Knights Templar – Strict Rules For Clothing And Eating Habits

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The Knights Templar, who decided to sacrifice their lives in the service of the Order, lived according to strict discipline and had to follow many rules.

In his "Praise of the New Knighthood," Bernard of Clairvaux, the monk-knight and founder of the Cistercian monastery, describes how he was pleased with the idea of the Templar's creation, life, and activities of the monks.

He praises their rigorous life and writes enthusiastically about the simple Templar flats, where the only decorations were weapons and knights 'equipment hanging on the walls. The armor and weapons were simple and without unnecessary ornaments.

Templar knights usually convened at their church under the cover of the night. The Templars started each day with the morning Mass. Prayers - which usually began very early, about 4 am - were often recited together to keep the feeling of fraternity among the knights.

Strict Discipline Regarding Eating and Clothing For All Within The Walls Of The Convent

If the brothers were not busy fighting, they should repair the equipment and armor. The Rule required that the knight's hair be cut short so one could freely observe the battlefield during the fight.

 The knights' clothing was rough and not abundant.

"....All of the newly appointed brothers were given several pieces of clothing and equipment. I received two shirts, a tunic to be worn over them, two pairs of shoes and two pairs of underdrawers. We were also given a long cape, a leather belt, a cotton cap, a cloak, and a felt hat. In addition, I received two towels, bedding, and a heavy blanket that was striped in the Order's color. The knights also gave us armor, which included a mail coat and leggings, helmet, shoes, the coat of arms, and a white surcoat with red crosses to be worn over the armor. For weaponry, we each received a sword, a lance, a triangular wooden shield, and three knives, one of which was for food.

The Order has also supplied us with one horse each..." (as it was written in A Higher Calling June of 1135)

Over the surcoats with red crosses, the knights had to wear the white mantle, also worn at mealtimes. Sergeants wore a black tunic with a red cross on the front and a black or brown cover.

Like other orders, such as the Cistercians and Benedictines, the Templars were required to eat their meals in absolute silence. The only person allowed to speak was the chaplain, a priest, who would bless the meal, and either he or a clerk would read a passage from the Bible during the eating time.

In special situations, if a brother requires something at the table, he should know certain signs used by religious men. A circle made with two fingers and the thumb was one such example, and it indicated bread. It was the silent 'sign language' used by the monks. A Templar brother who was not accustomed to such signs but had to ask for something at the table could do it quietly and with all modesty.

Except for some important religious events such as Christmas, All Saints, the Assumption, and the Feast of the 12 Apostles, the Templars ate meat (veal, beef, goat, or fish) at least three days a week to keep their strength up and constantly remain ready for combat, any time. Therefore, their food was nutritious and regularly imported from Europe.

Rule 27 said: "On Weekday Meals: On the other days of the week, that is, Mondays, Wednesdays, and even Saturdays, the brothers shall have two or three meals of vegetables or other dishes eaten with bread, and we intend that this should be sufficient and command that it should be adhered to. For he who does not eat one meal shall eat the other."

The rest of the week, they ate vegetables, cheese, and bread, at least twice and sometimes three times a day. Others, like squires and sergeants, usually had one meal daily.

The Rules also included fasts on certain days and during certain times of the year. Any fasting without permission was forbidden. Usually, the fasts were during the winter from November through Springtime.

They coincided with the reduced activities associated with the colder months, as well as the decreasing supplies of food during this time of year. From Springtime through October, two meals per day were recommended.

Those who were sick or infirm were not included in this Rule; they were supposed to continue with their regular diets so that they might not suffer.

As there was a limited quantity of bowls and plates, the Order's Rule said the brothers should eat in pairs, and each should have the same ration of wine in his cup…"

However, sometimes, the Rule decides:

"And on Sundays, all the brothers of the Temple, the chaplains, and the clerks shall be given two meat meals in honor of the holy resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the rest of the household, that is to say, the squires and sergeants, shall be content with one meal and shall be thankful to God for it."

After each meal, the Templars would silently thank God for their food.

Written by – A. Sutherland AncientPages.com Staff Writer

Updated on October 15, 2022

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