This is just something tongue-in-cheek (i.e. not intended to be snarky) that I was once writing about the different ways things can be historically incorrect at Renaissance fairs or historical reenactments. I think I had posted on the old version of RF.com, and thought it might be fun to repost it
My wife and I started out participating at a Renaissance fair with a living history group that had a heavy educational goal. I eventually started writing this as a way to explain to other novice historical reenactors that even though an artifact existed in the century you portray, it does not mean that it is an appropriate accessory for a historical reenactor portraying that era.
This is just meant in good fun, paying customers can, and often do attend Renaissance fairs, (and occasionally reenactment events) in whatever is street legal in the local community. In fact, some of the most outlandish costumes at Renaissance fair are actually paying customers who are just playing dress-up for the day. Examples of some of the unusual patrons at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival can be seen on this website: http://mrffriends.tripod.com/pages_groups/unusual_patrons.html
Sub-Definitions of "That's not Period":
"Close, but wrong continent": Something that can clearly be documented during the time period, but comes from so far away geographically you have to create a extremely unlikely story to explain it. -A Highlander carrying a Samurai's katana.
"Close, but wrong class": Something that was being made during the time, but was rare, or so expensive that it could only be afforded by the most wealthy individuals of the time.
"Name that Stereotype": Items that reflect the stereotyped "traditional" dress of a country. -Wearing modern kilts and the accompanying Victorian accoutrements in the Renaissance.
"Ancient History -when in Rome...": Something that went out of fashion so long ago it was unlikely to be seen outside of some noble's collection of antiquities.
Century-impaired (Era-impaired): Dressing historically accurate for one century and attending an event that portrays another century. An acquaintance described attending a Scottish festival, and watching a couple dressed in American Civil War clothing trying to "blend in" with a group of Highlanders.
"Gerry's not dead -I talk to him whenever I flashback!" Tie-dye, hippie-wear, or anything that dates from the Johnson or Nixon "reigns".
"Frodo/Jack Sparrow Lives!" Swords, costumes or other accoutrements straight out of any popular fantasy or adventure movie.
"A Novel Approach to history" Your "documentation" for that comes from a work of fiction?!?
Come to TRF! These are all normal. Luckily I've never managed to get any photos of the "unusual". (I tend to be in too much shock to reach for the camera until after their gone.)
They're probably "normal" at most older big fairs ;D I just figured it would be fun to have some definitions.
By cracky, when I started at Faires *adjusts blue hair*, we wouldn't be caught dead with a camera. I still feel funny if I carry one or take a photo, which I will do on rare occasions. :)
There is not a preponderance of lice. I've never seen anyone at faire constantly scratching their heads :)
My garb is cotton. Affordable for me now, but not then. I'd love linen and will have my linen camicia's next year, but not this one.
As long as the vendors at faire are allowed to sell lace petal skirts, Victorian corsets in Chinese brocade, and floral tapestry bodices with a gazillon metal grommets that what unsuspecting patron will continue to wear.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm Century-imparied, My guarb is more 1680s-1745 than 1580. I like wearing a Kilt. To bad we can't have a faire thats in the time of James I or Charles I or Charles II maybe even James II that would be something new. Just think of all the Great cloths we could wear.
Yeah same here. Since we were with a 30 Years War group originally, most of my stuff tends to be closer to early 17th century.
Sealion, you hit the nail on the head!
It irks me that faires that are so damn strict on their costuming ideals for their participants, yet let virtually 'modern day' materials, non-period garb, and so on, aren't regulated to the same rules. This is why you have so many people dressing in obvious non-period stuff. Since the vendors aren't subject to the same rules as participants...there's no real push to do 'period'. Let's face it, you want everything period correct, you have to start with the vendors.
Ok now that I have supported the 'do the correct period', now I will go into the non-period support. (I do both types)
When you have any kind of Ren-faire/pirate type events, people love to dress up in their favorite stuff - I'm no exception.
It's like Halloween year-round, and pretty much anything goes. For me, comfort is on top of the list, especially in hot weather.
In my situation I have to use a scooter to get around, even wearing properly period garb, do you still think I look 'period'? Nope, which is why for me, I decided to go the comic route and do what I call, 'Hysterically Correct'. It works for me, I decorate my scooter with fish netting and shells, add a skeleton to the front and it makes people more likely to strike up a conversation with me- something that I have noticed people really don't do with the handicapped.
So there you have my three cents worth.
