Philosophy

Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism strive
to recapture the ambiance of the Middle ages and the
Renaissance through recreating such things as dress,
weaponry, armor, jewelry and food. In other words, they
seek to recreate any facet of medieval life. Authenticity is
encouraged in as many areas as possible, and the members
put their research into practice by actually constructing
medieval- style artifacts, practicing medieval arts and
crafts, learning to fight with sword and shield and so on.
More than research and practice, the SCA also attempts
to embody those lost ideals that are found in the medieval
romances: chivalry, courtesy, honor and graciousness.
The SCA recreates the Middle Ages as they might have been,
adding a note of consideration for others in an often
too-indifferent world.

Structure

The Known World of the Current Middle Ages encompasses
the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland,
England, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Japan. It is divided
into fifteen kingdoms, each ruled by a king and queen who
have won the Crown in a medieval tournament. The Kingdoms
may be subdivided into Principalities ruled by a Prince and
Princess who also owe their coronets to victory in combat.
Kingdoms and Principalities are composed of local branches
called provinces, baronies, cantons, shires and similar names
from other languages. There are over 500 local branches in
the Known World. 

Administration

The responsibilities of administration do not rest solely on the
shoulders of the rulers because there is a well-organized civil
service to take care of much of the tedium of running a
Kingdom and the SCA. The registry (a central office run by the
corporation for all the Kingdoms) processes membership
applications and maintains the mailing list. Seneschals oversee
the daily affairs. Marshals supervise the fighting and related
safety regulations. Chroniclers publish the newsletters. Some
kingdoms have a Gold Key pavilion to offer information and
loan appropriate costume to the first-time visitor. Chatelaines
welcome the newcomer to the SCA.

Activities

The SCA sponsors many different events. There are
numerous revels (the medieval equivalent of the modern
party), seminars, demonstrations and tournaments. Banquets
are held which copy the medieval high feasts with authentic
recipes and entertainment. Various craft guilds hold meetings
for those interested in specific arts. Seminars are held on topics
of interest to members and other students of medieval history.
The SCA also holds public demonstrations of fighting.

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