CHALLENGE: Chivalry Rehabilitated (Chival-Rehab)

Back in the Middle Ages, there was this idea of Chivalry. It started as a code of knighthood to enable the aristocratic warrior class to fight according to principles of honor, courage, loyalty, and excellence. As various romantic and religious elements took hold, Chivalry evolved to include upholding Christianity, honoring heraldry, protecting the innocent or poor, and service to thine lady.

It is the romantic notion of courtly love (service and devotion to your love) that survives as a chivalrous idea today. When people say, "Chivalry is dead," they mean courtly love and manners are dead. At least I think so. I don't see too many people lamenting the lost art of mace fighting or suit-of-armor polishing. Modern Chivalry has also come to take the form of gentlemanly conduct in the face of one's love and rivals.

I could use some class in the face of my enemies, so this sounds like the next great challenge. Rather than get an armor suit and getting my horse to prance around daintily while poking people with a stick (I'm not sure I really understand jousting), I'm going concentrate more on the social rules of conduct.

I did some research (on the internet) to create some guidelines Chivalry. There is no definitive guide, but I managed to pull the main concepts from various sources and arrange them into a list of some sort. 

This set is what I like to call the List Chivalry And Gentlemanly Guidelines (LOCAGG):

No cursing in public.

Don't raise your voice unless in public address or declaration of love.

Maintain an even temper.

Don't interrupt.

Remove your hat indoors.

Be the last to sit at a table.

Always forgive. 

Strive to be charitable every day. Specifically: do at least one selfless act for the less fortunate.

This is a little list that I like to call the List of Chivalry and Gentlemanly Guidelines Regarding All Ladies (LOCAGGRAG):

Always be vigilant to defend the honor and virtue of my lady.

Always stand when a lady enters the room. Stand on exit if possible.

Pull out chairs for a lady. If there are no chairs, offer your chair.

Open doors for a lady (or elderly).

Put on a coat for a lady.

Offer an arm to a lady when escorting outside.

Ask at least once every fifteen minutes if my lady needs anything.

THE CHALLENGE:

Uphold the spirit of Chivalry for 30 days by adhering to the rules outlined in the LOCAGG and the LOCAGGRAG to find out if there is any virtue to Virtue.

RULES:

1. All days are consecutive.

2. I must follow the rules outlined in the LOCAGG and the LOCAGGRAG.

3. While general rules regarding women are in play for all women, my Lady of Favour will always be my wife.

4. If something is deemed contrary to the LOCAGG/RAG or against the spirit of the challenge, Wife will decide the proper restitution.

Start Date: Monday, November 14th, 2011 12:01 AM

End Date: Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 Midnight

Huzzah!