The Palace of Versailles became the seat of French monarchs in 1682. The former hunting lodge was turned into a symbol of the monarchy by Louis XIV, who dazzled guests with incredible gardens, spacious rooms and fantastic works of art. Versailles, on the other hand, was a rigidly and carefully regulated kingdom in its own right.
Etiquette at the Court of Versailles, such as flashy artwork or overly ornate furniture, was often more bizarre than respectable. Today we investigate the strangest etiquette rules of the Court of Versailles.
Life at the court of Versailles in the 17th century was austere. Everything from dress code to a regular routine had an impact on daily life. And everyone was aware of their position in the hierarchy.
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- 1. Defecate in the open
- 2. Don’t hit, just scratch
- 3. Fashionable heels
- 4. Receive guests in bed
1. Defecate in the open
Some courtiers, however, did not believe in seclusion or the use of the chamber pot when it came to matters of the bathroom. Urinating in public, such as in a hallway, is becoming something you might expect from a raucous talk show guest.
But a princess of Versailles did it wherever she wanted. According to the memoirs of the Duke of Saint-Simon, Princess d’Harcourt let herself be carried along the aisle when nature called. Her reasons for doing so are also strange.
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Apparently he thought his blood was so pure that he could discharge himself wherever he went and whenever he felt the need. As in, like a horse. The servants also had to clean up after themselves. What a terrible job!
Throughout his memoirs, the duke paints a poor image of the princess. That palace must have smelled like the McDonald’s playground in a shopping mall.
2. Don’t hit, just scratch
Calling was probably the most common means for guests to announce their presence or be admitted centuries before the development of Ring doorbells and cameras.
Apart from diving through the nearest open or closed window, of course. However, in some regions of the world, knocking on the door is considered rude.
In France, for example, knocking on the door was considered rude. It was considered rude to knock loudly on a door, and particularly rude to knock on the king’s door.
Don’t disturb him during his quiet time. He is concerned with real matters. The courtiers grew their fingernails to compensate. Instead of knocking, they scratched delicately at the door, like the ghost of a rat, to signal their desire to enter.
And we can all agree that knocking on the door is much less annoying and annoying.
3. Fashionable heels
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Paris was a fashion center for all of Europe in the 17th century. Although high heels began as horse riding equipment, they first gained popularity among royalty.
Heeled men’s boots became popular in the 17th century and people began wearing heels more frequently. Not wanting to be surpassed by the lower classes, the nobility significantly raised their heels to demonstrate their status and privileges.
It took a long time until King Louis XIV was inspired by his brother Charles II and started wearing magnificent heels. He also had Jean Berain, his favorite designer, include high heels in the unique clothing he produced for the Paris opera.
Louis was a fan of heels and both men and women began wearing them as a fashion statement. The heels measured two to five inches high and were adorned with buckles, ribbons, and whatever lavish decorations aristocrats preferred during the reign of Louis XIV. High heels became a prized emblem of aristocracy at the court of Versailles. Red heels, in particular, became a clear favorite. Probably because red dye was expensive.
Red heels were fashionable and considered luxurious, making them a favorite of the king. As a result, he made it a rule that only select aristocrats could wear shoes like his. During the first and third days, the men had to wear an exquisite and one-of-a-kind suit.
On the second day, they were dressed radically differently. Women, on the other hand, faced much more difficult criteria. They had to put on a heavy three-piece suit. The skirts were thick, long, and wider than three anas, or about 3.6 meters. About the size of an adult Sasquatch.
4. Receive guests in bed
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A high position at Versailles carried specific benefits. One of the benefits was the ability to receive visitors from the comfort of your own bed. Nobles were more likely to accept visitors directly from their bedrooms, as state beds became common in the late 17th century.
These beds were a sight to behold, covered in exquisite carvings, silk curtains, and some of the most beautiful furniture one could imagine. They smelled of money and privilege, and possibly a few other things as well.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn