1.) What was the socio-cultural function of the feasts of Corpus Christi? How did these festivals serve as celebrations of "the body"? What socio-political groups interests were served by the festivities?

The sociocultural function of the feasts of Corpus Christi was so unite the people and reaffirm their roles in society. In much the same way that a parade might serve the functions of both celebration and community identity, the feasts of the Corpus Christi did the same. The feasts were celebrations of "the body" because of the hierarchy of participants. The Guilds of the time were constantly competing for the right to present a display (or float) in these celebrations and this created a sense of status and hierarchy amongst participants. It would be easy to recognize the most successful organizations and guilds who compose "the body" based on their pomp and elegance. The town leaders and church elders would follow at the rear of the celebration and represent the head of "the body".


Clearly, the Guilds were a major group whose interests were served by the celebration. In a type of modern-day PR and advertising, these organizations would flex their muscle and display their power, and this served to affirm their integral position in society. The town leaders and church elders were also groups whose interests were served because they were being represented in the celebration as the powerful and controlling elements. It would be fair to say that all persons involved, and not just groups alone, had interests that were served in these celebrations. If you belonged to a Guild, then your interest was served indirectly by the success of that Guilds presentation. Regardless of your role in society, your status in society was reflected in some manner through your level of participation in the celebration, so it would be fair to say that everyone's interest was presented, yet not necessarily served.