Welcome to the Current Middle Ages


Picture if you will a green field encircled by colorful pavilions, pennants flying in the breeze. Lords and ladies in medieval garb stroll about, engaged in pleasant conversation. A minstrel strums on his lute, softly singing a love song. On the field, armored knights strive with sword and shield for their kingdom's highest honor. In the royal pavilion, the king and queen confer with their ministers.

This is no fantasy. This is the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the recreation of the culture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as they were and as they might have been. For close to thirty years, SCA members have been delving into history to find not only
something fascinating, liberating and romantic, but also fun.

What it's all about
The SCA is "living history". Unlike other historical recreation groups such as the Civil War re-enactors, the SCA's focus is on culture, not specific events, and encompasses a huge time/space focus (usually, though not restricted to, 1000 to 1650 A.D.).

Members of the SCA strive to recapture the ambiance of the past and express it in a new form, a "Current Middle Ages". This requires an exploration of historical topics such as dress, weaponry, armor, jewelry, food, and life styles of the period. But more than just doing research, members attempt to practice what they have learned, by actually constructing medieval-style artifacts, practicing medieval arts and crafts, learning to fight with sword and shield, and so on.

If it was done before the modern age, chances are someone in the SCA is doing it now. SCA members are involved in everything from calligraphy to jewelry smithing, armor-making to archery, medieval cookery and brewing Greek theatre, gypsy belly dancing to woodcarving, madrigal choruses to bag piping and much more.

The Dream
In addition to the historical/cultural aspects of research and re-creation, the SCA also attempts to embody those lofty ideals found in the romantic vision many people hold of the Middle Ages: Chivalry, Courtesy, Honor, Graciousness, Consideration for others. This is what we call "The Dream" - recreating the Middle Ages as they might have been. In so doing, the SCA offers a refreshing rest from stressful daily life.

Organization
The Society is organized into several Kingdoms covering the United States, Canada, Australia, and U.S. Air force bases in Europe.
Each Kingdom is further subdivided into appropriately medieval groupings: Principalities, Baronies, Provinces, Shires, and Cantons. Shires are most common and constitute the majority of local SCA chapters. For example, the Shire of Eisental centered in Allentown, PA, includes more than thirty area residents.
SCA Kingdoms are governed by Kings, selected by armed combat at regularly scheduled tournaments. The victor crowns the lady of his choice Queen. Of course, a woman winning the crown would crown the lord of her choice King (we are an equal opportunity monarchy). Similarly, Principalities are ruled by Princes elected by combat. The responsibilities of administration do not rest solely on the shoulders of the monarch. Each Kingdom has a well-organized "civil service" of appointed and elected officers. Other groups, such as shires, are also run by appointed or elected officers.

Personas
The SCA operates on a basis of individual initiative: what you do depends entirely on your interests and motivation.
The key to your involvement is the creation of a "persona".
Although there's some similarity, don't confuse an SCA persona with a role-playing game character. An SCA persona is your projection of yourself into another time and culture. Some people follow their family ancestry back to the Scottish Highlands, or 16th century France, etc. Others pick a culture that's always intrigued them because of history, philosophy, art, a book they read once, or even a movie. Still others follow an interest they already have back into history; a person interested in herbology may become a 9th century Celtic soothsayer; a martial artist may become a samurai etc... You name it. The only restriction is that you may not be an actual historical figure like Elizabeth I or Eric the Red or a character from a piece of literature or fiction. Your persona is entirely original.
When several persons share a common interest in the same culture, they often band together as a Household: a group of friends interacting and going to events together to enhance their SCA experiences.

Events
Because of our focus on culture and individuality, SCA events are extremely colorful. Vikings and Elizabethan Privateers gather with Teutonic Knights, Saracens, Celtic warriors and even Samurai in campgrounds, church basements, and college campuses all across the nation. Regardless of the location, authenticity is encouraged in as many areas as possible: pavilions, food, utensils, furniture, clothing, weapons, etc. as participants decorate the event site and bring the event to life. Everyone comes in medieval costume, from the simplest peasant tunic to the most elaborate court dress. The first time you visit an SCA event, you are invited to take advantage of the host group's "Golden Key" : a collection of appropriate clothing you may borrow, as well as friendly information.
The most typical SCA one-day event is a tournament such as that described above. Other one-day events include revels (the medieval equivalent of a modern party) and Universities (days filled with various classes and discussions).
Other larger events involve camping out over a weekend, a whole week or longer.

