Did Medieval Knights and Soldiers Cut Their Hair Short During War?
During the medieval period, the choice of hair length among knights and soldiers was not uniform. Some knights opted for shorter hair to suit practical and tactical needs, while others kept longer hair to maintain a symbolic and aesthetic image. This article explores the varying hair customs among medieval combatants and the reasons behind their decisions.
Did Medieval Knights and Soldiers Cut Their Hair Short During War?
The answer is multifaceted, as different contexts required different strategies. In the heat of battle, practicality and hygiene played significant roles. An enemy could use long hair to hold onto a knight, potentially causing injury or even capture. However, if a knight wore a helmet, such hazards were diminished, and the practical benefits of long hair—such as expressive and symbolic meanings—could come into play.
Practical Considerations of Long Hair
Long hair, even when not in the open air, had its disadvantages in battle. For one, it could obstruct a knight's vision, particularly when wearing a helmet, which was crucial for navigating the battlefield typically. Additionally, long hair provided more hiding places for lice and other vermin, leading to hygiene issues that could affect a soldier's performance in combat.
Tactical Benefits of Short Hair
Conversely, shorter hair offered clear tactical advantages. A bare head meant a reduced surface area for enemies to grab and immobilize the knight. While visual arts often depicted knights with longer hair, especially in courtly contexts, practical needs took precedence in the heat of battle.
Examples of Different Hair Styles
Geoffrey Chaucer’s description of the Squire in his "Knight’s Tale" provides a prime example of a young knight maintaining a carefully styled appearance that was fashionable and desirable. Chaucer describes the Squire as follows:
"With hym there was his sone a yong SquiernA lovyere and a lusty bachelernWith lokkes crulle as they were ld in presse."
This comparison to the locks being laid in a press implies that the Squire had styled his hair to be bouncy and fresh. Such care in grooming and styling was a mark of a young, eligible bachelor, aiming to impress and become a part of upper-crust society.
Religious and Spiritual Uses of Short Hair
Knights who engaged in the Crusades or embarked on other religious missions often cut their hair as a sign of humility and devotion. For instance, monastic orders were known to shave their heads or cut their hair in a manner known as a tonsure, which symbolized their spiritual commitment and detachment from worldly concerns. This practice was not only a matter of spiritual fulfillment but also a practical one, as it lessened the burden of long hair during long, arduous journeys.
The Spirit of the Crusade
Crusading knights often embraced shorter hairstyles as a tribute to their sacred mission. This was a way to honor their spiritual leaders and to show their readiness to face any challenge for the sake of their faith. The shorter hair could also serve as a reminder of their humility and devotion, which were central to their spiritual practices.
Visual Arts and the Median Image of Knights
Visual representations in medieval art often depicted knights with longer hair, reflecting a more courtly and glamorous image rather than a practical or tactical one. This idealization of the knight was designed to celebrate chivalry, honor, and the knightly code. However, these portrayals were not always reflective of the realities on the battlefield, where practical considerations often took precedence.
How Long-Haired Knights Fought
Despite the risks, long-haired knights were not discouraged from fighting. They often took measures to mitigate the disadvantages of their hair. For example, they might wear a mail coif under their helmets or use headgear specifically designed to protect their hair and scalp.
Conclusion: Hair Length Among Medieval Combatants
In summary, the preferences for hair length among medieval knights and soldiers were primarily driven by practical, tactical, and spiritual considerations. While some opted for shorter hair for clear and pragmatic reasons, others maintained longer hair to fulfill both practical and symbolic roles. The variability of hair length reflects the multifaceted nature of medieval combat and the diverse roles that knights played in both warfare and society.