I'm unashamedly a pirate! ;D
I try not to take all inspirations from movies, but a little from this, a little from that!
This weekend at the PARenFaire I saw one earnest young fellow wearing very shiny chrome plated armor from head to toe. When I first spied him from afar, I immediately thought "It's the Tin Man!". I will give him this... he certainly had "heart" to clank around (literally!) all day in his costume.
I admit to playing the period when presented with, for my character, uptime figures. Today, I was greeted by a young lady dressed and Pipi Longstocking. She asked me if I knew who she was by saying that she was the daughter of the pirate king. I didn't have the heart to explain to her that I knew about privateers such as Sir Francis and pirates such as the corsairs, but that I'd not heard of the pirtate king. I did agree that she was wearing long stockings. I did relent later in the day by greeting her as Pipi. :)
It's a bit of a call. The visitors should not be constrained, but we sometimes have difficulty interacting while remaining in period. Don't criticize the visitors. Play with them. Our job is to make sure they have a good time and want to come back.
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
Me, I get 99% of my garb from Moresca...not sure what or whom exactly they are trying to copy. I just like the look of it.
Quote from: The Frog Lady on September 14, 2008, 11:29:09 PM
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
Last year at RPFS, we counted five different Jack Sparrows in the space of a half hour. All had the requisite hair, garb, and makeup.
Quote from: Carl Heinz on September 15, 2008, 10:51:39 AM
Quote from: The Frog Lady on September 14, 2008, 11:29:09 PM
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
Last year at RPFS, we counted five different Jack Sparrows in the space of a half hour. All had the requisite hair, garb, and makeup.
Well I must say that CoRF's own CaptJack is a spitting image of said pirate. He walks, talks, acts, dresses and SOUNDS just like the Good Cap'n. But alas I have seen my share of the Cap'n at faire. You could have Captain Jack in limbo with all the other Captain Jacks walking around.
Our shop girls play "slap Jack" it's like "slug bug" when you are on a car trip and see a Volkswagon bug, but they swat each other whenever they see a cheesy pirate costume or Johnny Depp wannabe.
Just think of all the smiling merchants -- the ones who sold the hats, boots, pants, shirts, jewelry, swords, etc. Bet they want to see a thousand Jack $parrows.
And yes, in my forum picture, I'm wearing my pirate hat, so "not" period correct. I'm even wearing my ebay Mardi Gras skull beads. And I don't give a hoot! Because nobody else really does, either, about what I wear.
That's why I love folks who do faire -- all accepting. ;D
Quote from: The Frog Lady on September 14, 2008, 11:29:09 PM
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
We had a rash of Jack Sparrows this year at the Faire Oaks Tudor Faire in Sacramento! It became such an epidemic that we had the contables round all of them up for a good drubbing (after they took off all damagable garb of course). Can you please just visualize the constables all chasing Jacks around the fair...Jacks doing their best to run just like Johnny Depp.... It was the best part of that weekend:)
Merry
My friend Amanda and I. Definitely NOT period. I would violate every costume rule of ORF except for one line in the guidelines "No fantasy costumes unless it reflects the merchandise in your shop." We sell fairy and dragon wings. I came up with this garb abomination because it looks good with black dragon wings, and because a man has to go totally dark and sinister to wear wings without looking gay. It also keeps me from getting drunk. Wearing all that black in the hot sun makes me sweat at such a rate that I can't drink fast enough to maintain a buzz.
(http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/43/orf08006ij3.jpg)
Sounds like everyone's got their own "Jack Sparrow"!! I noticed ours for the first time last season. I'll say this, he may not have much imagination, but his impersonation skills are second to none! Luckily, we only have the one. Yee Gods!! I couldn't imagine seeing a dozen or so staggering/swaggering/stumbling wandering about Faire. ::) :P
I think you are pretty much right maelstrom. We have a few at MNRF on a regular basis that depict a Jack Sparrow type character. For this year I have been playing a gypsy character, but I often get called a pirate by paytrons/playtrons. Most of them are kids. It is what they want to see, so I talk like a pirate to them. As long as it entertains them and makes their day...*shrug*... so much the better.
On Sunday we had someone at MNRF wearing a yellow Star Trek uniform shirt from the original series.
Quote from: groomporter on September 15, 2008, 11:48:37 AM
Our shop girls play "slap Jack" it's like "slug bug" when you are on a car trip and see a Volkswagon bug, but they swat each other whenever they see a cheesy pirate costume or Johnny Depp wannabe.
