February 11, 2019

Where does chivalry come from?

While European chivalry has its roots in feudalism in France and Spain, some scholars believe it is nothing more than the continuation of al-furusiyya al-arabia, or Arabian chivalry, which was imported to Europe during the early Crusades. The knight-errantry, the riding on horseback to find adventure, the rescue of a maiden in need, the nobility of women, and the connection of honorable conduct with the horse rider are all traceable to Arabia.

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Today's Random Fact:

The term "chivalry" is from the Latin word caballus, meaning "nag, pack-horse," and is related to the word "cavalier."


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Many feminist scholars dismiss chivalry as a type of benevolent sexism because it relies on the assumption that women are weak and in need of protection while men are strong. They argue that chivalry perpetuates gender inequality.

Bonus Fact:

In a 2010 survey of 9,617 women, 51% said they offer to pay on the first date, 32% offer to pay on the 2nd or 3rd date, 7% between 46 dates, 2% after 6 dates, and 7% believed that man should always pay.

One study found that while most men believe they are "supposed" to pay for dates, and a fair number of women let them, nearly half of men say they would dump a woman who never offered to help pay.