What Is the SCA?

Borrowed from: http://munchkinsmedievallife.weebly.com/. The Society for Creative Anachronism is a world wide non profit educational organization that focuses on the medieval era. If you attend a few events you may notice people whose personas are as old as the Roman empire or as recent as Renaissance Europe. The emphasis is on education in this period of history. You will see not just outfits and attitudes, but arts, crafts, foods, martial and sciences from that era. Those who enjoy this period of history learn all sorts of interesting things, from hand weaving to metalworking, mounted combat to archery, and rapier or armored combat. The SCA has created its own entire world of Medieval. You can even be recogized and gain status within the society for your knowledge and expertise. The SCA is not Renaissance Faire, being a non profit as opposed to a commercial event, with a strong emphasis on correct era clothing and accouterments. Members create a persona and develop themselves by learning arts, crafts, or disciplines. At some bigger events there will be merchants, in fact some of the same merchants you might see at a Renn faire. But overwhelmingly, this is a very different culture. The SCA is not LARP. Well, ok, it is sort of like Live Action Role Play. Except that it is fact based, not fantasy based. And there are no dice rolls, no GMs, werewolves or dragons. Although once I saw a woman confined to a scooter that dressed the scooter up like a dragon. it was fantastically adorable. And you might see dragons as part of Heraldic devices.

Some basics I picked up along the way

First rule of SCA: Volunteer volunteer volunteer! Folks talk while unloading and then later packing up gear, they appreciate the help, and they remember you later. It can be the best way to meet new people, and to find someone who knows what they are doing that can help you. Second rule of SCA: PAY ATTENTION to the Marshals and those in charge! Even if you are not actively involved with what is going on, just a spectator, you must be aware of them. This is a safety concern. Many aspects of medieval reenactment have dangerous elements, from unpredictable horses, to arrows or even swords. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the lead of those who know more than you. Third rule of SCA: ALWAYS be gracious! Thank those who helped you, express interest in seeing everyone again soon. In general SCA folk are very polite. They appreciate politeness in return. That doesn't mean you have to be on your best behavior. Heck, most of us have a great sense of humor and can vary from crass and outspoken to reserved yet opinionated. Show people respect, treat them as you wish to be treated. Fourth rule of SCA: Pay the site fee. It costs money to reserve or rent the space for these events. It is not very often that a space is donated, so the local SCA group is paying for this rental. Your fees go directly to the Barony or Kingdom that is sponsoring the event. Remember, this is a NON PROFIT group, they do not get paid to show up and run these events, it is a choice.

Culture and etiquette

It is considered respectful to at least nod an acknowledgment as you walk past anyone with a "pointy hat." They may be engaged in conversation or whatever, but just a nod in passing is part and parcel with the culture. Clothing basics: Please until you understand what it means and have earned it... Do not wear a white, green, yellow, or red belt. Or a full circlet coronet on your head. These have very specific meanings to the SCA culture and could cause issues and misunderstandings.

A white belt is a symbol for Knights. Spurs are as well, but if you are an active equestrian, they are pretty forgiving of you leaving your little useful nubs on. The Spurs of a knight are usually gold, large, fancy and not very useful in reality. **The white belt is the ONLY restricted belt color. DO NOT WEAR A WHITE BELT!** The following colors are not"restricted" but they are a custom in the SCA culture. A red belt is a symbol for the squires to those knights. A red belt shows that you are under instruction from a knight. The red belt is gifted to the squire by his knight, there are traditions involved with the passing of a squires belt. And usually the belt also includes some information on it about whom that squire answers to. A green belt is worn by those whom are apprenticed to Laurels. They are learning from a master in some art. A yellow belt is worn by those in service to a Pelican. Your best bet are black, brown, or blue, even metal belts for dressing up. You can also do cloth sashes, but again, the colors have meaning. You can use a combination of colors as well, for instance if your have a braided leather belt and one of the colors is red, green or yellow, not a problem. IF you want to wear a green, yellow or red belt, I suggest you go with something "off" color. Like ox-blood instead of red, or a dark green instead of pure green, slightly orange yellow instead of pure lemon yellow. Tan instead of white please! Braided multi color belts are great, and add a touch of personal flare to your outfit.

Cireclets and coronets have significant meaning. Do NOT wear one until you understand it, and have earned it. The SCA has an award: The Award of Arms or AoA. It is one of the first forms of recognition you can achieve in this culture. Usually achieved via volunteering, or by being active, helpful, friendly, and obviously attempting to learn the SCA culture. Wearing of a small plain, flat circlet to signify your AoA is permitted, but the acceptance of wearing it varies from kingdom to kingdom. In my kingdom its ok. But there are other kingdoms which feel a circlet is not part of AoA, but should be reserved for higher place court positions. In some kingdoms people would only wear their small flat AoA circlet to a court event, (what I call "excuses to dress up") A circlet with points on it signifies higher status. The number of points explains the position. A baron or baroness may have 1 point. Where as the King and Queen have points around the whole thing. Dukes and Duchesses have points on their coronets as well, but the specific # escapes me currently.

An Award of Arms is a basic award of acknowledgment for service within the SCA. When you are given your AoA, you are granted a right to create and bear arms, to make your Heraldic device. It must be designed and reviewed by heralds to ensure it is unique and not "in conflict" with anyone else's before it is approved. A Herald has been trained in the art of Heraldry, they can help design arms, awards, scrolls and formal declarations. They also make announcements at events.