The mysterious word "page". What is it really?

The word "page" (French page ) has been known since medieval Western Europe. The first step to chivalry was precisely the post "page".

What is the "page" in history

This is usually a boy of noble origin. Usually this position was given at the age of seven to ten years. Parents sent their son to an experienced lord or knight, who was usually their close friend or relative. The boy-page was engaged in shooting from an onion, all sorts of physical exercises, such as swimming and running, learned horse riding, throwing a spear, fighting. In addition, he also served as a personal servant and accompanied his teacher everywhere.

Students were taught court manners and knightly ways. Boys often served the spouse of their patron, and the number of such servants could be quite large. The pages could jokingly call the young admirer of the court lady, implying his voluntary service under the auspices of love.

There was no timeframe precisely determining how much the pupil should have served. This was decided by the patron himself, but usually at the age of twelve the boy, with proper training, received an increase.

Element of clothing - page

What is a page in clothes, not everyone knows. In medieval France, this is a women's belt, in which there was a clamp to support the chosen skirt. It could be hooks or cord, which supported the hem during wet and dirty weather. Now the term means a hood, with stockings in women's underwear attached to the waistband. The pages for stockings can be either removable or form a single unit with a belt.

In divination

The page is one of the Tarot cards. Typically, the card symbolizes a young man or girl. There are suits of Swords, Cups, Cups and Wands. The significance of the cards is completely different, for example, in the forward position the Page of the Cups means quiet joy, dreams and romance. It also means a step towards reconciliation, as well as the news of an early engagement, wedding or the birth of a child. This is a sign of noble girls and young men who have a sensual, emotional and rich soul. Can mean a person with a water sign of the zodiac: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio.

But in an inverted position the Page of Cups can mean a fragile truce, empty, illusory hopes. In describing the character, the card speaks of infantilism and excessive emotionality, prevalent over common sense. If it's a child, he's definitely spoiled. In the case of a young man, the map speaks of enchantment and impudence. The girl that characterizes this card is an attractive temptress, but she is rather artless, not possessing cunning.

Corpus corpus

There is another meaning for the word "page". What is a corpus corpus? In tsarist Russia there was an elite military educational institution, and the page is a boy, trained in the so-called corpus corps. The institution was in St. Petersburg, its graduates became Guards officers. The corpus corpus (full name - Pages of His Imperial Majesty Corps) was founded by Elizaveta Petrovna in 1750, but became an official educational institution only in 1802. During their training in the corps, the boys were already ranked in the imperial court and carried out certain duties, for example, carried out guard duty.

However, this was not the only title accepted in the corps, regardless of gentility, the next rank could receive any page. What is the improvement given the best of the best, is not questioned. The china of the chamber-page was given to pupils who differed in studies and behavior, and also spoke several languages, and this was considered a great honor. In the future, they served directly under the empress, as well as during the Grand Duchesses during ceremonial receptions and balls. The chamber-page, serving the empress, was appointed sergeant-major, and if the empress was two (acting and widowed), each had two servants. The Grand Duchess was served by a page. Also at the court there was always a "spare" chamber-page, in case of illness of one of the main.

By legal status, the page was equated with the non-commissioned officer of the Guards, and the chamber-page with the sergeant-major of the Guards. The senior chamber-page - to the sub-guard of the Guards.