Was the Best Man at Weddings Really Armed with a Sword in the Middle Ages?

Legend has it that the best man at medieval weddings was often armed with a sword, ready to protect his new brother-in-law. However, is there any historical truth to this tale?

General Exceptions

In general, the notion of a best man armed with a sword at a medieval wedding is a myth. It's important to note that customs varied dramatically across time and space. While this tradition may hold water in certain parts of the world, it may not be accurate when considering the vast expanse of medieval Europe.

Marriage Customs in the Middle Ages

During the time of the Middle Ages, which spanned from the 5th to the 15th century, marriage customs varied widely across different regions and social classes. For the majority of people living in the Middle Ages, the church was not the primary institution conducting wedding ceremonies. Instead, many marriages were simply blessed at the church gate, skipping the formalities and paperwork that we associate with modern-day weddings.

Nobility and Formal Weddings

Only the nobility could afford the grand, formal weddings we often picture in modern media. These events were not just celebrations, but also opportunities to demonstrate status and wealth. During these occasions, a knight or nobleman might be seen wearing his sword, which was not only a symbol of his status but also a practical tool. Sword-wearing was a common practice among noble men, who often carried them as a daily part of attire, similar to modern-day accessories.

Commoners and Marriage

For regular people, a sword was a luxury item rather than a necessity. Most commoners could not afford swords, which were expensive and costly to maintain. Instead, they adorned themselves with other types of jewelry or weapons that symbolized their wealth and status. For instance, an Anglo-Saxon warrior might have displayed a jeweled sword to show off his wealth and status, similar to how a modern person might wear a luxury watch or a high-end shotgun.

Role of the Best Man

The role of the best man, however, was different from what we know today. In the Middle Ages, the best man was a trusted friend or relative who stood as a witness to the marriage, ensuring that the ceremony took place according to tradition. His outfit and accessories were likely to reflect the status of the couple and the occasion, but not necessarily the need for a sword.

Weapons and Practicalities

Even for those who owned swords, they were more often used as symbols of status and not as practical weapons. Recent archaeological findings have shed light on how many swords were thoughtfully buried or placed as a mark of respect by their owners, with virtually no sign of use. Some swords were found in such pristine condition that the only wear was on the top of the pommel, indicating that the owners held their swords with care but never actually used them in combat.

Conclusion

While the best man in a medieval wedding might not have carried a sword for practical combat reasons, the word 'sword' in this context often refers to the sword as a symbol of status and nobility. The real weapon of the time, like the best man, was often an axe, not a sword.

Understanding the customs and social norms of the Middle Ages can help us appreciate how different traditions have evolved over time. Whether or not the best man carried a sword, the essence of a medieval wedding remained a personal and social event steeped in tradition and symbolism.

Keywords: best man, medieval wedding, sword