Ok, THAT'S funny!
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on September 17, 2008, 09:01:43 AM
Quote from: groomporter on September 15, 2008, 11:48:37 AM
Our shop girls play "slap Jack" it's like "slug bug" when you are on a car trip and see a Volkswagon bug, but they swat each other whenever they see a cheesy pirate costume or Johnny Depp wannabe.
Ok, THAT'S funny!
I would rather not be slapped that much! LOL!
I might have to start that game!
I am all for those who want to go HA but I cant I get heat stroke wayy to freaking easy and I have to be comfy!
OH MAN!!! At TRF we have the Jack Sparrow Tag and Release Program. One year, I heard the cast got together and gave out numbered tokens to all of the Jacks out there for Pirate weekend. The best Jack was named Jack Prime. At the end of the day, I think they wound up tagging somewhere around 40 or 50 Jacks.
Now I personally just take their picture after I've marked them with my lipstick. Easier to know that they've been tagged already.
It seems that Texas Ren Fair, for one, invites this issue with its themed weekends though. Several of the themes have nothing to do with the 16th Century. Roman Weekend is the first that comes to mind. I still do not have Renaissance garb (which I plan to remedy in 2009 for my wife and myself), but do have garb that fits with a specific themed weekend.
Would you rather I wear mundane clothes on the Roman Bachannal Weekend or would it be more enjoyable to see extremely accurate 1st century Roman clothing and armour? Would it be better to wear mundane clothing to the Celtic Christmas or a 13th century fully accurate set of flat ring, wedge riveted mild steel chainmail chausses, hauberk, coif and Great Helm? By the way, my questions aren't meant to be confrontational groom, just my two cents on my thought process for one.
From my first year at Texas Ren Fair, I saw tons of armour even amongst cast that could be "wrong" for that period, but I enjoyed it none-the-less and have nothing negative to say about the fair. I am just excited to get to go three weekends this year. Anyways, just my two cents.
Quote from: Chris B on September 24, 2008, 11:56:19 AM
It seems that Texas Ren Fair, for one, invites this issue with its themed weekends though. Several of the themes have nothing to do with the 16th Century. Roman Weekend is the first that comes to mind. I still do not have Renaissance garb (which I plan to remedy in 2009 for my wife and myself), but do have garb that fits with a specific themed weekend.
Would you rather I wear mundane clothes on the Roman Bachannal Weekend or would it be more enjoyable to see extremely accurate 1st century Roman clothing and armour? Would it be better to wear mundane clothing to the Celtic Christmas or a 13th century fully accurate set of flat ring, wedge riveted mild steel chainmail chausses, hauberk, coif and Great Helm? By the way, my questions aren't meant to be confrontational groom, just my two cents on my thought process for one.
From my first year at Texas Ren Fair, I saw tons of armour even amongst cast that could be "wrong" for that period, but I enjoyed it none-the-less and have nothing negative to say about the fair. I am just excited to get to go three weekends this year. Anyways, just my two cents.
I think that many people missunderstand the themed weekends at TRF. They were used to celebrate the Queen's birthday. So AFTER the theme was announced, then the court would dress up for the themed occasion. As do the merchants.
For example, I am a shoppe owner. My character is that of a merchant in New Market Village. On the weekend that they announce that the Queen will have a Roman Bacchanal-themed birthday party, my character becomes that of a Merchant in New Market Village who is dressed up as a Roman.
So, the Toga that I wear is not period to Tudor England, because my character is playing dress up. It's a costume party (Queen's Birthday) within a costume party (TRF itself).
So, wear your Roman armour and your chainmail with the rest of us!
See you at TRF!
Quote from: The Frog Lady on September 14, 2008, 11:29:09 PM
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
Me, I get 99% of my garb from Moresca...not sure what or whom exactly they are trying to copy. I just like the look of it.
where? because i have been making it a point to take a picture with every person dressed as jack sparrow that i can get
I know the materials in my garb may not be period but at least it "looks" period for the most part. I just like to go in garb and have fun but I don't want to look down right wrong. I even have a hard time wearing my sun glasses. I do because I HATE bright sun in my eyes.....but I still feel weird doing it.
We're supposed to be dressed like a certain time period?
When did that start?
