Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Knight Aware

Salutations,

If you read my earliest series of blogs you'll recall some on knighthoods. As I read of Stockton's trouble with gold chains being stolen from the wearers reaching 170 with a fatality at the same park where I like to do yoga, I thought about the knight's chains. Each knight and often other persons had a sumptuary type assigned chain link that was more unique than a name. Worn across the shoulders in many an ancient of medieval portrait the knight's chain also contained unique mixes of metals. From heraldic study you might've learned about these assigned mixes. It was difficult to steal or sell off an heraldic or sumptuary chain.

Modernly, the Church and others that still use heraldry can explain or demonstrate the chain link awareness. A special request of metal mixes for adornment chains can still be had at some trouble. Designs of chain links can fall into the sumptuary level still and be of unique artistry allowing the bearer to be protected similar to a copyright. For the genealogically interested, such a picture of a symbolic knight's chain can mean a link to one or its group, sometimes the actual one in inheritance. Heraldry originated in times when language was difficult between groups but heraldic symbols did the explaining of things such as how one worked. Such symbols today are accepted in traditional honors including going out to dine at night as specialized jewelry.

Some knighthood bloodlines will still use tattoos of the unique symbols such as chain links. Modern hospitals are referred to official groups such as the United States Secret Service (USSS) for protections or information on persons with such a symbol used for a bloodline or awarded by a regal heir or authority such as a herald. The USSS has in my experience also handled inquiries of knighthood bloodlines as well as other concerns. I used them myself when making inquiry into my grandfather's knighthood from a deposed kingdom and with success at gaining accurate data and real contacts.

Knighthood groups doing good deeds in areas of focus can take donations today, such as Malta's Knight's Hospitaller; they were granted the isle in 1530 by Charles V, the island having converted to Christianity by Saint Paul. For a time, Malta also was used as a pirate's base by separatist counts, but it spent much time under regal control. The Maltese cross is still worn by those wishing association in form to these grand knights and their traditions. Likewise with others. Most knighthood groups are busily doing charitable works today.

Black knights are another topic from the past and you'll recall, Good Reader, that the black knight was responsible for its own disinformation that cloaked it on its nightly forays while travelling through forests. Knights became the best friends of the king, traditionally, meeting with him late at knight after others had left, and were the last to leave.

Until next time I'll keep up with many of you, Good Reader, on facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/kristin.wall.399 on happenings and sabbatical again, freeing up this blog for its educational stance. Take care.

Sartorially yours,
Kristin-Marie Wall
writing as kmwall and more