Welcome to the Current Middle Ages
What is the Society for Creative Anachronism?
The Society for Creative Anachronism is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the customs, combat, and courtesies of the Middle Ages. Each member does this by assuming a persona based on a medieval character. The society is incorporated under the laws of California with branches across the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea.
What is a persona?
Part of the fun in joining the S.C.A. is selecting a persona, or a personal character from a specific historic time and place. Each person chooses a chronological and geographic location, and proceeds to research customs, manners, ethics, dress, eating habits, and many other factors from his chosen time and place to "flesh out" the characteristics of his persona from the past. The only restriction is that a persona may not be an actual historic figure, nor one from mythology or literature. The research about this persona may be as complex or as simple as the individual chooses. The time from of most personas in the Society covers approximately one thousand years, from about 600 to 1600 AD and geographically includes all parts of the world known to western Europe in that epoch. While the emphasis is primarily European, many individuals have chosen an Oriental, Arabic, or even a Central American persona.
What are the activities of the Society?
There are Tournaments where the martial arts of the Middle Ages are displayed, and Feasts and Revels where medieval food, drink and entertainment are sampled. Classes on subjects dealing with either the Current Middle Ages (the S.C.A.) or the pre-seventeenth century world are taught by members at events called Universities or Collegiums. Arts and Sciences events emphasize the exhibition and/or competition of various artistic skills and research of S.C.A. members. Guilds or similar groups hold meetings to instruct and assist interested persons in such subjects as dance, cooking, armor making, needlework, music, and more. Information on the S.C.A. is also disseminated in newsletters, magazines, and pamphlets. In addition to the historic aspect of research and re-creation, the S.C.A. also encourages the spread of chivalry, courtesy, honor, and graciousness, qualities which are sadly lacking in today's world.
Isn't combat with medieval weapons dangerous?
It could be, but combat in the S.C.A. is governed by strict rules which minimize the hazards. First, the weapons are not made of metal, but from materials that simulate the weight and handling of the medieval weapons. In addition, protective gear must be worn, including a steel helmet, all conforming to S.C.A. standards. A "kill" occurs when a blow is struck that would have been disabling or fatal had a real weapon been used. Blows are judged by the combatants themselves on their honor, not by marshals or judges.
What else is there to do in the Society?
Among other things, we do:
| Brewing | Calligraphy | Archery | Armoring | Knitting |
| Research | Costuming | Tent making | Heraldry | Embroidery |
| Basketry | Weaving | Herbalism | Court dancing | Illumination |
| Singing | Linguistics | Feasting | Lace making | Cooking |
| Fencing | Astronomy | Belly dancing | Newsletters | Gaming |
| Glassblowing | Spinning | Knife making | Hawking | Etc., etc. |
The most typical S.C.A. events are tournaments and feasts. Everyone comes in medieval costume, from the simplest peasant tunic to the most elaborate court dress. For the first-timer who may not have a costume, the Gold Key offers a loan of appropriate dress. Authenticity is encouraged in as many areas as possible: pavilions, food, utensils, furniture, clothing, weapons, etc.
How did the Society get started?
On May 1, 1966 in Berkeley, California, a group of people held a party in the form of a medieval tournament. They re-created combat with broadsword and shield. Singing, dancing, poetry and other aspects of medieval culture were also featured. This event was so well received that it was decided to hold such activities again. The original group became the start of the S.C.A., and soon there were other groups in the East, Mid-West and South, each forming a Kingdom. As of Spring 2008 there are nineteen Kingdoms in the S.C.A. and over 35,000 paid members worldwide.
Who runs these Kingdoms?
A Sovereign is chosen by right of arms (combat) in the Crown lists which are held two or three times a year (three times in the West Kingdom). The winner of the Lists or Sovereign chooses his/her own Queen/King Consort. The Sovereign rules for a period of months called a reign, but cannot succeed him/herself.
The Seneschal is the administrative officer.
The Herald advises on matters of heraldry and serves as the public address system at events. Heralds are the voice of the Crown.
The Minister of Arts and Minister of Sciences are responsible for the teaching and practical application of crafts and skills.
The Earl Marshal or Knight Marshal is charged with maintaining safety on the field of combat.
The Chirurgeon is in charge of first aid.
The entire Society is governed by a Boards of Directors which takes care of such mundane matters as processing applications and paying taxes.
How are local chapters organized?
Local groups are called Baronies, Shires, Cantons, or Colleges, depending on size, and are organized in the same way as the Kingdom. Each group has it's own Seneschal, Herald, Minister of Arts and Sciences, Marshall, and Chirurgeon. These officers are answerable to the Kingdom, as well as to the local populace.
Are there Knights in the S.C.A.?
Yes andmore! When a person is judged to have reached a level of skill or service equal to those of his or her prospective peers and mastered the chivalric graces, he or she may be asked to accept one of the Orders of Peerage. The Order of the Pelican (service to the Society), Order of the Laurel (skill or knowledge of the arts and sciences), and Order of Chivalry (skill in combat) are the Orders of Peerage in the S.C.A. and are considered equal in rank.
Knighthood/Master of Arms is an honor bestowed, by the Crown after consultation with the members of the Order of Chivalry, upon those who have demonstrated excellence on the field or combat and who also embody the highest ideals of the chivalric tradition. They alone are entitled to wear the traditional symbols of knighthood: a white belt, a heavy unadorned (usually gold) chain, and spurs. Masters of Arms wear only a white baldric.
There are many other awards in the S.C.A., all of which are earned by the holder. Although a new member may not use any titles until they have been earned & bestowed by the Crown or Coronet, all S.C.A. participants are considered to be of gentle birth and are therefore addressed as "milord" or "milady".
What are the requirements for participation?
Anyone may attend events of the Society for Creative Anachronism, provided he or she is willing to wear pre-seventeenth century clothing of any period or culture known to medieval Europe, conform to the By-Laws and rules of the S.C.A., and behave as a lady or gentleman.
Memberships are paid to the national organization. Sustaining members receive their Kingdom's newsletter. Sustaining members can also purchase subscriptions to other Kingdoms' newsletters, Tournaments Illuminated (the quarterly magazine of the Society), the Compleat Anachronist pamphlet series, and the Board of Directors' Proceedings.
Membership is not required to participate in events, but is required for holding office.
All participants must sign liability waivers before participating in any official Society event. Minors must have their parents sign special waivers (available on request) before coming to the event.
This document is reprinted here with the permission of the West Kingdom Chatelaine.
The Chatelaine is the officer responsible for helping newcomers.