Even though chivalry, as an institution, began over 900 years ago, it still has far reaching effects. Chivalry continues to influence our opinions, habits and manners. Chivalry, as it has been characterized, consists of: a passion for competition, the spirit of enterprise, the honor of knighthood, the rewards of valor, a firm desire for justice, a passion for adventure, an eagerness to run to the aid of the distressed and affability. In short, chivalry is the code of behavior expected of a knight who is devoted to a set of ideals. To understand how chivalry is translated into our modern era, you must first understand its history.
Chivalry’s Origins
It is known that knighthood and the concept of chivalry date back to the early centuries of Medieval Europe. The exact region or group responsible for the primary influence of chivalry’s birth is, however, often debated. Some scholars have traced it to 12th century France while others maintain that it is of Arabic origin, transmitted to Europe through Muslim Spain. There are many others that insist it began in the Scandinavian countries. Nevertheless, the concept and ceremony of knighthood and chivalry probably originated from the interaction and combination of very early
military customs, the nature of Medieval warfare with its emphasis on cavalry and the impact of Christian influences. It is reasonably evident that the principles of chivalry are of Gothic origin, influenced by the strong religious character of the early Middle Ages.
Although religious character, which distinguished ancient chivalry, arose out of the manner of the times and the state of society, it is evident that the feudal system, although it did not actually give birth to chivalry, was instrumental in bringing it to maturity. The feudal system was a structured system of defense and governance whereby knights were rewarded with land and privileges in return for fighting and governing.
Early in the 11th century, the rudiments of the laws of chivalry were defined by the Council of Clermont in France. In 1025, several archbishops authored a set of laws for the maintenance of order and protection of the weak, and submitted these to the Council of Clermont which confirmed them.
This chivalric code compelled a knight to be brave, courageous, honorable, true to his word, loyal to his feudal overlord, to defend the Church, protect the weak, aid the poor, seek justice and revere pure womanhood. This set of high standards of conduct significantly refined the character of Medieval civilization and later had a profound impact on the shape of modern life. The conduct and ideals of the knightly class of the Middle Ages came to be standardized and referred to as “chivalry,” a term derived from the French word “chevalier,” meaning knight.
Becoming a Knight
A lengthy period of training was required to attain knighthood. During the training, the candidate was prepared in the arts and techniques of war and was familiarized with the code of chivalry. Each aspect of the training was directed towards a positive educational goal. The process began at the age of seven when the son of a noble started his 14 year education with others his age. This first stage of training, which took place in a nobleman’s castle, lasted for seven years, during which time the candidates were known as pages or varlets.
As a varlet, these young boys were taught honor, bravery, a reverence for chivalry, devotion to the female sex, skill and courage in warfare and love of Deity. At the age of 12, the varlet was obliged to submit himself to the code of Clermont, by swearing to its observance before a bishop.
At the age of 14, the varlet passed to the rank of squire, and at the same time, was formally assigned to a knight. A ceremony marked this occasion, which included a priestly benediction and the bestowing of a sword in recognition that the squire had gained the privilege of bearing arms. For another seven years, the squire passed through several degrees. He was constantly instructed by the knight and he attended to the knight’s needs by caring for his weapons and horse, and accompanying him into battle. At the termination of this period, when he was 21, a squire, who had demonstrated his competence and worth, either by successful completion of his training or on the actual field of battle, was knighted.
The ritual by which knighthood was conferred began as early as the sixth century. Descriptions of the ceremonies, which varied in time and place, can be found in the records of the Middle Ages. Documents relate how Charlemagne girded his son, Louis the Pious, with a knight’s sword in 791, and how Louis bestowed the honor upon his heir, Charles the Bald, in 838. The ceremony by which a man is made a knight could be quick and simple if performed in time of war, especially if the event took place on a battlefield. In a time of peace, the ceremonies were often solemn and splendid. The squire would prepare himself for the honor by fasting and passing the night in prayer alone in a church where his arms were hung. He would often clothe himself in white, after having performed his ablutions in a bath. During the ceremony, a number of questions would be put to him and if his replies were satisfactory, the final
ceremonies would commence.
He received all the insignia of chivalry during the ceremony, but the last thing conferred was the sword. This consisted, generally, of three taps with the flat side of a sword on the shoulder or neck. When the accolade was bestowed, the person conferring the order pronounced him a knight in the name of God, St. George and St. Michael and counciled him to be brave, undaunted and loyal.
The taking of knightly vows brought privileges of class, including a style of dress, marks of deference and a coat of arms. The vows also entailed a renewal of religious faith and acceptance of obligations and responsibilities of knighthood and the code of chivalry. A serious violation of these vows could result in a knight being classed as an undignified knight.
The virtues and endowments necessary to constitute an accomplished knight in the golden age of chivalry were physical strength, agility of body, hunting, hawking, riding and other manly exercises. The oaths taken included precepts of honor, truth and courage. Gallantry, hospitality, humanity, courtesy and gratitude were always the distinguishing virtues of the true knight.
Knightly Orders
Knighthood and chivalry acquired new dimensions with the creation of orders of knights - men bound together for a common purpose and who shared a common ideal. These orders originated during the
crusades - the 200 years of war that followed Pope Urban II’s call in 1095 for the knights of Christian Europe to unite under the symbol of a red cross, for the purpose of ending Muslim rule in the Holy Land. Great orders, such as those of the Knights Hospitallers and the Knights Templar, appeared and became renowned for their courage, determination, loyalty and power.
As was mentioned earlier, many things contributed to the rise and popularity of chivalry and knighthood, one of which, and maybe the most vital, was the feudalistic society which allowed it to flourish. However, beginning in the 14th century, this type of society began to die. As European society began to slowly evolve, so too did the concept of chivalry and knighthood. The decline of feudalism and its characteristic institutions resulted from numerous interrelated factors, including the development of changed methods of warfare, the end of the crusades, a new era of commerce stimulated by the reopening of trade with the East and the gradual creation of centralized national monarchies.
