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Often, gender dynamics played a pivotal role in etiquette expectations. While men shared the burden of certain decorum, women's behavior at the table was judged more stringently. Guiding poems and writings from the medieval period laid out explicit rules for women's table manners—detailing how to avoid greasy lips and proper portion sizes—highlighting an inherent bias in expectations based on gender.
Legacy of Medieval Manners
Today, much of what we consider polite table manners finds its roots in these complex regulations of the medieval dining experience. The evolution of dining etiquette reflects societal changes, declining rigid social hierarchies, and greater inclusivity in modern culinary experiences.