Society for Creative Anachronism

The Society for Creative Anachronism (or SCA for short) is a non-profit educational organization devoted to studying and re-creating the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The primary focus is on Western European culture, but can also include other regions such as the Middle East and Japan with which Western Europe had contact during 800-1650 CE. The SCA is easily described as a Middle Ages Arts Revival Recreation Organization.

Events

Events are gatherings where SCA participants come together formally. Events vary enormously so it is difficult to describe a typical example. Most events happen on hired sites, offer a variety of activities and are attended by garbed participants. SCA events are not typically spectator-oriented so attendees are expected to follow SCA norms including an attempt to dress in pre-17th century garb. This is one of the primary differences between SCA events and Ren Faires.

Related Topics:
17th century - Ren Faire

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SCA events fall into several general categories:

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Combat events and wars

Combat events involve either tournaments with one-on-one combat or mêlées where teams compete against each another. Events focused on combat often have other activities happening at the same time.

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Where a typical event may host anywhere from 20-300 participants over a weekend, the Wars typically draw thousands from across the Society for upwards of two weeks. Combat at a war can involve forces numbering 100 to 2000 participants on each side and can include safe versions of archery and siege engines.

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Several combat related activities happen independently at an event. Heavy Weapons, fencing and target archery may happen simultaneously on seperate fields.

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Arts and sciences

Other events are set up as a learning experience for the members. Typically, classes are given in history or crafts of the period, or in how to better perform activities within the SCA. Topics can range from heraldry, philosophy, and history to costuming, calligraphy, and metalwork. Some "A & S" events have competitions, with the largest offering overall prizes or championships in the arts.

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Coronations and investitures

These events center on the changing of the ceremonial leadership of sub-groups from the local Barony up to the Kingdoms. These events typically are more focused on ceremonial affairs, concentrating more on meetings and organization than combat or arts and sciences.

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