Just kidding. I dress for me and try to go with something that fits in similar to the time frame I am in
some
a little
the utilikilt is totally modern and one of my fav things to wear... so i just wear it lol
The pirate gear I choose is fairly generic (not counting the material it's made of) timewise so I can blend in to whenever for the most part (wrap pants were common sailor clothing for a *very* long time)
Most of what I do, I do for the fun of it. My mug is far from period but I wouldn't ever give it up in any garb.
*rum wasn't distilled until the 1700s... screw it, I am just not going to be period on that one (and before you all try and correct me lol, i refer to "modern" rums... the first rumish drink that I know of was in china in the 1400s)*
Quote from: x0x_teach_x0x on September 25, 2008, 11:22:43 PM
*rum wasn't distilled until the 1700s... screw it, I am just not going to be period on that one (and before you all try and correct me lol, i refer to "modern" rums... the first rumish drink that I know of was in china in the 1400s)*
I'm glad Bushmills' Irish Wiskey was first licensed in 1608.
Most of my stuff is period-ish, but some of it is not. It doesn't seem to matter to most of the other mundanes, playtrons, vendors and cast that I speak to. I love the attention I get in my leather plate armor, be it over my chain or my scale maille. I was trying to go and get a bite at MdRF on Labor Day weekend, and it took me more than half an hour to move around 80 yards. Everyone wanted photos, and they didn't seem to mind that the look and shape of the leather plate would never had happened, as was pointed out to me earlier in the day.
I do have a question though: Why so many Captain Jack Sparrows? I understand taking the inspiration for a character from a movie, but copying your entire character? Where is the "you" in your character, if you are trying to portay someone else (Johnny Depp) while he is portraying a character? And why does everyone have to be a captain? Where are the first mates, the shipmen?
For reference, a see many at Faires who portray woodsmen, archers and the like, but very few have claimed to be Robin Hood, and even then the only one I ever saw was at MdRF, and he still made the character his own.
I know this will hit a nerve with some. I just never understood the idea of copying someone else's character so closely. I'd rather be me, portaying my character.
i'm with you on that one robert. it kinda takes the fun out of it when there are a bunch of replicas or clones as i like to call them everywhere. my first halloween at TRF 3 years ago i counted over 20 jack sparrows, and yes i'm sure each one was adifferent person and not the same person seen several times in the day.
but as far as "period" persay, whose to say what was exactly worn in that specific time and era by everyone? i bet fashion trends back then took some time to travel to everyone and the time the guys that lived way out in the boonies got wind of something new, they were probably at least 30-50 years behind on the times. i bet the fashion trends and looks probably bled and blended across the centuries alot more than poeple would like to think of or admit to.
an example of this is like when you go to a third world country. while the mainstream is jammin to what ever the hell is on mtv now a days and wearing hollister, the underdog countries are still sportin the old school body glove and think Jacko is still the king of pop.
i would put money on it that this was the case with clothing and fashions trends through out history.
I spent 20 years as a costume Nazi, doing So Cal Ren faire, Civil War, WW2, Gold rush and Western. Honestly, I had more fun when I was a kid and didn't know better.
Quote from: robert of armstrong on September 27, 2008, 11:14:38 PM
I do have a question though: Why so many Captain Jack Sparrows? I understand taking the inspiration for a character from a movie, but copying your entire character? Where is the "you" in your character, if you are trying to portay someone else (Johnny Depp) while he is portraying a character? And why does everyone have to be a captain? Where are the first mates, the shipmen?
But does it really make a difference?
If they are having fun, that's what matters.
As I said in an earlier posting in this thread, as a participant, I have to satisfy the requirements of the Costuming Department.
But patrons/playtrons are free to portray anyone--as long as their costumes won't get them arrested for indecent exposure.
Years ago, we had many folks dressed as Klingons and Empire Storm Troopers. This really didn't add to the picture of an Elizabethan faire, but they paid at the gate and spent their money just like anyone else. And I'll also have to admit that I had fun playing with some of the Klingons.
These days, it's Captain Jacks.
To be truthful, I'm not much into pirates. They came around later. Elizabethans had privateers such as Drake and the Crown got a share. But, again, the folks portraying pirates are enjoying themselves. I also see that a number of the vendors and crafts people have added pirate specific items to their inventories so the faire also has an additional benefit.
If you enjoy being at faire, you have to adjust. If you want to remain strictly period, organizations such as the SCA provide you with such an outlet.
