The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) uses a unique dating system within its groups, mirroring the historical practices it emulates. Within the SCA’s structure, geographical regions are designated as “kingdoms,” one of which is Atlantia. This group maintains its own specific reckoning of dates for events, festivals, and other activities crucial to its members. An example might be an event listed as occurring on “AS LI / 2024,” where “AS” represents “Anno Societatis” (Year of the Society) and “LI” represents the 51st year since the SCA’s founding. This dual-dating system allows members to understand the timeframe within both the SCA’s historical context and the contemporary Gregorian calendar.
This method of timekeeping reinforces the immersive experience offered by the SCA. It fosters a stronger sense of community and provides a framework for organizing historical recreations, from small gatherings to large-scale wars. Maintaining a separate calendar also allows the organization to document its internal history and traditions with distinct reference points, independent of the conventional calendar system. This contributes to the overall richness and authenticity of the SCA experience, enhancing the organization’s focus on historical recreation and education.
This understanding of the temporal system employed within Atlantia is crucial for anyone wishing to participate in its events or learn more about its history. Further exploration of Atlantian activities, customs, and culture will be facilitated by a solid grasp of how time is reckoned within the SCA and specifically, within the Kingdom of Atlantia.
1. Anno Societatis (A.S.) Dating
Anno Societatis (A.S.), meaning “Year of the Society,” forms the foundation of the Atlantian calendar system and, by extension, the broader Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) temporal framework. Understanding A.S. dating is crucial for interpreting historical records, event schedules, and reign durations within the kingdom and the wider organization. This system distinguishes SCA activities from the contemporary Gregorian calendar, contributing to the immersive historical environment.
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Year Zero and Reckoning:
The SCA calendar begins with A.S. I, corresponding to 1966 C.E., the year of the SCA’s founding. Subsequent years are calculated from this starting point. For instance, the year 2024 C.E. corresponds to A.S. LVIII (58). This unique starting point emphasizes the organization’s separate historical narrative and reinforces its internal chronology.
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Dual-Dating Convention:
Atlantian and other SCA groups typically employ dual-dating, expressing dates in both A.S. and Gregorian formats (e.g., A.S. LVIII / 2024 C.E.). This practice allows for clear communication with individuals both within and outside the SCA, preventing confusion while maintaining the organization’s distinct historical context.
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Reign Lengths and Historical Records:
Within Atlantia, the reigns of monarchs and other officers are recorded using A.S. dating. Official documents, event announcements, and historical accounts utilize this system, establishing a consistent temporal record within the kingdom. This reinforces the SCA’s commitment to historical authenticity and accurate record-keeping.
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Event Scheduling and Coordination:
A.S. dating is integral to scheduling events within Atlantia. From small gatherings to large-scale wars, using the A.S. system allows for clear and unambiguous scheduling within the SCA community. This consistent use of A.S. dating simplifies logistical planning and coordination across the kingdom.
The A.S. dating system functions as a cornerstone of Atlantian culture, enabling consistent historical record-keeping, clear event scheduling, and a deeper immersion into the SCA experience. By understanding the principles and practical applications of A.S. dating, one gains a more complete understanding of the kingdom’s functioning and the historical narrative it cultivates.
2. Dual-dating system
The dual-dating system is integral to the Kingdom of Atlantia’s calendar, reflecting its unique position within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). This system intertwines the fictional timeline of the SCA, reckoned from its founding, with the standard Gregorian calendar used in contemporary society. This practice allows for seamless interaction both within the SCA community and the outside world.
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Practical Application
Dual-dating ensures clear communication regarding event scheduling and historical documentation within Atlantia. An event might be listed as occurring on “AS LVIII / 2024,” allowing individuals unfamiliar with the SCA calendar to understand the corresponding date in the Gregorian system. This facilitates broader participation and understanding.
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Historical Contextualization
Using Anno Societatis (A.S.) alongside the Gregorian calendar reinforces the SCA’s historical focus. The dual-dating system provides a continuous link to the organization’s founding, reminding members of its historical trajectory and fostering a sense of continuity within the fictional narrative.
