The tradition predates christianity. –“Free men without landed property could s

The tradition predates christianity.

–“Free men without landed property could swear fealty to a man of property who as their lord would then be responsible for their upkeep, including generous feasts and gifts. This system of sworn retainers was central to early Germanic society, and the loyalty of the retainer to his lord generally replaced his family ties.”–

western militialism defeated familism.
the church tried to defeat clannishness.
The church did so to break up the territory so that it could aquire more and more land in europe, and rent land to more workers.