Chainmail Day is observed annually on September 22 and we are preparing ourselves to celebrate the historical and incredible armor that still has much relevance today! Do you know that chainmail has been found in almost every medieval culture, and was one of the mainstays of armies in that period, and was particularly loved by the Romans? It is a unique type of armor composed of interwoven links of metal, and often worn over a layer of leather or padded cloth.
History of Chainmail Day
The Chainmail is commonly believed to be invented by the Celts, but there are examples of Etruscan pattern mail dating from at least the 4th century B.C. The earliest examples of ancient mail were discovered by archaeologists in the Carpathian Basin at a burial in Horný Jatov, Slovakia dated at 3rd century BC, and in a chieftain’s burial located in Ciumești, Romania
The name chainmail is redundant, as mail is the French word for ‘Chain.’ Hence, it can simply be referred to as ‘mail,’
Mail is typically made of iron wire which was much easier to obtain than iron plates throughout the ancient and medieval periods. It was generally in common military use between the third century B.C. and the 16th century A.D. in Europe.
There are two methods of fabricating this historical piece of armor namely; Butting and Riveting. Butted chainmail has the rings bent together with no mechanical connection holding the ends together, while Riveted mail rings are often combined with solid punched rings to save labor. Both methods produce mail that is highly resistant to both slashing and stabbing.
The benefit of chainmail came from its ability to protect the wearer while still allowing them the freedom of movement. While it wasn’t particularly effective against piercing weapons like spears and arrows, it was exceptional against those with a blade such as a sword and a dagger.
As weapons technology advanced and firearms were developed, the chainmail began to decline in use for defense, but it still continues to be used for protection in several industries and fields today.
Chainmail Day timeline
The Celts invent chainmail and begin using it.
Persians adopt the use of chainmail scale armor for defense.
With the rise in firearms, chainmail begins to reduce in application due to its ineffectiveness in protecting against them.
Chainmail is used as a component of stab-resistant body armor, cut-resistant gloves, and shark-resistant wetsuits.
Chainmail Day FAQs
Is chainmail better than iron?
No, Chainmail offers better protection than leather or gold armor, but it is not as strong as iron.
Can chainmail stop a bullet?
No, chainmail is simply incapable of withstanding the force of a bullet, or any firearm.
How effective is chainmail against stabbing?
Due to its hardness, chainmail offers a good degree of resistance against slashing attacks from knives, daggers, and swords.
Is it hard to cut through chainmail?
Yes. Chainmail is a bunch of very hard metal rings linked together. This makes it very difficult to cut through.
How To Celebrate and Participate in Chainmail Day
Join a Chainmail Fan Club
Find fan clubs within your locality or online that share the same enthusiasm about medieval artifacts with you. Then go ahead and have fun participating in activities in your club.
Fabricate your own chainmail
Mkaing your own chainmail is not so difficult. With a heavy gauge wire, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and using a soldering iron, you can put together yours, of course, while following instructions online or from whatever reliable source you can.
Create an online platform to host fellow enthusiasts
You can create a website, or social media page to attract people with shared interests in chainmail. With time you could even begin to sell and purchase chainmail merchandise there.
5 Types Of Decorative Chainmail
It began as epaulets of military uniforms
Officials started to use it as insignia of rank for armed forces and other organizations.
Adopted for use by sculptors
People began to make use of chainmail in creating sculptures.
Used in jewelry
Jewelry makers begin to see the potential in the mail and integrate it into their designs.
Headdresses
Chainmail is produced to be worn on the head like scarves, for aesthetics and symbolism.
Fully into artwork
Artists realize the potential of chainmail and begin using it to create artworks.
Why We Love Chainmail Day
Chainmail brings history to us
Chainmail was used several centuries ago. This day reminds us of a time in human history when things were much different than they currently are. This helps us appreciate history more.
It provides us with something cool to bring us together
With many movies based on the medieval period, chain mails are very cool and interesting items that can provide something for people from diverse places and backgrounds to become friends with a shared interest.
It can potentially help us learn new skills
Making chainmail is a skillful art that is still in use today, however in more modernized forms. Learning to make your chainmail could help you acquire the skill and begin to earn with it.
Chainmail Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 22 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 22 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 22 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 22 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 22 | Friday |
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