Missing the "Good 'Ole Days"

[molly_world]

This post is inspired by a recent question on the MR asking about cloven fruit and a recent conversation I had with
chatnarr
  I miss my newer days in the SCA. I’m not sure if the SCA has changed or if I’ve gotten jaded, but I sure do miss the magic. I miss challenges given and received with gusto. Salutes and requests for a lady’s favor…and Ladies assembled

Comments

[isenglass]

I miss it too, but then I think maybe part of it is my fault. I was taken under the wing of the previous generation and taught these things. How often have I done the same with the generations that follow me? I hang my head in shame to realize how little teaching of such graces I have done.

[luscious_purple]

I suspect some musicians have tired of being ignored during their feast performances (at least that's what I've heard).

Also, telerib did a little research into the maypole and found that the ribbon-weaving thing around the maypole is a VICTORIAN-era thing. :-(

I agree about the modern chatter, though. That "Speaking Forsoothly" chapter in the Known World Handbook seems to be, well, anachronistic. Nobody even tries. I wonder if the Internet/Web drove the change?

[chargirlgenius]

On the flip side, I enjoy music during feasts *as background ambiance*. Just because I’m not actively listening or dropping everything else to listen, doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate it. The moment that I’m held hostage for a performance I’m not interested anymore. Last time I attended a feast, I had to try to keep my kids unnaturally quiet because there were performances. They were fine for feast, and I was there for feast, but I wouldn’t have brought them to a bardic performance.

[the_cheese_lady]

I think as we are growing in the SCA we're seeing those before us retiring or dealing with mundane life issues, more and more we have fewer and fewer of the "old guard" at events. The nice thing is that we have more of the newer generation of SCA members, but it also means that those we learned the courtly graces from aren't around as much and their lessons aren't getting taught

Re: Involving the ladies

[the_cheese_lady]

Oh, right! In the West they did the same thing. Molly, if you'd like to do that at Novice I would absolutely love to help/organize/supply roses/participate - whatever!

It would need about 4 ladies to keep it staffed and running.

[beatrixherald]

I am totally with you on this movement!

I am a person who really needs help being more courteous (I had to make an apology to someone for whom I was retaining because I was a little too...rowdy). There is a time and a place for rowdiness, and a time and a place for courtesy. Lets be more clear about the times and places.

Not everyone thinks this is fun, but If we do, why shouldn't we perpetuate the practice. We cant force others to do it, but we can do it ourselves.

I suggest we put together a handout (perhaps stolen from the Knowne World Handbook) and distribute it at events. I think we should have a courtesy lounge at events and have that be area where we can practice our skills.

Perhaps Baroness Molly will host a courtesy competition at Challenge of the Heart/Novice tourney. Contestants can wear a badge of some kind to show that they are participating, and she can decide who is the most Courtly, Courteous person and reward them with her favor.

[aeliakirith]

I really like that idea.

[molly_world]

Well...I'm hardly the poster child for gentle behavior (grin), but I'm happy to help with this movement. I really like the idea of a prilgrim's badge...it might be something that serves to also remind folks of the ideal they want to emulate. Now...I need to find someone to cast it, hahaha

[aeliakirith]

I've heard of the cloven fruit thing, but came into the game too late to actually see it done. Much like any other flirting, it seems like something that can be sweet and fun when done well and horrible when done badly. Maybe there's something that can replace it, where what's given doesn't have to be a kiss but can be a compliment, a kind word, a smile, whatever