Changes in Honour

The Bushi(also known as samurai) were created under a regime to enforce martial chivalry. In feudal Japan, from the late 14th century, the bushi were renowned for their capabilities in battle and under the ruling regime, the Bushi by and large faithfully maintained the traditional order of martial disciplines for critical readiness for the next two hundred years. We knew the Bushi were not only the champion of societal elite for their military prowess but they epitomized the moral leadership by living under the rigorous code of ethics set by Bushido. The precepts of Bushido stressed absolute adherence to the ways of life and codes of conduct based on values of loyalty, virtue and honour.

A few centuries before, in around the 11th century, knighthoodwas taking a new role. Early knights were renowned for their prowess and merciless behaviour, they were the lords of vast pieces of land. But their codes began to transform, they began to follow an increasingly strict code of ethics and courtesy. To be courteous means to behave as if one were at court, to be courtly. This was an ideal to be better than was usual with knights. In the beginning, it had nothing whatever to do with behavior toward ladies or with what we call manners. originally courtesy meant showing an opposing knight consideration, not attacking them when they are unarmed for example.Only later, from the 12th century on, courtesy was extended to the ladies and was expanded to the ethic of courtly love. We often use the word chivalry to mean only this, but the word chivalry is merely the French word for "knight" or "knighthood" and embraces all the qualities of that rank. A knights honour was his measure against his peers, it was what sets them apart as a gentleman, rather than a commoner. The knight's honour was as real as his castles and he would defend both to the last drop of blood. Honor was perhaps more important, for a castle could be rebuilt, but a stain on one's honor was difficult to remove. Knightly society was a gift-giving society. A lord was expected to give gifts to his followers. These were not only gifts in our sense, but gifts in the sense of honours shown. The knights went from ruthless uncouth barbarians to courtly gentleman due to the concept of honour.

Later on, in the 17th century, honour served as a guiding principle in a male-dominated society. Gentlemenlived by a code of honours and often coming to use in the affairs of duelling. One's honour, that of one's wife and blood relatives, or one's beloved formed an all consuming issue; the archetypal'man of honour' remained ever aware and on the look out for a slur, whether actual or suspected, against his honour, for this would impugn his honour. The concept of honour in modern society has declined from its former prominence. Popular stereotypes would lead to the impression of honour still being found in 'hot-blooded' Mediterranean cultures or the societies of the more 'gentlemanly' peoples. Feudal or other agrarian societies, focussed upon land use and land ownership, and the state of their honour rather than the industries of their people. Traces of the importance attached to honour linger in the military. Once a culture of honour exists, it is difficult for its members to make the transition to a culture of law; this requires that people become willing to back down and refuse to immediately retaliate, and from the viewpoint of the culture of honour this appears as a weak and unwise act.

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