Secular art of any kind was much less common in the Middle Ages than religious art. Art was often used as a teaching tool rather than for its own sake. That was the case of few people could read, paintings and carvings were an easy way to present religious stories and symbolism. Community life was structured around a calendar of saint's days and other religious festivals such as Christmas and Easter. Entertainments such as music, drama and dancing usually took place during religious festivals. A typical medieval festival included bonfires, musicians, displays of juggling and other feats, trained animals, special food and plays with actors wearing fantastic masks and costumes. Even though some of these
