International Hug a Medievalist Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

On March 31, International Hug a Medievalist Day is observed. This is a day to express affection for medievalists. These individuals are extremely drawn to the art, culture, and philosophy of Europe’s Middle Ages. Medievalists are known to investigate all aspects of this time period’s architecture, literature, music, and art. Sarah Laseke, who is presently pursuing an M.S. in Medieval Literature at the University of Oxford, proposed celebrating this day. She believed that medievalists deserved an official commemoration day as well, so she created the Facebook event. Laseke desired to establish a day where medievalists would be the focal point.

The background of International Hug a Medievalist Day

The mediaeval period, also known as the Middle Ages, lasted roughly from the fifth century to the late fifteenth century in European history. Beginning with the decline of the Western Roman Empire, this period also marked the beginning of the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. The Middle Ages is the middle period of Western history’s three traditional divisions: classical antiquity, the mediaeval period, and the modern period.

The Middle Ages are divided into the early, high, and late periods. During the Early Middle Ages, there was a population decline, counter-urbanization, the collapse of centralised authority, invasions, and mass migrations of tribes. Large-scale migrations during the migration period established new kingdoms in the remnants of the Western Roman Empire. Europe’s population increased considerably during the High Middle Ages as a result of technological and agricultural advancements that allowed trade to flourish and the Medieval Warm Period’s climatic shift that increased crop yields.

The Late Middle Ages were the most difficult era. It was marked by hardships and disasters, such as plague, famine, and war, which substantially reduced Europe’s population. Between 1347 and 1350, the Black Death murdered about one-third of Europe’s population. Following the kingdoms’ interstate conflict, civil strife, and peasant revolts, the Catholic Church was beset by controversy, heresy, and the Western Schism. As the late middle ages drew to a close and the early modern period began, cultural and technological shifts reshaped European society.

Hug Day 2023: Date, History, Reasons to Hug More

INTERNATIONAL HUG A MEDIEVALIST DAY ACTIVITIES

Hug a medievalist

This day honours the embracing of medievalists. Consequently, the ideal method to commemorate it is to embrace a medievalist.

Go to a mediaeval tavern

There are numerous mediaeval taverns to be found. You can search for the closest bar and go there with your companions to have a mediaeval experience together.

Dress like a standard medievalist

One enjoyable method to celebrate this holiday is by donning mediaeval garb. The gorgeous garments of the Middle Ages were crafted from natural materials such as cotton, linen, and wool.

5 AMUSING FACTS ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES

There is a historical record describing a land rental transaction in which 26,275 eels were used as payment.

People wore shoes with absurdly lengthy and pointed toes because they believed the longer they were, the better.

In Savigny, France, animals were not only convicted of crimes, but also found guilty and sentenced to execution.

Edward III enacted a law mandating archery practise every Sunday to ensure a steady supply of archers for the monarch.

King Edward II banned football in England with a royal decree.

INTERNATIONAL HUG A MEDIEVALIST DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 31	Friday
2024	March 31	Sunday
2025	March 31	Monday
2026	March 31	Tuesday
2027	March 31	Wednesday