Age fans! Once again, ’tis I, Sage! Do you hear this wonderful music? The enchanting sound of the harps and the flutes makes me want to get up and dance!
What a thrilling month we have ahead of us as we celebrate Age of Empires’ 25th anniversary. It is truly such an honor to have spent the last quarter of a century alongside you. Whether you have been playing Age since our very first release, or you have just joined our community, we want to thank you for the support.
In honor of this milestone, I have compiled a list of traditions from across the medieval world for you to party with us like is 1199!
Make or Attend a Feast! But Make Sure You Brush Up on Your Table Manners
A feast is one of my favorite kinds of celebrations as it involves two of my favorite things: food and community! Regardless of what culture you visit or are a part of, coming together to celebrate and commemorate special events over some delicious food is a fantastic way to build and strengthen the ties between groups of people. Be sure to brush up on your table manners, though, as medieval people have a list of rules for the table.
- No offering food from your plate to others: this can be seen as disrespectful and demeaning to others UNLESS you are of a higher status than the person you are offering the food to. If this is the case, it would be an honor to be offered food.
- Do not sniff others food, wine, or lick your silverware and fingers.
- Chew with your mouth closed and avoid making loud sounds when ingesting the food. This includes exclaiming loudly how good the meal is.
- Speak of only positive or joyous news. No negative conversation at the table unless you want to receive some stern looks from your hosts.
Dance Until You Drop with Some Medieval Tunes
Listen to music including some notable medieval instruments such as harps, friscalletos (a kind of flute), and ciarameddas (a kind of bagpipe). Need an album suggestion? May I suggest you listen to the newly released Age of Empires IV Soundtrack? You’ll get a chance to hear the captivating instrumentals of our most recent game and get in a celebratory mood. Find it on Youtube Music, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Head Over to Your Local Theater for A Show
Greek societies would host theater and comedy performances during their celebrations as part of their entertainment. In fact, they had a whole festival dedicated to the art of live performances. The Festival of Dionysus was the biggest theatrical event of the year where playwrights and actors would compete to see who could entertain their guests the most. This celebration was, of course, marked by delicious feasts and an unlimited flow of wine. Head to your local theater or comedy club and enjoy a show just like in the olden days.
Gift Your Loved Ones Candles or Oil Lamps
During medieval Greek celebrations, such as Saturnalia, it was custom to gift your loved one’s candles or oil lamps so they could light up the nighttime celebrations. Pick up their favorite scented candle and light it during the evening to bring a little extra light into the home.
Dress to Impress
Be sure to bring out your best wardrobe for this celebration! Wearing vibrant colors, beautiful furs, accessories such as belts, pointy shoes, and all of your favorite Age merch. If you’d like your very own shiny anniversary celebration T-Shirt to show off, check out the Age of Empires merch on Xbox Gear Shop to order. Trust us, this will certainly leave a good impression on your guests.
Warning: make sure your outfit leaves plenty of room to eat and dance! You’re going to need it.
Thank you for joining me, Age fans, and I suggest you keep an eye out on our social channels for more ways to celebrate our 25th anniversary with us.
P.S. Keep dancing, I’ll be right back, I have to grab something…
Sage