Mysterious is the right word used when talking of the Court Jester. Jester can have so many meanings relating to factors of silliness – for example the court jester was a fool – clown - buffoon or an idiot as some would see him.
The joker was definately a feisty character with great talent. The amusement entertainment included song/dance/jokes/gags and the playing of musical instruments. His whole duty and mission was to make everyone laugh. Laughter would ring out from jolly happy audiences that had gathered around to watch and listen to the jesters jokes and hilarious fun tricks.
A Court Jester in medieval times could arise from different backgrounds: for instance a monk evicted from his priory for funny frolics and if a person joked and played the fool and was found to be amusing then more often than not the chances were that he would take on the role as the courtyard jester. In modern times our stand up comic would take centre stage to entertain where as would the jester in a palace courtyard. (If he were chosen to do so) People of high education also entertained in this way along with talented poets an muscians.
In the days of the late Middle Ages funny jokesters like the clown are believed to have originated their material from the jester by imitating all the frolicking fun antics. Court jesters were employed as members of the royal staff. and were given priority preferences than that of other staff - punishment was out of the question for the jester even if he spoke out of term to people of authority.
Always the centre of attention was the court jester – this may have had a lot to do with the costume being so bright and colourful. Outfits of the jester could be of green saffron, coats with jagged collars and not forgetting the three pronged pointed cap with bells on - the jester outfit is a common costume worn at fancy dress parties.
The Court Jester would perform magic tricks - acrobatics – juggling - storytelling - tightrope walking - contortion – puppetry and much more as well as working with animals. Unfortunately many talented funny folks gags and jokes went unnoticed – so therefore they were never given the opportunity to play out their role in front of royalty – hence the jester continued to amuse locals in the street with song and dance routines performing as a minstrel.
It was around the sixteenth century when the word clown came about (Clod) This was the era period when revival of the Italian clowns came alive. Unknown too many people are where the Harlequin originated from (The Italian theatre) the harlequin`s task was to hamper and spoil the clowns hilarious and side splitting show. We all relate to the Harlequin by the chequered costume which was traditionally a white ruffle collar, a black and white diamond all in one patterned suit and the the famous face covering of a black mask.
Sadly to say in 1642 a sombre stage developed in the history of clowning with the closure of English theatres. Even though they reopened in 1660, clowns were ignored and not warmly welcomed back with open arms. It was because of this clowns took to the roadsides to entertain and amuse. The Court Jester relives himself from the past to the present day in the form of your regular street busker. |
