Ah, the Middle Ages—the time of knights, castles, and…bastards. If you’ve ever stumbled across the title “The Bastard of Burgundy,” you might wonder, “Did they really just call someone a bastard?” You may also question, “And was that okay?” Well, let’s see what history portrays and clear this up. First things first. Back then, “bastard”…
There is no better gift than the giving of oneself to another.” Christine de Pizan Hey, dear readers. You know about my love for 15th century Bruges. With our gift giving season here, let’s look into Jehanne’s gift giving spirit. As the winter chill settles over Bruges a delightful warmth begins to fill the air….
“Writing is excessive drudgery. It crooks your back, it dims your sight, it twists your stomach and your sides.” — The scribe’s lament. Hey, friends. Can you imagine the toll that illuminating manuscripts took on the artists and scribes of the Middle Ages? The quote above from a 9th-century Irish manuscript is perfect. It captures…
At the Day of Judgment we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how devoutly we have lived.”— Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the 6th episode of Jehanne’s 15th-century life in Bruges. Today, we’re diving…
I don’t know about you, but I love history. It inspires, humbles, and fascinates me. Part of that is learning the etymology of some common words and idioms, many of which are Medieval or even older. I list here some of the most fun ones I’ve come across and hope you enjoy learning about them…