Sparky (aka Lightning) the scooter horse sure isn't period, but I have a lot of fun with him (it) and I think folks visiting faire also enjoy it. At any rate, they sure take a lot take pictures and want to play. :)
Here's Sparky:
(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r321/cfheinz/Aug170063Q.jpg)
Have fun at faire. I try not to take myself too seriously.
I couldn't agree more.
I started the thread with my list of definitions of "Not Period" to give people some fun common language that could be used to explain why something might not be period especially for those people who do chose to be historically accurate. With 20-20 hindsight the list of definitions probably should have been combined with the thread I started on historical interpretation:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=2484.0
So NY Dickens... just out of curiosity, were you more of a garb nazi for Renfaire or Civil War... I hear the civil war garb nazi's are bout 1 bazillion times worse than the Renny ones.
Quote from: Dirtfarmer on October 01, 2008, 11:35:26 AM
So NY Dickens... just out of curiosity, were you more of a garb nazi for Renfaire or Civil War... I hear the civil war garb nazi's are bout 1 bazillion times worse than the Renny ones.
When I was doing WWII I had people come up to me with rulers and count the stiches per inch in the seams to make sure that they were "correct". I've had other events where I was cautioned because my trousers and my jacket did not have equal amounts of fading. The Rennie stitch nazis are just funny.
Quote from: Dirtfarmer on October 01, 2008, 11:35:26 AM
So NY Dickens... just out of curiosity, were you more of a garb nazi for Renfaire or Civil War... I hear the civil war garb nazi's are bout 1 bazillion times worse than the Renny ones.
It realy depends on the group; with Civil War you have your farbies and hardcores like any other gig. Some units won't take you if you don't have the exact rifled musket, while others have infantry with 5 pistols, a sawed off coach gun and a Henry (Winchester) rifle.
Same with Faire; Some groups demand wool and linnen, while others accept Dye-Spot cotton hippie clothes. Hardcore groups are better if your goal is education and accuracy, Farbie groups are better if you want to have fun and get lucky. We are hoping to buck the trend in the Victorian Faire that we are building.
BTW, did you work RPF in Berdu, 1995?
Period / Not Period. Man, I hear that all the time. My own opinion: If you are a historical re-enactor, or living historian, yes, the concern for period everything should approach the near neurotic, upto and including straight last shoes, hand sewn clothes out of period materials and period weapons , etc.
If your a merchant at a faire, thats entrely different. Accurate period stuff is expensive most times.
We ( The Brigands) step into both worlds - we perform period music and some more recent material. Our garb is maybe 65-75% correct period for the GAoP ( Golden Age of Piracy). At pirate re-enactments and faires, where there will be a living history encampment, we can fit right in. At Renn Faires, we usually look less flashy then the polyester or leather pyrates one sees at Renn Faires, but they are usualy patrons.
I say its all good!
Quote from: Carl Heinz on October 01, 2008, 11:07:10 AM
Quote from: robert of armstrong on September 27, 2008, 11:14:38 PM
I do have a question though: Why so many Captain Jack Sparrows? I understand taking the inspiration for a character from a movie, but copying your entire character? Where is the "you" in your character, if you are trying to portay someone else (Johnny Depp) while he is portraying a character? And why does everyone have to be a captain? Where are the first mates, the shipmen?
But does it really make a difference?
I would think it would make a difference, if only to the person trying to be Jack Sparrow. If I went to the Faire and there were six or seven (or more) people wearing the same thing I was, it would bother me. I would have to put away what everyone else was wearing and try to be more original, more something that will make me stand out, not be part of the crowd.
I think it seems similar (ladies, you will have to help me out on this one) to me and my wife going to a party and her being mortified that another person was wearing the same dress she was, even though she searched for a dress that nobody else would have. I saw two Jack Sparrows at the same Faire, and they both had that look going on with the multiple eyes painted on their faces. I saw them separately early in the day, but they nearly ran into each other later near one of the pubs. Neither seemed happy that the other had the same look going on, and they made an effort to leave the area in different directions.
I don't mean to beat a dead horse, I keep trying to bend my mind around someone being okay with being remembered as one of 'all those Jack Sparrows' people saw at the Faire. I don't do the Pirate thing, so maybe I just don't get it.
Groomporter, I thoroughly appreciate the "tongue-in-cheek" tone of your original post, if others don't.
Huzzah, my friend!
As I always point out, my smallpox vaccination scar makes it impossible for me to ever be 100% period-acurate to most historical eras...and thats why I don't even try...yeah, thats it.
