Chainmail Day
Find a pattern online, grab your soldering iron (or get one…) and learn to make the defensive mainstay of fantasy and historical battle: chain mail.
Where do you come from, carrying these decorated shields and shirts of mail, these cheek-hinged helmets and javelins
a proud warrior, Beowulf by Anonymous
It is a mainstay of every fantasy novel, regularly seen in movies and series set in medieval Europe, and was one of the most important innovations in armor to be developed during the
Middle Ages.
Chain Mail Day celebrates this incredible armor, and seeks to remind us that it still has relevance in today’s world!
How to Celebrate Chainmail Day
One of the great ways to celebrate Chainmail Day is by putting together some chainmail of your own! By using a soldering iron, heavy gauge wire, and a pair of needle-nose pliers you can create the armor yourself!
There are multiple patterns you can follow, with some of them being producing nicely decorative designs. If you’re a chainmail enthusiast, check out how chainmail is used today, and maybe spend some time working on it yourself!
History of Chainmail Day
The history of Chainmail Day is actually the history of chainmail itself. For those who are unaware of exactly what chainmail is, it’s a type of armor composed of interwoven links of metal, often worn over a layer of padded cloth or leather.
The name chainmail is actually redundant, as mail is the French word for ‘chain’, rendering its name fully translated as ‘chainmail’ or ‘mail mail’ if you prefer.
Chainmail has been found in almost every medieval culture, and was one of the mainstays of armies through the period, and was particularly loved by the Romans.
The benefits of chainmail came from its ability to protect the wearer while still allowing them the freedom of movement often restricted by heavier armors. While it wasn’t particularly good against piercing weapons like spears and arrows, it was exceptional against those with a blade.
As weapons technology advanced, it would eventually be supplemented with metal plates, at which point it would become known as ‘Plate Mail’, a sort of hybrid between the classic heavy armor of yore and this flexible protection.
Chainmail is still worn today, albeit not commonly in any field of battle, except in those cases where knife-resistant armor is needed.
It is, however, commonly used for those who spend a lot of time working with sharks. It also has found use in the animal control department due to its ability to protect against bites from the animals they work with.
One less commonly known location that it is still in use is with high-voltage electrical workers, by wearing a chainmail suit that’s grounded they prevent the electricity from passing through them, instead of having it course through the armor safely to ground.
Chainmail Day FAQs
Did the Celts invent chainmail?
Yes, the Celts are credited with inventing chainmail. They were skilled ironworkers and created this armor by linking thousands of small metal circles.
The Romans later adopted chainmail after observing its effectiveness in battle.
How did chainmail influence modern role-playing games?
Chainmail inspired the creation of “Dungeons & Dragons” (D&D). Gary Gygax’s medieval war game “Chainmail” included fantasy rules that evolved into D&D.
This game has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing countless players worldwide.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about chainmail?
A common misconception is that chainmail is extremely heavy and cumbersome.
In reality, while a chainmail shirt could weigh up to 15 kilograms, it offered a balance between protection and mobility, allowing soldiers to move more freely than in rigid plate armor.
How is chainmail used in modern professions?
Today, chainmail is used in various professions for protection. For example, butchers wear chainmail gloves to prevent cuts, and divers use chainmail suits to protect against shark bites.
Additionally, high-voltage electrical workers wear grounded chainmail suits to safely channel electricity away from their bodies.
Did William Wallace wear chainmail?
William Wallace, the Scottish hero, likely wore chainmail during his battles against English forces in the late 13th century. Chainmail was the standard armor of that era, providing a combination of protection and flexibility.
How do different cultures celebrate Chainmail Day?
While not universally observed, some enthusiasts celebrate Chainmail Day by crafting their own chainmail pieces, hosting workshops, and participating in historical reenactments.
These activities honor the craftsmanship and history of this ancient armor.
Are there unique chainmail patterns or designs?
Yes, chainmail can be crafted in various patterns beyond the traditional European 4-in-1 weave.
For instance, the Japanese developed a 6-in-1 pattern called “kusari,” which they used in conjunction with plate armor. These different designs offered varying levels of flexibility and protection.
How has chainmail influenced fashion and jewelry?
Chainmail has inspired modern fashion and jewelry designs.
Designers create chainmail-inspired clothing, accessories, and jewelry pieces, blending historical techniques with contemporary aesthetics. This fusion showcases the timeless appeal of chainmail’s intricate patterns.
Is chainmail effective against modern weapons?
Chainmail provides limited protection against modern firearms due to the high-velocity impact of bullets.
However, it remains effective against slashing and stabbing attacks, which is why it’s still used in specific professions like butchery and animal handling.
Can chainmail be made from materials other than metal?
While traditional chainmail is made from metal rings, modern crafters experiment with materials like rubber, silicone, and even yarn to create decorative and functional pieces.
These alternative materials allow for colorful designs and are popular in jewelry and cosplay communities.
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