”
Oyez! Oyez!
”
The silence of the chilly morning was broken by the carrying
voice of the crier getting everyone’s attention.
“Oyez! Oyez!”
The silence of the chilly morning was broken by the carrying voice of the crier getting everyone’s attention. As he made his announcement, men, women, and children gathered around in a variety of decorative medieval robes, tunics, and cloaks, all items often found in history books rather than Morgan Hill. Within minutes, people passing by stopped and stared on in collective curiosity and confusion as to what was going on.
“Why are they dressed that way?” one observer asked as he slowed his car down to ask what was happening.
“Why is that man’s bow so big?” another asked, pointing at the gentleman holding a bow that stood more than a foot taller than he did.
“Is that man in a skirt?” a third quietly asked another as he briefly stopped to watch before returning to walking his dog.
The Society for Creative Anachronism (meaning something “out of time”) has been a hobby organization since 1966 and is dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe. Members, dressing in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, selectively recreate the era by choosing elements of the culture that interest and attract them.
“We like to avoid the messy, inconvenient things, like the Inquisition, plague, and witch burnings,” said Juan Santiago, baron for the local chapter of the SCA, known as Darkwood.
Chapters then host various tournaments and events that include arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more. This particular event, The Darkwood Archery Tourney and Hawks Feast, was held at Machado Elementary School Saturday, and allowed members to participate in the annual archery tournament that draws participants and spectators from as far away as Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo and Modesto. More than 50 people were in attendance this year.
One by one, archers checked their equipment and started practicing hitting their paper targets hung on stacks of haybales down range. Soon, a line of more than 30 archers had formed and arrows were flying across the field, repeatedly striking the bull’s-eyes of the targets. The level of experience was as varied as their ages. Archers who had decades of experience stood next to others who were attempting to use a bow for the first time, and children as young as 10 and 11 were hitting targets being fired at by men in their 40s and 50s.
“I’ve never used a bow before, but it’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Justin Katz, 29, from San Jose. It seems fun and the people are extremely nice. I think I’ll be back.”
Katz and his wife, Ashley, were attending their first SCA event.
“I love the interesting outfits,” said Ashley Katz, as they donned some borrowed costumes. “We’re going for the full emergence.”
With some guidance, and a borrowed bow in hand, they took their place next to the other archers and took their first shots.
“Most of us remember the day we started, so most of us are happy to help out a newcomer. In the end, this is all about learning everything we can do and build. Anything you want to learn, there is someone here that could teach you,” Santiago said.
By mid-afternoon, winners had been determined for each bracket, but all the winners acted as if finishing first was the consolation prize. What everyone truly wanted was the fun that comes with enjoying a day with their friends and family.
“The saying ‘It takes a village’ holds so true here,” said Na’Arah Bat Avraham, 43, from Gilroy. “This is our village. This is our community, regardless of how far away some of us live.”
“I could care less about the score. I’m just out here to have fun,” said David St. Rose, 28, from Santa Rosa. “I mean, really, how serious can you be dressed in a kilt?”
The tournament ended with a traditional feast of meats, vegetables, bread, and mead, all honoring the day’s events and the camaraderie it brought. Many spoke of their next major event, the annual Whiteshield Event in March.
Since its inception, the SCA has grown to 19 chapters which cover the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Australia. There are more than 30,000 paid members, and the total number of participants is about 60,000.
To find out more about the SCA, or to locate the nearest chapter near you, visit www.baronyofdarkwood.org or www.sca.org.
