he following article is an excerpt from the book What Life Was Like in Europe's Golden Age, part of Time-Life Books' "What Life Was Like" series. While it does not directly relate to Landsknecht life, it describes the proper manners of eating in the culture of which the Landsknechte originate. The guidelines that were penned during the 16th century were a response to common bad behavior. One could assume that a rough-and-tumble Landsknecht might have been among those who disgusted Hans Sachs enoguh to write his list of manners.
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In 16th-century Europe, it was the duty of both parents to raise their children, with women playing the major role during a child's first years and men becoming increasingly involved after age six. But many observers accused parents of not teaching proper manners to their children. One pastor admonished parents who allowed their offspring to "creep about idly, eating and drinking whenever they please." Recognizing the need for instruction in this area, shoemaker and composer Hans Sachs published the guide below.
Listen you children who are going to table.
Wash your hands and cut your nails.
Do not sit at the head of the table;
This is reserved for the father of the house.
Do not commence eating until a blessing is said.
Dine in God's name.
And permit the eldest to begin first.
Proceed in a disciplined manner.
Do not snort or smack like a pig.
Do not reach violently for bread,
Lest you may knock over a glass.
Do not cut bread on your chest,
Or conceal pieces of bread or pastry under your hands.
Do not tear pieces for your plate with your teeth.
Do not stir food around in your plate
Or linger over it.
Rushing through your meal is bad manners.
Do not reach for more food
While your mouth is still full,
Nor talk with your mouth full...
Do not belch or cry out.
With drink be most prudent...
Do not toast a person a second time.
Do not stare at a person
As if you were watching him eat.
Do not elbow the person sitting next to you
Sit up straight; be a model of gracefulness.
Do not rock back and forth on the bench,
Lest you let loose a stink.
Do not kick your feet under the table.
Guard yourself against all shameful
Words, gossip, ridicule, and laughter
And be honorable in all matters.
If sexual play occurs at table,
Pretend you do not see it...
Never scratch your head
(This goes for girls and women too),
Or fish out lice.
Let no one wipe his mouth on the table cloth,
Or lay his head in his hands.
Do not lean back against the wall
Until the meal is finished.
Silently praise and thank God
For the food he has graciously provided
And you have received from his fatherly hand.
Now rise from the table,
Wash your hands,
And return diligently to your business or work.
Thus sayeth Hans Sachs, shoemaker.
Page 49
What Life Was Like in Europe's Golden Age. What Life Was Like Series. Alexandria, Time-Life Books, 1999.
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