Gathering the whole family to watch the punishment of the servants.

It was expected that the whole family would gather to watch the punishment of servants, an activity that sought to combat the boredom of the long winters.

At the same time, this noisy, violent, and pathetic spectacle reiterated the unlimited power over the lives and bodies of the servants.

The fact that all family members of all ages acted naturally and happily in the face of the young servant's suffering and agony taught young people and noble children that torturing, whipping, and inflicting pain on their servants was acceptable and even necessary to maintain order and dominion over the servants.

The nobles must not show pity, mercy, or any other feeling other than superiority and cruelty. The screams of despair and the pleas of the servants were considered fun, funny, and part of the joy for the noble family to live together.