Medieval Feasts: Dining Like a King or Tortured Like a God?
Medieval Europe and its contemporaneous societies often portrayed a stark contrast between the opulent banquets enjoyed by nobility and the simpler meals consumed by commoners. However, across the vast expanse of the world, the Aztecs, inhabiting what is now Mexico, presented a unique and rather grim twist on communal dining rituals. While medieval Europe lacked a structured system for commoners to experience fine dining experiences, the Aztecs had a practice that was both fascinating and terrifying: the god impersonator.
The Aztec God Impersonators
During the 14th century, the Aztec civilization in Mesoamerica entertained a custom where select commoners were chosen to serve as “god impersonators.” These individuals, dressed in the robes and adorned in the images of gods such as Tezcatlipoca and Xipe Totec, were treated with immense respect and adoration for a period extending far beyond the typical fine dining experiences found in medieval Europe – a full year.
These god impersonators led a life of extreme luxury and reverence. They were provided with a royal diet, surrounded by a group of female companions, and instructed in sacred rituals by the priests. Their daily life was celebrated with flowers, festive dances, and grand banquets, a far cry from the simple fare that the average commoner would have experienced in their regular life.
From Feast to Torture
However, as with most such practices, the god impersonator’s life took a dark and gruesome turn upon the return of the anniversary of their selection. The populace was well aware that this grandeur did not typically bring a healthier outcome for the chosen individual. On the appointed day, these so-called "divine representatives" were subjected to horrific and often lethal acts, sometimes ending in a particularly brutal manner – being skinned alive. This ritual would be performed in front of the public, serving as both a warning and a demonstration of the gaping chasm between the lives of royalty and the common masses.
The Absence of Fine Dining Establishments
It is important to clarify that in medieval Europe, while there were some inns and taverns that provided decent meals, fine dining experiences were largely reserved for the nobility and richer merchants. Similarly, in other cultures and regions, such as the Aztecs, grand feasts and rituals were the domain of the elite, not the common folk.
Commoners in Europe typically enjoyed meals that were modest in size and variety. Fine dining restaurants as we understand them today did not exist. Nobles and wealthy merchants would feast during major holidays and celebrations, but there were no commercial establishments where a commoner could “dine like a king” for a single day without engaging in extraordinary means.
The Contrast: Aztec Ritual and European Fine Dining
To draw a parallel between the Aztec god impersonators and fine dining practices, one might imagine a restaurant fittingly named "King's Feast House" offering grand feasts, sumptuous meals, and luxurious banquets that would have been a far cry from the typical dining experiences of the commoners. In medieval times, however, such establishments were non-existent, and the idea of a commoner dining like a king for a day was far from reality.
The Aztec practices, while unique and culturally significant, also underscore a darker aspect of human history. They highlight the stark disparities between the lives of the elite and the commoners, and the often fatal consequences of such privileges.
Conclusion
While the idea of dining like a king for a day was a distant fantasy for the commoners of medieval Europe and similar societies, the Aztec god impersonators experienced a life of extreme luxury followed by extreme torment. These practices serve as a stark reminder of the cultural and societal differences that existed during these periods, shaping the experiences and perceptions of life for individuals across different eras and regions.