Social Functions of Food and Food Rituals during the Merovingian Period (from Venantius Fortunatus’s Writings about St. Radegund)

Abstract

This article explores the role and functions of food and food rituals in the Frankish Merovingian kingdom during the second half of the 6th century based on the writings of Venantius Fortunatus, a renowned poet of that period, dedicated to the Merovingian queen and nun St. Radegund of Poitiers. His vita of St. Radegund and poems about her include numerous references to food and ceremonies associated with it. The obtained results show that shared meals, dietary restrictions, treats, gifts, and food distribution were the key aspects of social interactions in Merovingian Gaul. They not only strengthened the bonds between the church and the laity but also contributed to the formation of new ties between the religious and political domains. St. Radegund’s generosity and asceticism heightened her authority. Food rituals became part of the patronage system’s daily practices, thereby adapting it to the needs of the emerging medieval Christian society. It is also important that sharing meals and exchanging gifts, often food, fostered trust and promoted friendship among people.