What Is a Dubbing Ceremony?

History

• In the Medieval times, there were only a few ways a man could become a knight, according to Library.ThinkQuest.Org. He could be awarded a knight ship for valor in combat. However the most common method was through birth and training; this process included the dubbing ceremony.
  
  

Define

• The dubbing ceremony, according to Library.ThinkQuest.Org, is the ritual in which the knight kneels before his lord and his shoulders are tapped with a sword. After the ritual, his lord would then proclaim him a knight. This happened around the age of 21.
  
  

Early Preparation

• Preparing to become a knight took many years. When a boy was 8, he went to live with another noble family. His time was spent strengthening his body and learning such skills as swordplay and horsemanship. He also learned how to behave at court.
  
  

Later Preparation

• At around the age of 15 or so, the young man became a squire to a knight, according to Library.ThinkQuest.Org. The young knight-in-training would help dress the knight. He'd also assist him at tournament and in battle. Finally, he learned how to handle a sword while wearing heavy armor. When he came of age and had proved himself worthy, the young squire could be considered for knighthood.
  
  

The Ceremony

• The ceremony took place in front of the community. The night before the ceremony, the squire spent in prayer. Feasting and dancing followed the public ceremony.