When you think of Maryland, you probably think of crabs, the Chesapeake Bay, or maybe even those oddly mesmerizing flag colors. But jousting? Yep, you read that right—jousting is Maryland’s official state sport. So, how exactly did a medieval showdown of knights in shining armor become the pride of a state known for its seafood and shorelines?
A Blast from the (Really) Past
Jousting, for the uninitiated, is that sport where two armored knights on horseback charge at each other with lances, aiming to knock each other into next Tuesday. It’s something straight out of a Game of Thrones episode—minus the dragons, of course. This sport dates back to medieval Europe when knights used jousting not only as a way to win glory and impress fair maidens but also as a way to practice their battlefield skills. And while it might seem out of place in modern America, Marylanders have managed to keep this knightly tradition alive.
From Fairs to the State Fair
Jousting trotted into Maryland’s history books way back when English settlers brought the sport across the Atlantic. Unlike in medieval times, where getting unseated by a lance could ruin your day (or life), Marylanders softened the sport a bit. They turned it into a contest of skill rather than a medieval smackdown—think of it as a high-speed ring toss on horseback. But don’t be fooled, it’s still impressive stuff!
Fast forward to the 20th century, and you’d still find jousting tournaments at Maryland’s county fairs, much to the delight of locals who couldn’t get enough of the medieval magic. These weren’t just any old carnival sideshows; they were serious competitions that attracted jousters from across the state.
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Making It Official
By the 1960s, the people of Maryland realized they had something special—no, not just Old Bay seasoning (though that’s pretty special too). With a nudge (or maybe a lance) from some very passionate jousters and history buffs, the Maryland General Assembly decided to make jousting the official state sport in 1962. So, while other states were picking sports like football or rodeo, Maryland decided to go full medieval.
Now, you might wonder, “Did Maryland really need an official state sport?” Well, why not? After all, when your state is home to a sport that involves charging down a lane at full speed while trying to spear a teeny tiny ring with a really long stick, you’d probably want to brag about it too.
Jousting in the Modern Era: Less Blood, More Bling
Today, jousting in Maryland is less about knocking your opponent off their horse and more about precision and bragging rights. The rules have evolved, but the essence remains the same: competitors still don armor (though it’s probably a lot lighter than in the 1400s), hop on a horse, and try to skewer rings as small as a quarter-inch in diameter. It’s a little less “Medieval Times” dinner theater and a lot more “Wow, how do they even do that?”
And let’s be honest, while jousting might not have the national spotlight like football or basketball, it’s got something they don’t—pure, unadulterated flair. Plus, it’s a sport where you can legitimately yell, “Onward, noble steed!” and mean it.
Long Live the Joust!
So there you have it: the tale of how Maryland, in all its quirky wisdom, made jousting the official state sport. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best traditions are the ones that make you scratch your head and smile at the same time.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, catching a jousting tournament in Maryland is like stepping back in time—with all the thrills and none of the danger.
So, next time you’re in the Old Line State, skip the crab cakes (okay, maybe don’t skip them) and check out a jousting match. After all, where else can you see knights in (somewhat) shining armor in the 21st century?
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