The Great Pennsic War
The largest of all SCA events is the great Pennsic War; a week-long camping event held in western PA" every August. The combatants in the war are two SCA kingdoms; the East Realm and the Kingdom of the Middle. Joining these two mighty powers in battle are SCA members from the many other kingdoms of the Knowne World; more than eight thousand individuals. In addition to several large-scale battles, the War bustles with other events and activities such as archery shoots. Renaissance-style fencing, Medieval dances (including a glorious Masked Ball), classes on every subject, royal courts, and reveling. There is also a bazaar teeming with merchants and performers. Frequently, SCA chapters will also perform public demonstrations or seminars for interested groups.

How to get involved
Whatever you might want to get into in the SCA, you can find Lords and Ladies of like interest in your local group. Most SCA groups hold regular monthly meetings which are an easy way to meet people. There are always those who will help you get started with garb, combat, arts, persona development and so forth. All you need to bring is interest. Get the name and phone number of the group's Seneschal or Chatelaine (an officer in charge of assisting new members). You can also get information about membership, kingdom officers and newsletters by writing to:

Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
Office of the Registry
P. O. Box 743
Milpitas, California 95035-0743 USA
Phone: (408) 263-9305
Fax: (408) 263-0641
Web Site: www.sca.org

What can you do in the SCA?


People in the Society for Creative Anachronism engage in a wide variety of activities, both peaceable and martial. We are fond of saying, "Most everything someone did in the Middle Ages, someone in the SCA is doing or researching now." Here is a small sampling of some of the hobbies that are practiced by people in the SCA.

Martial Arts/Sports
- 'Heavy Weapons' combat (an approximation of medieval tournament combat using rattan weapons); there are several different weapons forms such as sword and shield, two-sword, polearm. great sword, and spear. Combat takes the form of both individual contests (tournaments) and group combat (melees and battles).
- Fencing - an approximation of Renaissance period dueling using modern safety equipment. Weapons forms include single rapier, rapier and dagger, rapier and cloak, "a case of rapiers" (one in each hand), etc. As with Heavy Weapons, combat takes the form of both tournaments and melees.
- Archery - using period bows and arrows or crossbows for both target competition and combat (combat archery uses specially-made, non-sharp arrows and is done in combination with Heavy Weapons Combat).
- Thrown Weapons Target Competition - using such things as axes, knives, shuriken. etc. thrown at wooden targets of various types.
- Falconry and Equestrian Arts - Though not wide-spread, more and more SCA members are researching and enjoying these activities. Some hunt, some engage in equestrian tourneys (no mounted combat however).

Textile and Fabric working
- Garb-making (costuming) - SCA "garb" ranges from Greek and Roman dress to full Elizabethan, and encompasses a great many styles and levels of difficulty.
- Spinning - researching and using drop spindles, walking wheels, and standard spinning wheels to process wool, linen, silk and other fibers.
- Weaving - on the loom, on tablet (using special cards, to make trim or belts), tapestry weaving, and several other pre-modem
forms.
- Embroidery & Beading - decorative pieces and clothing decoration. Laidwork, crewel, couching, cross stitch, blackwork and many other needlepoint styles, as well as beadwork applique.
- Lace-making. Sprang, and other textile hand arts.
- Hat-making and Hairdressing - from simple braiding to elaborate hennins and veils and intricate Renaissance headcoverings.
- Leather-working and Cobbling - from pouches, leather boots and jerkins to bookbinding and quiver-making. Some people also tan their own leather.

Crafting
- Jewelry-making.
- Glass-working and Bead-making - wire-wrapped bead making, glassblowing and other glass-working, including stained glass.
- Smithing and Armoring - ironmongery, tin-working., bronze-working and making steel armor, as well as knifemaking and other metalworking.
- Carpentry & furniture making.
- Tent and Yurt-making - many people choose to make their own period-style tents, pavilions, and/or yurts (round Asian dome tents).

Food & other arts domestic
- Cooking, baking & pastry-making. Often involving the art of redacting (studying and interpreting) period recipes.
- Brewing - the art of making period beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, such as mead, wine, beers, teas, cordials and liquers, etc. Also often involves redaction of period recipes.
- Herbalism - studying the use of herbs and other materials in cooking, medicine and cosmetics.
- Gardening - growing period plants and making period-style gardens.
- Animal Husbandry - raising livestock such as sheep or geese (usually related to textile arts).
- Eating!

Entertainment
- Music - studying, writing and playing music, vocal and instrumental, either in period style or as a 'filk' - a parody of a song re¬written for the SCA,
- Theatre & puppetry - acting troupes and puppeteers perform period and period-style plays at events.
- Storytelling.
- Game playing - from Hopscotch to Nine-Men's-Morris and Byzantine Chess.
- Dance - Renaissance Italian, English Country Dance, Middle Eastern and other dance forms.

