Clan Diefledermaus - Knowledge Pool - Garb and Etiquete at Pennsic

Knowledge Pool

Garb and Etiquete at Pennsic

Garb

There has always been a lot of talk about this subject in the SCA. However, the pre-Pennsic manual was quite specific about this topic a few years ago. Thus sayeth the SCA:

All participants, while in public, must make a reasonable attempt at pre-17th century historical costume. If you have a fantasy based persona , you are welcome to attend Pennsic, but you need to leave your fantasy persona at home and develop an alternative that meets our criteria. A reasonable attempt at pre-17th century dress does not include:

elf ears
fangs
any other physical enhancement that suggests supernatural origins
star trek / science fiction costumes
18th or 19th century military uniforms
blatant and highly visible modern clothing unless coming into or leaving campsite.
clothing which looks like modern swimwear in areas other than at the swimming holes.
clothing which violates common public decency standards
Reminder: wearing a sword or similar regalia does not make jeans and a t-shirt acceptable garb.

Of course these guidelines apply only while you are in public at the War, such as up at the marketplace. As everyone knows our camp is much more easy going towards “appropriate garb”. If you would like to get some ideas about garb, please view our picture gallery, the Liber Vespertilionis.

Courtesy

Courtesy as well as other chivalric ideals help define the SCA. Remember basic politeness and try to treat other in the best possible manner at all times. Although this is not an event sponsored by “miss manners” , certain courtesies are expected and have become custom. If not followed, problems may arise for the individual as well as the clan to which they belong. (The pre-Pennsic manual cites provisions for the eviction of whole clans from the event and the barring of them from future events so they are getting serious!). Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Try to use a correct form of address for all people. If you are unsure of their title a simple milord or m’lady will suffice.
Remember, while at Pennsic, individual camps are basically people’s homes. Always ask permission before entering anyone’s camp. If there are doors, knock. If there aren’t simply call out “hail camp” and wait for a response before walking in.
Always use obvious entrances and exits to camps as opposed to inventing one of your own.
If possible, try to observe hospitality to visitors within the camp. Offer drinks to guests etc.
Try not to “bad-mouth” individuals in their own camp or in a loud, aggressive manner.
A lot of drinking etc. goes on at these events, if someone has over-stepped the bounds of courtesy under these circumstances and you feel that they may be unreasonable, please do not try to resolve the situation at that time but wait until the next day when tempers and blood alcohol levels have dropped


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