This information is adapted from a Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) publication, Forward Into the Past, copyright 1989 by the Society for Creative Anachronism, and is presented herewith in accordance with the copyright terms contained therein.
Our objective in presenting this information is twofold: 1) to provide a general introduction to the Society for Creative Anachronism; and 2) to provide some general information for members of the Richard III Society for clothing and conduct at medieval re-creation events such as feasts and tournaments. In the interests of conserving space, much worthwhile information on SCA members' involvement in arts and sciences, heraldry, and recreating combat has been omitted. For those interested in more detailed information on the SCA and its activities, this link will take you immediately to the SCA homepage with links to kingdom homepages and other information.
An "anachronism" is something that is out of its proper time frame. "Creative anachronism" takes the best qualities of the Middle Ages and selectively re-creates them in the modern world.
Geographically, the SCA covers the globe, with the majority of its members living in the United States and Canada. There are 12 kingdoms, each with its own King and Queen chosen on the field of combat. You are a subject of a kingdom by virtue of where you live for the majority of the year. Your membership is with the Society, not with any particular local group. If you have any questions, contact the person who is listed as Seneschal of your kingdom. Their names appear in Tournaments Illuminated and in each kingdom newsletter.
The kingdoms are independent of each other, and there is a considerable amount of variation among them. Each kingdom has a body of written "law" established by the King and Queen, to define the specific rules it follows, and a larger body of generally accepted custom that gives each kingdom its unique personality. All the kingdoms build their laws and customs on a framework called the Corpora, which sets overall rules for the Society.
Kingdoms are divided into local and regional chapters called principalities, baronies, shires, marches, cantons, colleges, and ridings. The names of these divisions reflect the size of the membership and/or the larger division through whom the group reports. Your local group might use one of these terms as part of its name. Use these links to return to:
When you arrive at you first meeting or event, go up to someone and introduce yourself. Explain that you are new and ask who you can talk to about learning more about the group. Some groups have special people (known as hospitaler, castellan or chatelaine) to greet newcomers, but others do not. Approach someone who is working on a project and ask about it. Most people are glad to talk about what they are doing.
At either meetings or events, people may be so involved with what they came to do that they do not notice a new person. Some are too shy themselves to ask if you are new. Begin by observing others and start a conversation about what they are doing. If you see a skill or craft that interests you, ask who might be willing to teach it. Listen for announcements of guild meetings where people who practice that craft gather to share information and help each other.
If members are so involved in their projects that you feel ignored or unwanted, have patience and persist in coming to meetings. Keep asking questions. Some groups provide special meetings for newcomers to help them learn what they need to know to feel a part of the group. Be sure to attend those. Volunteer to help at any events, if only in the kitchen or with clean-up. Many new friends can be made over hot dishwater! Use these links to return to:
Do not wear a white belt, sash, or baldric (belt across the chest). White is reserved for members of the Chivalry. Bright- colored belts, such as red, green, or yellow, are often used to indicate that the wearer is a student of a particular person who has been honored for excellence in one of the SCA fields of endeavor. Although the colors are not restricted, in some kingdoms there may be a misunderstanding. Necklaces of chain links without medallions or other pendants are also worn by special groups. You should avoid them until you ask about local customs.
Avoid wearing a sword until you have asked about what is permissible in your kingdom. Many people wear knives. There is a special etiquette about bearing a steel blade. To keep the knife or blade from becoming unsheathed accidentally, many people fasten a cord around it to hold it in place. Before you remove it from the sheath, it is customary in most kingdoms to call "Clear" to warn nearby people that there is a bare blade. Do not threaten another person with your knife, even in play,. Also, don't handle other people's property without their permission. Ask before you touch.
Courteous and honorable behavior is at the cord of the Society. It is difficult to be too polite. Respectful terms of address and avoidance of discussing the modern world add to the medieval flavor of an event. Skill-at-arms, excellence in the arts, and long service are all diminished without respectful and courteous conduct. Use these links to return to:
With apologies to those readers without graphics
browsers; those with graphics browsers can select the image to view a
larger, legible patternIf this will be you first piece of "garb," consider a washable fabric in cotton or a cotton and polyester blend, or a wood and polyester blend. Although an all-polyester fabric is easy to care for, it may look to "modern." The colors can range from earth tones to vivid, bright colors, but be careful to avoid the "shrieking," fluorescent, modern hues.
Use 60" wide (150 cm) fabric, or sew two widths of 45" or 36" together. (If you have to piece it, it is no more work to use a different color for each piece!). Fold the fabric in quarters, with one set of folds at the top and one fold running the long way down the middle of what will become the front (see diagram).