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Community Building
The consistent application of the dual-dating system contributes to a shared identity within the Atlantian and wider SCA communities. This shared temporal framework fosters a sense of belonging and facilitates communication within the organization.
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External Relations
Dual-dating allows Atlantia and the SCA to interact effectively with external organizations and individuals. By providing equivalent Gregorian dates, the system avoids confusion and promotes accessibility for those outside the SCA, crucial for inter-group collaborations and public outreach.
The dual-dating system, therefore, serves not only as a practical timekeeping mechanism within the Kingdom of Atlantia but also as a symbolic representation of its unique cultural identity within the SCA. It reinforces the organization’s historical focus, strengthens community bonds, and facilitates interaction with the external world, essential for the continued growth and development of the SCA as a whole.
3. Event scheduling
Event scheduling within the Kingdom of Atlantia relies heavily on the specificities of its calendar system. This system, based on the Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating convention used throughout the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), provides the framework for organizing and publicizing events, from small fighter practices to large-scale wars and inter-kingdom gatherings. Understanding this framework is essential for participation in Atlantian activities.
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A.S. and Gregorian Dates
Events within Atlantia invariably utilize both A.S. and Gregorian dates, reflecting the dual-dating system prevalent throughout the SCA. This practice ensures clarity for attendees both within and outside the kingdom, enabling effective planning and coordination across different calendar systems. For example, an event might be advertised as occurring on “A.S. LVIII / October 26-28, 2024”. This dual-dating convention avoids ambiguity and facilitates participation from a broader audience.
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Reign-Specific Events
Certain events are tied to specific reigns within Atlantia. Coronations, royal progresses, and specific feasts or tournaments may be scheduled based on the reigning monarch’s preferences or traditional practices. These events are typically publicized within the kingdom using A.S. dating, emphasizing their place within the ongoing historical narrative of the SCA and the specific reign they fall under.
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Recurring Events and Festivals
Many events within Atlantia occur annually or on a set recurring schedule, such as seasonal festivals, fighter practices, or crafting workshops. These recurring events often acquire traditional dates within the A.S. calendar, creating a predictable rhythm of activities within the kingdom. This predictability facilitates long-term planning and reinforces established customs within the community.
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Inter-Kingdom Coordination
Large-scale SCA events, such as wars or inter-kingdom gatherings, necessitate careful coordination between multiple groups, each adhering to the same A.S. dating system. This shared temporal framework simplifies scheduling and logistics, ensuring consistent timing across different kingdoms. These larger events often have significant implications within the broader SCA narrative, their placement within the A.S. calendar contributing to the overall historical continuity of the organization.
The interwoven nature of event scheduling and the Atlantian calendar system contributes significantly to the kingdom’s function and cultural identity within the broader SCA framework. The use of A.S. dating, the dual-dating convention, and the establishment of recurring events create a distinct temporal environment that reinforces the organization’s historical focus and facilitates the smooth operation of activities within the Kingdom of Atlantia.
4. Reign Tracking
Reign tracking within the Kingdom of Atlantia is intrinsically linked to the Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating system, the cornerstone of the Society for Creative Anachronism’s (SCA) unique calendar. Each reign, representing the period of rule by a designated monarch, is meticulously documented using A.S. dating, providing a clear chronological framework for historical records and administrative continuity. This practice connects each reign to a specific period within the SCA’s historical narrative, contributing to the organization’s immersive environment.
The length of a reign, typically a year or less, is precisely recorded within Atlantian and broader SCA historical documents. For example, the reign of King John and Queen Isolde might be documented as spanning from A.S. XXXVII to A.S. XXXVIII, clearly demarcating their period of rule. This precise recording of reigns facilitates the organization of historical information related to specific periods, including events, legal pronouncements, and officer appointments. The use of A.S. dating also connects these reigns to corresponding Gregorian calendar years, allowing for accurate cross-referencing with external historical data.
