Part 7/9:
Meals were held in pairs, with knights sharing plates as an accountability measure. Strict etiquette governed their dining experiences—handwashing before meals, orderly formality, and a collective tension between piety and pleasure. Knights were expected to refrain from whimsical interactions, and their interaction with women was heavily regulated, pointing to a suppressed and disciplined lifestyle typical for warrior monks of this order.
As absurd as it may seem, the organized restraint extended beyond dining to all facets of daily life. Every action, from hunting to correspondence, was bound by rules—fostering a culture of obedience that characterized Templar life.