Cheers!
Amras
Quote from: robert of armstrong on October 02, 2008, 01:39:46 PM
I would think it would make a difference, if only to the person trying to be Jack Sparrow. If I went to the Faire and there were six or seven (or more) people wearing the same thing I was, it would bother me. I would have to put away what everyone else was wearing and try to be more original, more something that will make me stand out, not be part of the crowd.
I understand your point.
But I don't think there's a competition going among the various Jack Sparrows (although the event might consider sponsoring one :)). A few year ago when "Shakespeare in Love" was a current hit, we had a number of Shakespeares in addition to the "official" one.
I think folks can assume that if a character is currently in the public eye, they might not be the only one attempting to portray it. If they are unhappy about not being unique, then they should consider this reality and think about developing a unique character of their own. Many folks do. Looking at your avatar, I think you've done this.
It's really beyond the control of the event.
Again, the goal is to have fun at faire.
Quote from: Carl Heinz on October 01, 2008, 11:07:10 AM
Sparky (aka Lightning) the scooter horse sure isn't period, but I have a lot of fun with him (it) and I think folks visiting faire also enjoy it. At any rate, they sure take a lot take pictures and want to play. :)
Have fun at faire. I try not to take myself too seriously.
Sparky is so cool! ;D That scooter is amazing. Very clever and creative!
Quote from: NY Dickens on October 02, 2008, 03:07:27 AM
BTW, did you work RPF in Berdu, 1995?
No, I have never worked or been to that faire. The farthest west I've been is Bristol and I didn't start working faires until '97.
Quote from: Dirtfarmer on October 01, 2008, 11:35:26 AM
So NY Dickens... just out of curiosity, were you more of a garb nazi for Renfaire or Civil War... I hear the civil war garb nazi's are bout 1 bazillion times worse than the Renny ones.
This makes me think of the commercial where, in the middle of a WBTS reenactment, one guy comes up in a 1770's American uniform. While he is being chastised by another reenactor a third guy rolls by in a segway and say "lighten up Phil".
All that to say this, we learn new things about what people did or did not have during the renaissance era every day. You would have to have multiple PHDs in history, literature and politics to positively say what is or is not period.
The 1840's are different because so much of that is still with us.
Quote from: Carl Heinz on September 15, 2008, 10:51:39 AM
Quote from: The Frog Lady on September 14, 2008, 11:29:09 PM
There is a man at the MDRF who looks EXACTLY like Jack Sparrow - acts just like him too.
Last year at RPFS, we counted five different Jack Sparrows in the space of a half hour. All had the requisite hair, garb, and makeup.
The Earl of Southhampton started a game of Jack Sparrow (a variant of "punch-pirate"). It has since degenerated to me hitting the progress director during progress. And Lady Rich tapping the Queen and telling her I started the game!
Hehe, makes me think of the episode of Big Bang Theory where the guys go to faire and they have to tell Shelton to go as a Star Trek Science officer visiting an alternate version of earth because of his HA rant.
At any rate if you want historical accuaracy join a historical group. Faire really isn't about that. I haven't figured out what it is exactly, but I love it. I love going dressed nearly anyway you please and getting compliments on what you are wearing. It's not like in the mundane world where we have the mainstream sterotypes to have to contend with. Then I may be lucky with the one I went to this last summer.
Jade
Well. I don't really attend Ren Faires for stringent historical re-enactment. BARF, at least, is loosely set toward the end of Henry VIII's reign. However, there are some obvious fantasy elements and it seems to diverge from the historical record in numerous places.
So, for BARF, at least, I'm not too worried about complete historical accuracy. After all, it isn't Kentwell Hall.
Defining "Not Period"
#1 - ?
#2 - !
Guess my english teacher would have been proud. LOL
Quote from: Lairde Guardn MCrack on February 24, 2010, 12:29:28 PM
Defining "Not Period"
#1 - ?
#2 - !
Guess my english teacher would have been proud. LOL
Don't " me but I have no ,
I have yet to see anyone dressed as Superman. Now, because Superman can fly fast enough that he can travel back in time, this makes his leotards period accurate as far as I'm concerned. Yet, he has not appeared.
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on February 26, 2010, 02:10:38 PM
I have yet to see anyone dressed as Superman. Now, because Superman can fly fast enough that he can travel back in time, this makes his leotards period accurate as far as I'm concerned. Yet, he has not appeared.
