Joustojen

Joustojen is the Finnish term for the sport and events of jousting, a medieval martial competition in which two armored horsemen ride toward each other and try to unseat the opponent with a lance. Hits on the shield or armor, or a successful dismount, determine the outcome according to event rules. Jousting originated in medieval Europe as a training exercise and public spectacle among knights, combining horsemanship, weapon handling, and heraldic display. It flourished at tournaments in the high and late Middle Ages, then declined with the spread of firearms and changes in warfare, though it remained a popular romantic image and ritual part of feudal culture.

Modern jousting exists primarily as historical reenactment and sport. Competitions emphasize safety and authenticity; lances are often blunt or breakable, and armor and helmets provide protection. The traditional equipment includes a shield, a lance, and a horse trained for tilting, with a tilting ground or arena called a tilt. Scoring methods vary by organization, typically awarding points for successful hits on the opponent’s shield or torso and for dismounts, sometimes with penalties for touches that do not meet criteria.

Across many countries, clubs and federations organize events at fairs, festivals, and dedicated tournaments. Joustojen thus survives as a cultural pastime that preserves aspects of knightly training, heraldry, and pageantry while functioning as a historical education and public spectacle.