Take the following measurements, being sure to add an additional 1/2" for seams.
Cut out the tunic. When cutting out the neck opening, it is best to underestimate your head size and cut too small at first. Enlarge the opening little by little until it is the size you want. Remember that a little cutting can make a big difference!
With the right sides (the outside of the fabric) together, sew up the side seams. Put commercial bias tape around the neck opening so the fabric does not unravel when you put it on and take it off. Hem the bottom. Put on any trim that you want. Wear it over a turtleneck, pants and boots, or over a lighter-weight version of the same tunic with narrower sleeves.
For most periods, the more cloth you use, the more upper-class the effect. Also, very long floor-length skirts are easier to wear when very full. Add gores at A and perhaps also at center back. The closer you come to a full circle, the better. At that point, you can walk in a skirt four to five inches longer than your neck-to-floor measurement without picking up your skirt.
For men, the length can be anywhere from hip to ankle, depending on the period. The dotted line with stars could be a side seam for men, and also for very early women's dress. Use these links to return to:
If you event you are attending includes a feast be sure you have made a reservation, if required, and that you bring "feast gear" -- a spoon, knife, plate, napkin, and something to drink from. You may also wish to bring a small cloth in case the table is uncovered, a fork, a bowl, small containers of sugar and salt, and a plastic trash bag to put dirty feast gear in after you have eaten. Many people bring their own beverage, but often some form of drink is provided. Iced tea, lemonade, and water are common.
For outdoor events, it is wise to bring a folding chair or a blanket to sit on. Carry a portable supply of water or other beverage, especially if you will be in the sun for part of the day. Bring a hat or other sun-shade for protection. Working on a craft, project, or game can be a good way to meet others at an event when you tire of observing. Although at many events a feast is served in the evening, if you wish to eat earlier, you may need to bring your own lunch or a snack. Avoid modern-looking food and drink containers or cover them with a cloth.
When the King and/or Queen are present, people in many kingdoms will make a "reverence" (a bow or a curtsey) each time they walk past the King or Queen. They will also make a reverence when the King or Queen walk past them or when they walk past the Royal Thrones, even if no one sits there. The space some 10' to 20' around the thrones is considered part of the Royal Presence. Walk around it, rather than through it. Watch what others are doing and copy them. Be careful not to stand where you might block the view of the King or Queen. When sitting on the throne, they are not as mobile as you are.
"Court" is a very special event with an emphasis on ceremony and courteous behavior. When called before Their Majesties, in most kingdoms people remove their weapons before approaching. They make a reverence when they come near, then kneel. As they leave, notice that they walk backwards several steps, bow or curtsey again, and then turn to walk back to their seats. Try to sit near the front so that you can see well and watch others as they stand, sit, or bow. If necessary, quietly ask someone near you to explain what you do not understand.
The policy on smoking varies but generally it is not permitted indoors. Ask about the local policy on flash photography. Some kingdoms forbid it, especially at Court events. Keep in mind that the feast, event, or Court is an attempt to recreate the Middle Ages. Cigarettes and flashbulbs did not exist then and are obvious when being used. Use these links to return to:
Kingdom newsletters include the names of persons to contact in each of your kingdom's groups. If your newsletter does not list the meeting dates and times for the group nearest you, call or write the primary local contact person, known as the Seneschal, for more information. Most kingdoms have a specific guide for newcomers giving details about the kingdom's operation, structure, and practices. If none is available at a local meeting, write to the kingdom chatelaine or information officer to obtain one. There may be a small fee.
Through the Office of the Stock Clerk (P.O. Box 360743, Milpitas, CA 95035-0743) the SCA sells a number of helpful publications at modest prices. The most comprehensive is the Known World Handbook, which contains over 200 pages of information on dozens of topics to help the newcomer learn about the SCA, as well as some "how-to" articles. Ask for a list of publications from the Stock Clerk.
By formally joining the SCA, you provide valued financial support, are counted in the growing ranks of those supporting the Society's aims and ideals, and may receive a discount at many Society events. The SCA is one of the few orgnaizations, however, where you can participate without paying dues, although those who are able are strongly encouraged to become paying members.
To become a paid member, you need to complete and return an SCA membership form. If you don't have one, please ask a paid SCA member for a copy, or send a post card or letter with your name and mailing address to: The Society for Creative Anachronism, P. O. Box 360743, Milpitas, CA 95035-0743.