SCA
in Eastern Canada
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This is a HTML version of a hand-out that was used in the Canton of Wolfsgate. It should answer some of your questions about how to get ready for your first SCA event.
What sort of person comes to an event?
Our events are open to people of all ages and backgrounds. We have many families who come together as families, from the youngest toddler to the grandfather. We have teenagers. We have retirees. Many of our members are university educated; many others have less formal education but love to keep on learning new things. Some of us are students and some of us are teachers. Some of us are poor as churchmice and some of as are well-to-do.
We do share many traits in common, though: we enjoy being part of a community of fellow enthusiasts; we are not put "off stride" by the unusual; and, we like to try new things. Most importantly, we are a group of friends.
What time period does the SCA try to recapture?
Generally, we "do" the period between 600 and 1600 for any country known to Europe during that time and that practiced some form of feudalism. The greatest interest lies in the 850-1580 period, but we have some folks who are even pre-600 and others (like the Cavaliers) that go as far as 1650.
Cultures commonly represented include Viking, Irish, English, Welsh, French, Italian, Japanese, Saracen, Moorish and barbarian (such as Mongul). Yes, we realize that this is pushing the boundaries of what historians call the "Middle Ages", but please remember: "Creative" is our middle name!
How do I participate in the re-creation?
One of the things that the SCA does, that distinguishes it from other historical re-creation groups, involves the adoption of a "persona" by individual members. Think of it as a sort of role playing, where you adopt the name, culture, dress and habits of a person who could have lived in the middle ages. You act like this character and use this persona as a starting point for your research into the middle ages.
Persona selection and development is very individual. Some people develop it to a fine degree, whilst for others it goes no further than a name. There is no right and wrong way to do it, but there are some guidelines:
First, don't be in a great hurry. Go to an event or two and get your bearings. Many new folk don't know much about the middle ages, and this gives them a chance to learn enough to find out where their interest lies.
Second, cultivate friends in the group and ask for their assistance. We are a very friendly bunch and don't mind newcomers asking for advice.
Third, the persona must be documentably from the period you choose. This usually means finding some written reference to the name or to its component parts from that period. For example, if you can show that Andrew and Donald were in use in 13th century Scotland, and you wanted to "be" a 13th century Scot, you could choose a name like Andrew MacDonald or Donald MacAndrew.
Fourth, the persona must not be a historical person or mythological character or claim to be descended from them. This means that you can't pretend to be Robin Hood or the son of Froddo.
Finally, don't lay claim to a title. Titles such as Lord, Lady, Sir, Master or Mistress as well as forms of address such as Your Lordship or Your Ladyship, Your Excellency, Your Highness, Your Majesty or Your Grace are the result of earned honours, bestowed by the King and Queen.
If you wish, your persona may have his or her own coat of arms (heraldically known as a "device"), which they may register with the SCA college of heralds. Ask any herald for assistance in this.
What do I bring to a feast?
It was the custom in the Middle Ages to arrive at an Inn or Lodging with your own service. By "service", I mean a bowl and/or platter, goblet and/or tankard, a spoon and a knife. Usually you also brought your own salt.
At an SCA event, you will not find the tables set nor will you usually find salt at the table. You bring your own tablecloth, napkins, dishes and cutlery. Forks were virtually unknown throughout most of the Middle Ages, so spoons and knives are what you bring to eat with. A wooden or earthenware bowl is a good start for holding soup or stew. Add a wooden or wicker basket for bread, a trencher (long bowl) for other things, a small dish for salt, a couple of candles and a mug or goblet and you're all set.
Most folks have a picnic basket or feast box to carry all this around in. Some people can fit it all into a small shoulder or belt bag (known as a scrip).
If you are unsure of what will be alright to bring, just ask!
What do I wear to a feast?
We wear Medieval clothes, not costumes. To distinguish the Medieval clothes from everyday clothes, we refer to the Medieval clothing as "garb".
Everybody who comes to an event must make an attempt to dress themselves in a Medieval style. Since newcomers can hardly be expected to have a closet full of Medieval clothing, the person who is in charge of hospitality (our Chatelaine) runs a service called "Gold Key", from which you may borrow clothing for the evening.
If you wish to make your own, you might like to read the instructions for a quick and simple tunic of period design, known as a T-tunic:
How do I act at a feast?
In the SCA, it is assumed eveybody has been born to the nobility. That's right, there are no serfs unless that person wishes to play the part of a serf. (Remember what I said about "Creative" being our middle name?)
Generally acceptable forms of address are Milord or Milady. Although forms of address differ with persons of rank, nobody takes offence at being called Milord or Milady.
Acceptable topics of conversation include anything that your persona would talk about in his or her time period and questions or comments about the SCA in general. Any talk about rock music, computers, fast cars and Star Trek are discouraged.
Behave with courtesy! Here are a few suggestions for courteous behavior:
Finally, learn and remember the word "Hold!" If you hear it, stop what you're doing and find out why it has been called. It may have nothing to do with you, but it may be that you're about to put your foot on a hornet's nest. Everybody looks out for everyone's safety!
thescholarsgarret.com),
known in the SCA as Master Henry MacQueen of Longhouse.