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Sumptuary Customs: Game, or Dream

Lord Thomas Buttesthorn

In the January issue of the Gull, Lady Siobhan wrote briefly on the importance to us all in the SCA of playing by the rules. I would like to expand on this theme as it is one, central to our continued growth as an organization, and for the realization of what we call "the Dream".

What sets this "game" above others that people play is not merely the rules themselves, but the ideals they were set up to protect. The Knight with his white belt and chain does not merely wear them as decoration, but because they are a symbol of his skill as a fighter, probably years of training, as well as his exceptional chivalry, adherence to a code of honour, and abilities in all those areas required by the Peerage. To wear those symbols falsely with the intent to appear a Knight, when not in fact a Knight, is to usurp a Knight's prerogative, and to take away from what he has rightly earned.

Likewise, to wear, for example, a Coronet with strawberry leaves, when not a Duke or Duchess, not only gives the bystander a false impression of your rank, but takes away form what someone else has earned.

You can see the application of this in all phases of SCA life; not merely in terms of dress but in all sorts of interrelations with our fellow anachronists. What is all comes down to is consideration of others. When we show our consideration of others, we grant them the dignity and honour that we wish, in turn, for ourselves. That is central and pivotal to the high standards we have, and to our success as a people who seek the higher road.

Just as we wouldn't think of stealing someone's prize tankard when left unattended at a tourney, or their beautiful sword, how much less should we consider damaging in some way, someone's dignity and honour. Those things are vastly more important, and once damaged, so much more difficult to repair.

Although we do not have sumptuary laws in this kingdom that define what people may and may not wear, and there are no legal barriers to wearing certain symbols, there are moral ones. But at the same time, since we do not always have black and white restrictions, it may be hard to know when something is acceptable, and when it is not. I have always found it good practice to consult with people whom I know to be knowledgeable on the subject.

It is by far the best idea (before going to great trouble and expense on something) to go to Master Frederick of Holland, for instance, or someone equally knowledgeable, tell them what you want to do, and find out if a problem may arise. You may also learn some fascinating things about West Kingdom traditions and customs and how they have changed over the years. Perhaps in a future article, I may be able to discuss some of the customs and laws of this Kingdom as well as others. For instance, in the East Kingdom, several different colour belts are reserved variously for different types of apprentices, protégés, squires, etc. I didn't find out what non-armigerous, non-affiliated people wear with their elegant 12th Night court costumes. Perhaps plain coloured rope?

What is probably as important as the deed done, or article of clothing worn, is the intent of the doer or wearer. Just as a fighter on the field presumes honourable intent on the part of his opponent (for how can our fighting otherwise function?), it is wise and honourable to presume an otherwise. If you have some question about something he is doing, why not go to him and ask? In fact, one of the rules we live by in the SCA, codified in Kingdom Law, is that if we have some sort of problem or grievance with someone, we should first try to resolve the matter directly with that person. We may discover that the person was unaware that only Knights can wear white belts, for example. Or we may find that what we thought was a breaking of custom, was in fact, not so.

Discussing this with the person need not be the traumatic confrontation, unfortunately so common in mundane life, but can be very courteous and gentle.

If you presume the person's best intentions, it is unnecessary and demeaning to your own honour and courtesy, to stomp up and demand "Take off that belt, only Knights can wear that!" Think of how embarrassed you would be if he turned out to be a visiting Knight from another Kingdom. Likewise, think of how humiliated you would be if someone did that to you.

Part of what we are all about boils down to the "Golden Rule". In this way, the rules of the game and the spirit of the game support each other. If we all give each other the honour and dignity we all want for ourselves, then it follows that we, in turn, will all have it. That which we take from another, in turn, diminishes our own.

Lastly, if it is a game, remember that games are supposed to be fun. The game we play is supposed to be one of gentility. Let's be gentle with each other, and keep this game fun, and one we will enjoy playing for many years!

 



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