entertainmentEntertainment in medieval times was very different than how we amuse ourselves today. Can you imagine a life without amusement parks, smart phones, the internet, or gaming consoles? Me either!
Both upper and lower class people had fun at certain times of the year. Besides Sunday, which was considered the Lords day everyone enjoyed about 8 weeks of vacation. People who we would consider "actors" would entertain the crowds. Jesters acted like buffoons or fools. They told jokes and performed tricks at the expense of themselves or other jesters. Mummers are typically known as mimes today. They usually wore masks and silently communicated with the citizens. They are also the origin of the phrase "Mum's the word", which means to keep quiet. Those who performed poetry and songs were called minstrels and troubadours. Acrobats and jugglers exhibited great hand-eye coordination and were very athletic. And a conjurer generated illusions of spirits and magic. |