Research & Teaching
- Attending or Teaching classes on medieval subjects. Many SCA events feature classes; often relating to the theme of the event. Some events, called "Universities", are nothing but classes. Instructors are usually SCA members who have volunteered to teach about their favorite subject.
- Researching and writing on medieval subjects. The SCA offers several opportunities to publish your work; Tournaments Illuminated quarterly magazine, the Complete Anachronist pamphlet series. Kingdom newsletters, etc.
- Researching and representing a medieval person (a "persona"). Perhaps the essence of "Living History."
- Heraldry - researching and designing period names and/or heraldic devices. The SCA includes its own "College of Heralds" which trains heralds, researches heraldry and keeps track of the various names and devices in use in the SCA.

Service
- "Voice heraldry" - making announcements during events, either around the event site or during court.
- Events & Administration - many people work together to get events, gatherings, etc. to happen.
- Water-bearing - making sure no one gets dehydrated during physical activities such as fighting.
- Marshaling - keeping martial activities safe.
- Chirugeons - event and fighter first aid.
- Children's and Pages' Activities.
- Chroniclers & Archivists - publishing newsletters and keeping group histories.
- and a large number of other service activities...


*****
Text by Lady Jadwiga Zajaczkowa (Jennifer Heise)

GOOD GRIEF,

what do they mean by that?

If you've just joined the Society, you may find your kingdom newsletter hard to follow at first. People, chapters and offices all assume names with a historical flavor, an there's a whole vocabulary for everyday things as well. You'll get used to it quickly, but here are a few of the main words to start with. (Note—even if you are an Associate member, you should find some way to read your kingdom newsletter and the SCA quarterly magazine, Tournaments Illuminated, for yourself. There is a very good chance that anyone who promises to tell you everything you need to know about our activities and rules is a predator who does not have either your interests or the Society's welfare at heart.)

Autocrat—the person in charge of an event. The "crat" suffix gets added to all sorts of words to identify the person running that activity—for example, the "feastocrat" would be in charge of the meal, under the authority of the autocrat.

Bardic Circle—an informal gathering for singing and storytelling. Anyone who attends is welcome to perform appropriate material, but you can just sit and listen if you prefer.

Court—gathering for announcements and awards.

Crash Space—informal lodgings with members of the group holding die event. Many Society members regard anyone in the organization as a distant cousin, and make floor space available for out-of-town visitors.

Dry/Damp/Wet Site—alcoholic beverage policies. Dry sites allow no alcohol. Damp sites permit wine, beer, and mead, but no hard liquor. Wet sites so not restrict alcohol. "Discretely" damp or wet means that the site is normally dry, but the owners have agreed to permit us to use alcohol as long as the labelled containers are kept out of sight and are removed at the end of the event.

Event—any Society gathering. You're welcome to go to anything listed in the newsletter, and you'll find things to do besides watch at most of them. Some activities (mainly mania! arts) take special training, and you'll need to be "authorized" before you can take part in those.

Farspeaker—telephone.

Feast—an elaborate meal, usually in the evening.

Feast Gear—a place setting for a feast: at least a plate, bowl, goblet, spoon and knife; may also include a napkin, fork, tablecloth, candles, etc. Assume you'll need to bring basic feast gear for any feast unless the announcement says you don't.

Garb—clothing based on the Middle Ages or Renaissance. Required at all events except some local meetings—but your first attempt doesn't have to be fancy!

Gentle—any person.

Halfings—children. (Also referred to as "smalls".)

Mundane—modern, not-in-the-SCA The Society discourages the use of the word, as we're aware it can be irritating. However, forgive those who use it—they don't mean to be insulting.

On-board—attending an event and eating the feast provided by the sponsors. The "on-board" price includes the site fee. (Assume you need to bring other meals, unless the notice promises them.)

Off-board—attending an event and bringing your own dinner. The "off-board" price includes the site fee, a seat at a table, and sometimes bread and butter and some kind of beverage.

Period—the Middle Ages and Renaissance, which comprise the era used by the Society as a base for its activities; or (as an adjective) of, from or reflecting that era.

Porta-castles—chemical toilets (And there are lots of other euphemisms!)

Post-revel—a party after the main event, usually in some-one's home, for socializing and unwinding. Guests often wear modern dress.

Proof of SCA Membership—a photocopy of your membership card or of a recent kingdom newsletter label with your name and address.

Regnum—list of Society branches and officers.

SCA Name—the name someone uses in the Society. Includes at least one given name, and at least one other name or qualifier, but no titles; all titles used in the Society must be granted by SCA royalty.

Site—the place the event is being held.

Site Fee—the cost of admission to an event, usually stated in the coin of the modern country where the event is being held. Some kingdoms have their own words for money—for example, the East uses the Tyger"—but they normally translate to one dollar per whatever.

Troll Booth—the place to check in or buy at-the-door admission to the event. Staffed by "trolls".