I read this and thought "Oh I've seen Superman! Hold on" but after digging through my photos, I guess I was remembering this from TRF Halloween 09;
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg301/olmark/TRF%20Hallween%2009/TRF09AHE063.jpg)
But I guess Supergirl could do the same thing though.
LOL! Right you are, Z! Technically, of course, she would have had to take Batman back with her, just the Caped Crusader is a mere mortal.
I am not going to say that everyone at faire should be 100% historically accurate.
For one thing, unless you raise the sheep, sheer the sheep, etc. you can't be 100% accurate.
Faire is about fun, and I like to try to maintain a certain degree of accuracy... However!
And this is a big however; part of the magic is stepping back into a different time,becoming a different person and have your friends share the same illusion.
So I have no problem with things being adapted from something modern, a style 50 years out of date, etc.
But I personally would prefer that the SCI-FI characters go to SCI-FI conventions. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, just my druthers.
I sometimes worry about being somewhat of a fantasy figure—wizard—and if other Rennies are troubled by that. But then I remember that with all of the superstitions during the Dark Ages and even into the Renaissance (actually, even until current day!), we weren't/aren't really fantasy figures. Okay...the glasses aren't really period, but if I really am Merlin, I could have gone into the future and gotten them.
In the final analysis, it is, as the good Doña says, all about fun. If you're going to take it, or yourself, too seriously, you've missed the point. I also agree with her on the SciFi stuff. But, I'm only saying that there's a place for everyone, and some places are more appropriate...not saying don't.
And then there are those Medieval-ish Sci-Fi characters; Like Link, from The Legend of Zelda game. I saw 2 or 3 of these younguns last year (somebody must have had a sale on those costumes). I kept looking around for the Princess....but I figure they were at least trying to fit in to the middle ages albeit as a fantasy/fairytale.
All things said, I have to admire the chutzpa of the Trekkies who show up in costume at a venue where they are so obviously out of place/time. I couldn't do it, I feel weird enough attending in mundane clothes.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on January 25, 2011, 06:51:19 PM
And then there are those Medieval-ish Sci-Fi characters; Like Link, from The Legend of Zelda game. I saw 2 or 3 of these younguns last year (somebody must have had a sale on those costumes). I kept looking around for the Princess....but I figure they were at least trying to fit in to the middle ages albeit as a fantasy/fairytale.
All things said, I have to admire the chutzpa of the Trekkies who show up in costume at a venue where they are so obviously out of place/time. I couldn't do it, I feel weird enough attending in mundane clothes.
Have you seen the Big Bang Theory episode where Sheldon is a Klingon who has gone back from the future to a Ren Faire? - seems OK. We all are playing "dressup", it seems wrong to me too, but hey, each to his own :)
oooo... I gotta see that episode ^_^.
I don't have issue with fantasy characters. going along with Merlin's line of thought, it was a superstitious time frame. people would believe those characters existed.
The characters that are from the wrong time of history don't bug me too much, they are still historical archetypes. Though it does seem that many people of the general public believe that any character type that can be found in Europe between the fall of Rome, and the French Revolution can be found at anytime or place during that roughly 1400 year time frame.
The sci-fi and modern fantasy characters on the other hand can be a bit much. Normally they are ok. they are having fun and thats what they paid to do. But some of them really push too hard with their characters. Everyone else that paid to get in the gates came to the faire to see a historical inspired festival, not a sci-fi convention.
As far as being spot on historically correct. It's not relevant. It's live theater, the important part is the show, not rather or not a particular style of trim won't be in fashion for another 30 years.
Quote from: groomporter on September 11, 2008, 08:26:51 PM
This is just something tongue-in-cheek (i.e. not intended to be snarky) that I was once writing about the different ways things can be historically incorrect at Renaissance fairs or historical reenactments. I think I had posted on the old version of RF.com, and thought it might be fun to repost it
My wife and I started out participating at a Renaissance fair with a living history group that had a heavy educational goal. I eventually started writing this as a way to explain to other novice historical reenactors that even though an artifact existed in the century you portray, it does not mean that it is an appropriate accessory for a historical reenactor portraying that era.
