Middle Ages. That includes garters, flowers, and even the wording and positioning in marriage ceremonies today. They also had their traditions, expectations, and things that happened. Their marriages could be…
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Superstitions People Had in the Middle Ages
Superstitions in the Middle Ages seem funny to us now, but some of our superstitions came from the Middle Ages. What superstitions did we get from our medieval ancestors?People in the Middle Ages believed in and often feared witches, changelings, and fairies. The unlucky number 13 started in the Middle Ages. Basically, medieval people tried…
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The Origin of Saint Patricks Day in the Middle Ages
Every year on March 17th, people in many countries and faiths gather to celebrate Saint Patricks Day. But why?Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was the man who brought Christianity to Ireland in the first place. Saint Patrick is also a real man. In fact, most of the factual information we have…
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Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras in the Middle Ages
Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, was a popular holiday in the Middle Ages, and people still celebrate it. But what was Mardi Gras?Mardi Gras was the last day before the forty days of Lent (see my post about Lent and Easter here). During Lent, people had to give up eggs, fatty foods, meat, and gluttony.…