Medieval reenactment
Medieval reenactment is a form of
The first period is sometimes called the Migration Period or Dark Ages by Western European historians, and as Völkerwanderung ("wandering of the peoples") by German historians. This term is usually reserved for the 5th and 6th centuries. Re-enactors who re-create the next period of history – 7th to 11th centuries – often refer to this as Early medieval. The 12th to 14th centuries fall under the term High medieval, while the 15th century is often termed Late medieval. 2003 reenactment of the 1410 Battle of Grunwald Medieval reenactment is a form of historical reenactment that focuses on re-enacting European history in the period from the fall of Rom
With such a wide range of eras most medieval reenactment groups focus on a smaller time period, sometimes restricting their interest to a particular century, or even a specific decade, series of battles, or monarch, depending on how authentic the reenactment and encampment is intended to be.
Living history
Medieval period oriented living history groups and reenactors focus on recreating civilian or military life in period of the Middle Ages. It is very popular in Eastern Europe. The goal of the reenactor and their group is to portray an accurate interpretation of a person who credibly could exist at a specific place at a specific point in time while at the same time remaining approachable to the public. Examples of living history activities include authentic camping, cooking, practicing historical skills and trades, and playing historical musical instruments or board games.
Combat reenactment
The principal aim of this sort of reenactment is to re-create historical battles or methods of combat. The variations range from training of historical
Some groups treating historical combat as a martial art do not fit the traditional definition of a reenactment group and are more similar to fencing clubs. An example is the SCA, which uses rattan swords to avoid injury. Others combine the sport with more traditional forms of reenactment, such as living history. It is usual to fight using more restricted target areas than in a real fight and with less speed and force, although some systems try to get as close to real combat as possible. Many societies try to reenact actual battles on or near the battle site. These events are usually open to the public to watch. Other societies such as the SCA hire venues for private events, including combat, without any public present.
The Federation of the Wars of the Roses is a British-based society which specialises in reenactments of the 15th Century. It stages events at historical sites all over Britain, including those on or near actual battle sites. There are rules on weapons, clothing and armour which are observed by the Households that are Federation members. New Households wishing to enter the Federation are sponsored by established ones, and endure a probationary period to ensure standards are observed.
Reenactment in Europe
There have been many isolated examples of medieval reenactment in Europe, notably the
Belgium has at least two dozen separate groups of medieval reenactors, including the Order of the Hagelanders, the Gentsche Ghesellen and the Gruuthuse Household serving Lewis de Bruges, lord of Gruuthuse.[1]
The
In
In Germany medieval reenactment is usually associated with living history and renaissance fairs and festivals as e.g. the Peter and Paul festival in Bretten.[2] or the Schloss Kaltenberg knights tournament.[3] In the past few years combat reenactment has gained some ground as well. A few groups are training historical combat such as longsword dueling and dussack fighting at universities, but the majority of combat reenactment groups are battlefield reenactment groups, some of which have become isolated to some degree because of a strong focus on authenticity (some groups refuse to fight groups representing different or wider periods, even if the combat practices would be entirely compatible otherwise). In general, the specific German approach of Authenticity (reenactment) is less about replaying a certain event, but to allow an immersion in a certain era. Historic city festivals and events are quite important to build up local communities and contribute to the self-image of municipalities.[4] Events in monuments or on historical sites are less about the events related to them but as mere staffage for the immersion experience.[5] Among many battlefield reenactors in Germany, the Codex Belli has become a de facto standard.[citation needed]
In Poland, the Battle of Grunwald reenactment every year on 15 July is the best known and attracts participants and visitors from many other countries. It is associated with living history and a medieval fair.
In Sweden there are many different "medieval markets". The largest is the one in Gotland.[1] In Szeklerland, Transylvania are many Hun, szekler knight, early Hungarian and hussar reenactment groups and camps. One of those is the Szekler knights (Lofos) reenactment group in Torboszlo.
In Portugal there is one of the biggest historical recreations in Europe that takes place every summer called Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria. This event has won several international prizes given by different entities such as Global Eventex Awards (Ireland, 2017), Awards Eventoplus (Spain, 2017), Moros d'Alqueria Foundation (Spain, 2016), Trip Advisor (2015), among others. Each year the reign of a different king in Portuguese history is portrayed and it lasts about 12 days. There are different shows every hour happening at the same time and you can also buy tickets to customized experiences.
Notes
- New York Times, Monday, April 9, 2007, p. A4
- ^ "Der Tross 10. – 14. Juni 2004". Archived from the original on 2016-05-13. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
- ^ Kaltenberg web entry
- ISBN 3-432-01618-2.
- ^ Michael Petzet: "In the full richness of their authenticity" - The Test of Authenticity and the New Cult of Monuments, Nara Conference on Authenticity in Relation to the World Heritage 1994.
Music
- Medieval troubadour re-enactment in The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGSQZckB7SM
Video
- NEW Medieval arrow crafting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Xm0WbSoZA
- NEW Medieval bar re-enactment in The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-OThR5Xrqk
- Medieval HANDCRAFTING re-enactment in The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOplSgPVC78
- Medieval WAR re-enactment in The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK2ThIplso0
- Medieval BLACKSMITH re-enactment in The Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r14738M7Mc
- Medieval CHILDREN FUN BATTLE re-enactment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RIUI5m00gY
See also
- Historical reenactment
- Historical martial arts reconstruction
- Renaissance Fair
- List of historical reenactment groups
- Dark Ages reenactment
- Medieval Times