This is just meant in good fun, paying customers can, and often do attend Renaissance fairs, (and occasionally reenactment events) in whatever is street legal in the local community. In fact, some of the most outlandish costumes at Renaissance fair are actually paying customers who are just playing dress-up for the day. Examples of some of the unusual patrons at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival can be seen on this website: http://mrffriends.tripod.com/pages_groups/unusual_patrons.html
Sub-Definitions of "That's not Period":
"Close, but wrong continent": Something that can clearly be documented during the time period, but comes from so far away geographically you have to create a extremely unlikely story to explain it. -A Highlander carrying a Samurai's katana.
"Close, but wrong class": Something that was being made during the time, but was rare, or so expensive that it could only be afforded by the most wealthy individuals of the time.
"Name that Stereotype": Items that reflect the stereotyped "traditional" dress of a country. -Wearing modern kilts and the accompanying Victorian accoutrements in the Renaissance.
"Ancient History -when in Rome...": Something that went out of fashion so long ago it was unlikely to be seen outside of some noble's collection of antiquities.
Century-impaired (Era-impaired): Dressing historically accurate for one century and attending an event that portrays another century. An acquaintance described attending a Scottish festival, and watching a couple dressed in American Civil War clothing trying to "blend in" with a group of Highlanders.
"Gerry's not dead -I talk to him whenever I flashback!" Tie-dye, hippie-wear, or anything that dates from the Johnson or Nixon "reigns".
"Frodo/Jack Sparrow Lives!" Swords, costumes or other accoutrements straight out of any popular fantasy or adventure movie.
"A Novel Approach to history" Your "documentation" for that comes from a work of fiction?!?
I always found a lot of this to be amusing.
Personally, I'm in a living history group that represents the civilian life of a Scottish Highlander from 1650-1745, so I have dumped so much time and money into my attire for that, that I can't justify getting more costuming. Just look at the targe in my avatar... Those things alone run into the $400-500 range! And let's not get me started on all the work I put into making my basket hilt claymore accurate!! And I STILL haven't finished my scabbard!! Sewing rawhide when it's hot out and the moisture keeps evaporating, causing the hide to shrink, is just a pain in the butt! (For those confused by this, I'm using rawhide for the core of my scabbard.) So am I era-impaired? You bet I am! But I look good doing it... Oh, and as to kilt thing- I don't wear a modern kilt. I wear a 5 yard box pleated kilt. I've been told by so many people that my kilt is pleated all wrong... ;D
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL!
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL. And let's not forget the fillings in my teeth! I'm not period either! :D
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on June 23, 2011, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL. And let's not forget the fillings in my teeth! I'm not period either! :D
You have teeth?!?
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 23, 2011, 04:27:27 PM
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on June 23, 2011, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL. And let's not forget the fillings in my teeth! I'm not period either! :D
You have teeth?!?
Aw, hell yeah! He's from New York, not Arkansas.... ;D
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on June 23, 2011, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 23, 2011, 04:27:27 PM
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on June 23, 2011, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL. And let's not forget the fillings in my teeth! I'm not period either! :D
You have teeth?!?
Aw, hell yeah! He's from New York, not Arkansas.... ;D
Yeah, I have teeth, Merlin, but I don't have hair and you do. And you're from Arkansas... ;) ;D
90% of my hair is on my chin.... :P
Quote from: Bob of the Lake on June 23, 2011, 12:29:00 PM
Quote from: Amras Elfwine on June 22, 2011, 07:03:27 PM
As I always like to say, my small pox vaccination scar automatically renders me "Not Period Accurate"...
LOL. And let's not forget the fillings in my teeth! I'm not period either! :D
actually....Aulus Cornelius Celsus (14 B.C.-37 A.D.) with his treatise De Medicina covers dentistry and the possibility of fillings.
As a Playtron myself and a paying customer, I'm not particularly picky about someone elses' garb decisions, unless the person is supposed to be playing a part and the garb or accessories detracts from the performance. The way I see it, if you are being paid, you need to look the part.
For example: I was at a fair recently where more than half the belly dancers in one troupe sported purple or pink hair, glasses and sunglasses while they were dancing. I won't go into the goth makeup some were wearing, one girl was actually wearing black lipstick and facial piercings. I have seen this troupe many times over the last 5+ years, and they used to put much more effort into actually looking like belly dancers. Now they look like the Tuesday meeting of the New Age Daughters of Aquarius, and I avoid attending their performances altogether.
I think it has been touched on that vendors should also make (or be required to make) some honest effort to get into the spirit of the fair, and to be honest, some of our producers have been working with them to encourage a bit more than the 'renshirt tossed on over a pair of jeans and sneakers' that seem to be on the increase.