For our final blog post, we will be sharing some ideas and resources to help you plan a great jousting-themed birthday party. InvitationsThe first step of planning a great birthday party is picking the theme and finding the perfect invitations. Check out some of these examples. GamesAs a parent, planning games for the party is always difficult. You have to find something that goes along with theme, something the kids will enjoy, and preferably something inexpensive. Don't worry, we've got you covered with exciting game ideas and directions! There are so many games that kids can play with a stick horse and a lance. Jousting, sword fighting, horse racing, the opportunities are endless. Visit our previous blog for instructions on making both of these items. Check out these other fun games below. Decorations/Party FavorsMedieval decorations are the perfect way to set the mood of the party. Your little knights and princesses will be so excited to be surrounded by medieval decor. FoodNo party is complete without great food. Check out these medieval-themed snacks. Have you thrown a jousting party? Let us know your ideas in the comments below!
0 Comments
Here at the Children's Jousting Association, we understand that not everyone has access to horses for jousting. Today, we will be showing you how to make your own stick horse and lance! This is a great project for a children's birthday party or a team building activity. Your kids will have a BLAST jousting with things that they have made! Stick Horse: You will need: Crew length, adult sock 1'' dowel rod Poly-Fil Cream colored yarn Cardboard Googly eyes Glue gun Scissors Lance:You will need: Pool noodle 1 piece of construction paper Colored duct tape Clear tape Scissors Step 4: Have a blast!
Did you try this project? Let us know in the comments below! With the renaissance of jousting since the 1970s, it's no wonder that jousting has made an appearance on TV and in movies. Here are some of my favorites!
The first recorded jousting tournament was in 1066. Within a century, it became so popular that King Henry II of England had to temporarily ban all jousting tournaments because too many knights were being injured. These knights were his fighting force in battle, so he could not allow the amount of injuries to put the country at risk. After King Henry's son, Richard, took the throne, he relaxed some of his father's regulations. Jousting tournaments were allowed, but were limited to 5 regions and required permits. Initially, nobles would choose their best knight to fight in their name. Sometimes they would hire a jouster who was not committed to any master. Eventually, the nobles began to fight themselves. By the 14th century, even kings began to take up jousting.
There were many advancements in jousting during its popular centuries. Initially, jousters ran directly at each other, with no barrier in between, resulting in many injuries. Later, a wooden barrier called the tilt was introduced.
Another important advancement was the list. This roped off the area around the playing field, making it safer for the crowd. Advancements in armor also helped keep the knights safe. Initially, jousters wore only chainmail or boiled leather to protect them. This eventually evolved into full-body suits of armor. While jousting is no longer a common form of entertainment, it still is popular at medieval fairs and themed events. It is now a choreographed spectacle, but one that is still enjoyed by crowds at special events. This past weekend was quite the adventure! I took 6 children between the ages of 8 months and 16 to the Medieval Fair in Norman to watch their first jousting competition. They had a blast! The cold weather certainly got us off to a rough start. I bundled up the baby with extra blankets, put on the 2-year-old's heaviest jacket, and headed to Reaves Park for the event. The 2-year-old fell asleep in the car and was very mad at me for waking her up when we got to the fair. After I carried her grumpy little self almost a mile from the car to the entrance, I was mad at myself for waking her, too! Her grumpiness only lasted a few minutes once we arrived, though. Who could stay mad when you have pizza and funnel cake?! After a few minutes of looking at booths and getting food, it was time to find the jousting field. We sat on the hay bales and waited for the joust to begin. After a very long introduction by Lady Annika, the King's Marshall, the jousting began. It was a fight to the death, as one knight had been accused of murdering another knight. There were three "rounds," the first being a traditional joust. The second round was a sword fight on horseback. The third and final round was combat on the ground. Not exactly a traditional jousting tournament structure, but still exciting. I was actually really impressed with the effects used. Although it was obviously a choreographed joust, the stage combat techniques were well-executed and well-rehearsed. During the final round, they used a blood pack, which made for a very dramatic ending! That also led to a conversation with the 2-year-old about how it was all pretend, both of the knights are okay, and that they are really friends. I'm still hoping she's not scarred for life. After the joust, it was time to find more food and explore more booths. There were so many activities that we did not have time to do, such as archery, knife and axe throw, sword fighting, and even a knighting ceremony. It is definitely a multiple day event for a reason; there's just not enough time to do everything in one day! The favorite booth for my group was the catapult booth! Even with the extremely cold weather, the Medieval Fair was a blast for all ages! Mark your calendars and join us next year, April 5, 6, and 7!
|
Madison AuldMadison is a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma. A descendent of medieval royalty, she is passionate about history and the culture of Europe in the Middle Ages. As jousting was a large part of this culture, she now tries to bring that appreciation to today's children. ArchivesCategoriesFollow us! |