Although feudalism disappeared, the concepts of knighthood and chivalry were able to evolve so that they could survive into modern times. Outstanding accomplishments and actions were rewarded as sovereigns continued to create exalted orders of knights. For example, the English Order of the Garter, the French Order of the Holy Spirit, and the Austrian and Spanish Orders of the Golden Fleece are distinctions currently conferred by heads of state.
In the new world, fraternal orders and brotherhoods emerged as another variation of the original type of knighthood, and so as knighthood continues to exist, the spirit of chivalry also continues in the concept of the gentlemen, with attributes of honor, faith, justice, regard for truth, consideration of others, reverence for pure womanhood, and courtesy and good judgment in everyday actions. These qualities are still admired, and they remain as applicable in today’s world as they did when the knights rode under the banner of the crimson cross.
Kappa Alpha’s Knights
We are the knights of the Kappa Alpha Order. This is a special dignity conferred upon worthy individuals. A man is chosen for membership in our Order because his conduct reflects the true chivalric code, a code modified only slightly to suit contemporary society.
As previously explained, Kappa Alpha is an order which is similar to a fraternity in its brotherhood and structure. However, it is vastly different from a fraternal organization on all other accounts. KA is an order because its members are bound by the same ideal and philosophy of life - the epitome of the chivalric knight of the Middle Ages. If this is true, then Kappa Alpha Order is a contemporary order of knights. It is composed of men who have been deemed worthy of the designation of knighthood and are pledged to the ideals of modern chivalry.
Under Kappa Alpha Laws, KA is military in organization and religious in feeling. In essence, the Knight Commander (our national president) has, accordingly, the ruling authority of a top military officer. The members of the Executive Council assist him in setting policy and directing the movements of the brotherhood under his command. Province commanders (regional advisors) and members of the national administrative staff are all members of the Knight Commander’s staff with varying roles.
The Number I’s of his chapters are captains of companies. All are sworn to obedience and, in theory, discipline is enforced. This discipline is however, self-enforced, for all Kappa Alphas are subject to the supreme law of knightly courtesy which prescribes punctilious politeness. A member of a chapter is always assumed by his officers to be desirous of doing what is just, right and dutiful, as to need only quiet suggestions. The chapter member, on his part, holds himself ready to do his duty, so that a suggestion suffices. The chapter officers are also assumed by their members to be doing what is just, right and dutiful for Kappa Alpha and the chapter.
The KA Gentleman
The men of Kappa Alpha Order are known as the gentlemen of the fraternity world. This title was not self-chosen and it was not given to us, it has however, been earned, year after year, by men who have chosen to let Kappa Alpha be an adjunct to their faith, morals, opinions and beliefs.
Although some of our precepts are derived from southern tradition and custom, Kappa Alpha is not sectional. We are a national fraternity. In fact, Kappa Alpha gentlemen are common to all areas of the country and in all walks of life. A KA, through his gentility, should always be distinguished by his modern chivalric characteristics.
The founders of the Order sought to preserve the ideals of the courtly gentleman of their time. Stress is laid upon the fact that Kappa Alpha is an order rooted in the tenet of high personal achievement. An order is a society of persons united by the possession of traits of mutual distinction, the recognition of something previously acquired. In relation to KA, it is a group of men aspiring to the qualities of the true gentleman. Only those who possess those qualities, and those who care to develop them, can fully enjoy KA and grow in character in its membership.
Good Manners and Good Taste
By the time a young man reaches college and pledges a fraternity, he is presumed to be familiar with the amenities of social life, including refinements of good manners and good taste. Because good manners and good taste often affect the atmosphere and reputation of the fraternity, a member’s compliance with generally accepted standards is imperative.
General appearance and dress are usually the first indicators noticed by others. Carelessness in dress or slouchiness in appearance detract rather than add to the respect of a person. No hard and fast rule can be offered regarding the formality or informality of attire. Local customs usually determine acceptable standards.
A gentlemen not only acts and looks the part, but his conversation must also be that of a gentleman. This is especially true when ladies are present. Respect for womanhood is a responsibility of all gentlemen. As each new member learns more of the noble ideals and purposes of KA, he will understand more fully and realize the special significance of true gentility. If a chapter has a housemother, special consideration should be accorded her every day.
The chapter house has, from time to time, many guests - particularly faculty, parents, alumni and national officers. The extension of sincere and genuine hospitality to these guests is every member’s duty.
The chapter house is also the member’s college home. An atmosphere of courtesy and respect for the privacy of others should prevail at all times. Every member must feel obligated to do his part in keeping the house in good condition. Each member should clean up after himself and should keep his possessions in a regular place. It is always courteous to knock on a study room or bedroom door before entering. In consideration of others, quiet should prevail during study hours. Another man’s possessions should never be borrowed without his consent, and any damage to a borrowed article should be repaired before returned.
The constant application of common courtesy is never to be overlooked. It is considered a good practice to speak with casual acquaintances at all times. A member’s relations with classmates are as important to the chapter as to himself. A good member makes friends everywhere - in the classroom, on campus, in town and with other fraternity men.
Learn and respect your campus traditions and customs. Support and engage in campus activities, athletics and class affairs; they are the life of the college. Becoming more involved will only heighten your undergraduate experience and ensure that you are getting all you can from your experience. However, please remember that extra-curricular activities never supercede your studies.
It is also important to remember that each member’s actions on campus, and elsewhere, reflect on the entire Kappa Alpha Order, and more especially on his particular chapter. A new member is no less committed than an active member to represent KA well and to always bring credit to the good name of the Order.
