I’m up early this morning, y’all. Today’s adventure brought me to the awe-inspiring arms and armor room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here, amidst the relics of the Middle Ages, I found myself pondering the art of warfare and chivalry.
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From the magnificent European suits of armor to the exquisite samurai gear of Japan’s Edo period, the collection is a vivid tapestry of history and culture. 🗡️🎎
But what truly caught my eye was the mounted knight, poised with his javelin. It’s a striking reminder of how, in medieval times, the right hand (or the ‘dexter’) was not just a matter of preference, but a key to survival in jousting. Holding the javelin in the right hand allowed knights to pass each other safely during a charge – a practice deeply embedded in the chivalric code.
This simple act also gave us the word ‘dexterous,’ symbolizing skill and agility. Conversely, wielding a weapon in the left hand (the ‘sinister’ side in Latin) was often seen as a disadvantage, leading to the word ‘sinister’ gaining its ominous connotations.
This visit has been a fascinating dive into the language and strategy of medieval combat – a reminder of how the past continues to shape our present. ⚔️
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| One of my favorite mentees, Juky Chen (@juky_chen), strikes a pose in front of a medieval knight mounted on horseback. |
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