What is the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)?

You might have seen them at some time or another. Perhaps you went into a grocery store and noticed a small group of individuals dressed in Elizabethan clothing, maybe even mixed with a Viking or two. You may even have asked them if they were in a play. When you're in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), you get used to that question.

The SCA is an international, 501(c)(3) organization. Though it started in Berkeley, California during the sixties, as a group of individuals doing a little partying in the costumes of the Middle Ages, it has certainly changed over the years. Now, the SCA sports scholars, role players, serious students and yes, still some party animals. As long as an attempt is made at appearing to belong somewhere in the era between the years 600 and 1600, and one is willing to follow the rules and play nice, all are welcome at an SCA event. Once there, people often find themselves drawn to learn more about the history and lifestyles of that fascinating period in time.

The Anachronism comes not only from the mix of the modern world with the Middle Ages, but also the wide range displayed within those middle ages. Fourteenth century Kings and Queens watch the fields where Eleventh century Celtic warriors fight Thirteenth century Spaniards. Vikings mix with the local gentry and court might be held by a Baron and Baroness who award their subjects appearing from multiple places and time periods. There is one common theme though: Polite deference to the nobility and each other, a desire to "live the dream" and a thirst for learning more about the time period.

The Known World (the world that those of us not participating in the SCA call Earth) is divided in by the SCA into Kingdoms, Principalities or Territories. These are then ruled by individuals who have fought and won the battle for its Crown. Armed combat decides SCA rulers and those rulers might invest Barons and Baronesses to take care of smaller territories within their Kingdom.

Three areas of expertise exist for interested individuals to pursue toward excellence in their study of the Middle Ages. Interest in the arts or sciences can produce the society-wide award called the Laurel, those who choose service as their forte can pursue the society recognized Pelican and those who excel in armed combat, plus some other more genteel activities, may just end up recognized by the entire society when they are knighted at the hands of the current King of their Kingdom.

Even names, heraldic arms and badges are part of the attempt to study the medieval period and are monitored by the SCA College of Heralds. These individuals pursue knowledge in the heraldic arts of that period. Individuals research names that are appropriate for a place and time and then can design a heraldic device that identifies them to all others. They submit these to the Heralds for approval. Once they achieve the award of Lord or Lady, they may display their approved heraldry.

The society attracts those who enjoy a bit of role playing, those who wish to learn a medieval art form, craft or skill and those who enjoy the thought of medieval battles. There are experts at medieval cooking, and seamstresses who are conversant in various clothing of a wide range or narrow period of costuming. There are those who study the sciences, wood working or blacksmithing of the middle ages. There are orators, writers, poets and musicians. There are archers, heavy weapons experts and rapier fighters. Whatever was made or created, there is probably an individual studying it. Some individuals even turn their interest into a career, learning to make some of the wares people need or use in their hobby and selling them at various SCA events around the country.

So, if you often find your nose in the history books; if you enjoyed the movies "Princess Bride", "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", "Robin Hood", "Braveheart" or "Camelot"; if you think the Renn Faire is a riot or you always had a secret desire to kneel before a Queen, then the SCA might be just the place for you. And of course the next time you're in a grocery store, or stop at a gas station and you see some people who appear to have stepped right out of the middle ages, they may be in a play, but just maybe they are in the SCA and on their way to or from a weekend battle.