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.

History

The SCA traces its origins to a theme party held in a backyard in Berkeley, California on 1 May 1966. The event began with a parade, styled as a "protest against the 20th century" (typical of Berkeley in the mid-60's), concluding with a "Grand Tournament" in which the participants wore motorcycle helmets, fencing masks, and T-shirts, and whacked away at each other with plywood swords. It was such a success that the participants went on to organize more. The name "Society for Creative Anachronism" was coined by science fiction author Marion Zimmer Bradley, an early participant, when the nascent group needed an official name in order to reserve a park for a tournament.

Related Topics:
Berkeley, California - 1 May - 1966 - Marion Zimmer Bradley

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The SCA continued to be a local organization until 1968, when a tournament was held at the World Science Fiction Convention, which was held in Berkeley that year. The idea spread, and soon other local chapters began to form. By the end of 1968, the SCA had been split into two kingdoms (West and East), and by the end of 1970, there were four (with the addition of the Middle and Atenveldt).

Related Topics:
1968 - World Science Fiction Convention

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The SCA still measures dates within the society from the date of that party, calling the system Anno Societatis (Latin for "Year of the Society"). For example, 1 May 2005–30 April 2006 is A.S. 40.

Related Topics:
Latin - 1 May - 2005 - 30 April - 2006

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