What is a guild?

A guild is an association of craftsmen or merchants who have joined together for mutual aid and protection, often in pursuit of common goals, such as the promotion of their respective crafts or trades, the establishment of fair pricing, the standardization of goods, and the protection of their members' interests against competition and outside forces. Guilds were prevalent in medieval Europe, where they played a vital role in the organization and regulation of the economy. Guilds typically had their own governing bodies, such as a master, a council, or a hierarchy of officers, and they often had strict rules and regulations to which members were expected to adhere. Guilds sponsored education and apprenticeship programs, constructed their own buildings and places of worship, and sometimes played a prominent role in civic and religious ceremonies. Today, many guilds continue to exist in various forms, often as professional associations or unions in fields such as law, medicine, and the arts.