Chivalry is the spirit of honor, bravery and perfect manners, as first demonstrated by the knights of medieval times. In the Middle Ages, English knights were expected to embody the essence of chivalrie (Old English spelling) by showing the utmost courtesy, skill in combat, generosity, and bravery; all men who wished to be true and good knights knew they must follow these special customs each and every day.
Today, chivalry is often associated with polite and respectful behavior towards women; chivalry may be romantic (as in old-fashioned courtship), or simply platonic (as in helping an older person across the street). In the modern age, many people associate the image of a man laying his coat over a puddle, so that a lady may walk on it without getting wet, as the true spirit of chivalry. However, it is purest essence, the idea of chivalry is about more than gallantry to the female sex.
The phrase, "chivalry is not dead" is often used today; this idiom is used to call attention to someone's courtly manners or gentlemanly conduct. When someone says, "chivalry is not dead", they are intimating that the spirit of medieval knights is still alive and well in the post-millennial world. While this statement is usually directed at men and their excellent treatment of women, it may also be used to indicate anyone's extraordinary politeness or honor. However, this phrase is sometimes used sarcastically, to denigrate someone who behaves like a cad or lout.
Chivalry is a mode of behaviour that hearkens back to a simpler time; after all, when they were knighted by the King, men had very defined roles in English society; all of their acts and utterances would therefore affect their reputations, in the eyes of ordinary citizens and the Royal Court. Therefore, the behaviour of knights was generally careful, gentlemanly, and correct; these days, proper etiquette is a big facet of chivalry.
Today, chivalry is often associated with polite and respectful behavior towards women; chivalry may be romantic (as in old-fashioned courtship), or simply platonic (as in helping an older person across the street). In the modern age, many people associate the image of a man laying his coat over a puddle, so that a lady may walk on it without getting wet, as the true spirit of chivalry. However, it is purest essence, the idea of chivalry is about more than gallantry to the female sex.
The phrase, "chivalry is not dead" is often used today; this idiom is used to call attention to someone's courtly manners or gentlemanly conduct. When someone says, "chivalry is not dead", they are intimating that the spirit of medieval knights is still alive and well in the post-millennial world. While this statement is usually directed at men and their excellent treatment of women, it may also be used to indicate anyone's extraordinary politeness or honor. However, this phrase is sometimes used sarcastically, to denigrate someone who behaves like a cad or lout.
Chivalry is a mode of behaviour that hearkens back to a simpler time; after all, when they were knighted by the King, men had very defined roles in English society; all of their acts and utterances would therefore affect their reputations, in the eyes of ordinary citizens and the Royal Court. Therefore, the behaviour of knights was generally careful, gentlemanly, and correct; these days, proper etiquette is a big facet of chivalry.
