Courtesy is a kind of set of rules of behavior invented back in the Middle Ages. It had to be studied by every courtier who dreamed of succeeding and having a good reputation. Initially, this system regulated mainly the relations of representatives of opposite sexes, but gradually the concept expanded. So, what does the mysterious word “courtesy” hide, what was meant by it then and now?
Courtesy is a code of good manners
The Classical Middle Ages - the period when the slave system was finally replaced by the feudal system. The Church, actively interfering in worldly affairs, also began to play a dominant role. It was then that the formation of knightly culture was completed , it happened around the beginning of the 13th century.
Courtesy is a code of good manners that all knights and beautiful ladies were obliged to follow in those days. Gradually, a unique set of “laws” was supplemented and expanded, acquired more and more new rules, many of which are considered relevant today.
The concept
Courtiness is a concept derived from the French word "courtois", which translates as "chivalrous", "courteous." Initially, this system was a kind of concept of love. She set the rules according to which a relationship developed between the knight and his lady of the heart. It was believed that a man in love should behave with his chosen one about the way a vassal behaves with a master.
Of course, courtesy is not only a love concept. Gradually, this system also began to regulate the relationship of men with each other. Then she completely turned into a set of rules of good form. In this regard, many historians consider courtesy the rudiment of morality and ethics, which modern people are guided in their actions.
Courtesy - a bastion of chivalrous culture
The Crusades gradually led to the emergence of a new estate - knighthood. Around the 12th century, golden days came for its representatives. It was at this time that the unique code of the knight appeared, in which the traditions and ethical norms that mankind came to over the centuries were reflected.
It was in the 12th century that they first spoke of chivalrous ideals that are not related to the prosperity of the country, the honor of the lord. Courtesy in the Middle Ages extolled the image of the Beautiful Lady. Of course, every knight must have a lover.
Gradually, mankind came to the conclusion that the knight was required not only courage and willingness to give his life for the interests of the state. Other qualities also began to be appreciated: courtesy, courtesy, and good breeding. Courtesy is a set of laws that claimed that a representative of this estate should be literate, be able to compose verses that glorify the beauty of a chosen one. In addition, the knight must subtly feel and show gallantry.
Courtyard love
What else should be said, defining the meaning and interpretation of the term "courtesy"? Of course, about courtesy love - a unique form of mutual relations of the opposite sexes. Refined love is the definition that contemporaries gave her.
Courtesy love basically meant the affair of a married lady and a single boy. Often women belonged to a higher class than their chosen ones, and novels with the spouses of their own lord were welcomed. The young man was required to portray love languor, to fulfill all the whims of the lady, to hand her her freedom.
Often a woman and a man were not even carried away by each other, but merely played a dangerous game. Of course, from the knights expected and beautiful exploits, dedicated to the chosen one, which allowed him to win her favor. It was believed that a barrier was needed that prevented lovers from connecting, so the young men preferred to play this game with married women. Interestingly, it was not intimacy that was the main goal of courtesy love, the players enjoyed the conquest process itself.
Courteous literature
What is a courtly romance? This work, the main character of which certainly became a gallant and sophisticated knight. The hero performs glorious feats in honor of his lady of the heart, travels in half-handed countries. Of course, such literature had nothing to do with reality; it allowed one to get acquainted only with ideal ideas about the image of a knight, always ready to defeat witches, giants, dragons. For example, we can recall the novel "Tristan and Isolde", which is fully consistent with the spirit of the time.
One cannot but mention courtesy poetry, which was created by troubadours. The favorite theme of wandering singers, of course, was courteous love. The characters were always ready for any sacrifices in order to conquer their lady, to attract her attention to herself. It is impossible to forget about the sonnets that Francesco Petrarch dedicated to the beautiful Laura, whom he had been in love with throughout his life.
Our days
Courtesy of behavior these days often causes ridicule, it becomes the object of parodies. However, the inhabitants of the modern world agree that it is necessary to show courtesy and gallantry in relation to older people, women, and remember to observe the rules of etiquette. All this is still considered an indicator of cultural development, even if today the cult of the Beautiful Lady and knightly tournaments no longer exist .
What are synonyms
So, what words are capable of replacing the term "courtesy" without prejudice to the meaning? A synonym that fits perfectly in this case is courtesy. It is not surprising, because it was from this word that the name of the code originated during the Middle Ages. Of course, courtesy is far from the only synonym that can be safely used instead of this concept. For example, the following words have a similar meaning: courtesy, mannerism, courtesy, delicacy, politeness.