Understanding the relationship between reign tracking and the Atlantian calendar system is crucial for interpreting historical records, understanding lines of succession, and contextualizing events within the SCA’s internal narrative. This practice not only provides a practical method for organizing information but also symbolizes the continuity and evolution of the kingdom’s internal history, contributing to the SCA’s immersive and historically-grounded experience. The meticulous tracking of reigns using the A.S. system further underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining a detailed and accurate historical record, a crucial element of its overall mission.
5. Historical Grounding
The Kingdom of Atlantia’s calendar, functioning within the broader framework of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), derives significant meaning from its historical grounding. While based on a fictionalized historical narrative, the calendar, through the use of Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating, provides a tangible connection to the SCA’s founding and subsequent development. This connection fosters a sense of historical continuity and imbues events and activities with a deeper sense of meaning within the organization’s constructed past. The practice of dual-dating, presenting dates in both A.S. and Gregorian formats, allows for practical application while simultaneously reinforcing this historical grounding.
Consider an Atlantian event commemorating a historical battle recreated within the SCA context. Using A.S. dating alongside the Gregorian date places this fictional event within the broader narrative of the SCA’s history, enriching the experience for participants. The historical grounding provided by the calendar allows members to connect their present actions with a fabricated past, enhancing the sense of immersion and community. For example, an event commemorating a fictional battle that occurred in A.S. XX would resonate differently than one occurring in A.S. L, reflecting the passage of time within the SCA’s internal history. This nuanced understanding of time contributes to the richness and depth of the Atlantian and broader SCA experience.
The historical grounding of the Atlantian calendar is not merely a symbolic gesture. It serves as a vital component of the SCA’s organizational structure, enabling consistent record-keeping, effective event scheduling, and a deeper understanding of the organization’s evolving narrative. This framework provides context for individual and collective actions within the kingdom, reinforcing the importance of historical awareness and contributing to the unique cultural identity of Atlantia within the broader SCA community. Appreciating this connection enhances understanding of the significance of the calendar beyond a simple timekeeping tool.
6. Community Cohesion
Community cohesion within the Kingdom of Atlantia, a prominent group within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), is significantly strengthened by its unique calendar system. This system, employing Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating alongside the Gregorian calendar, provides a shared temporal framework that binds members together. Shared experiences, such as annual events marked within the A.S. calendar, foster a sense of collective identity and belonging. Regular gatherings, festivals, and ceremonies, consistently scheduled using this system, provide recurring opportunities for social interaction and reinforce community bonds. For example, an annual Atlantian Yule celebration, consistently held on a specific A.S. date, becomes a tradition that connects members across generations within the SCA, fostering a sense of shared history and community continuity. The calendar, therefore, acts as a unifying element, reinforcing shared experiences and contributing to a cohesive social structure within Atlantia.
The practical significance of this shared calendar system extends beyond mere scheduling. Using A.S. dating reinforces the SCA’s historical focus, fostering a deeper sense of immersion and shared purpose. This shared temporal context facilitates communication and coordination within the community. Members can readily understand event timings and historical references within the SCA framework, strengthening their connection to the organization and each other. This shared understanding facilitates the smooth operation of kingdom activities, from local gatherings to large-scale events. Furthermore, the consistent use of A.S. dating in official documentation and historical records strengthens the sense of a continuous, shared history within Atlantia, further enhancing community cohesion.
In summary, the Atlantian calendar system serves as a crucial element in fostering community cohesion within the kingdom. It provides a shared temporal framework that facilitates communication, coordinates activities, and strengthens the sense of shared history and identity. This understanding underscores the calendar’s role as more than a simple timekeeping tool; it functions as a vital component of the social fabric of Atlantia, contributing significantly to the strength and longevity of the community within the larger context of the SCA.
7. Cultural Significance
The calendar system of the Kingdom of Atlantia, deeply intertwined with the Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating convention of the broader Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), possesses significant cultural weight. This system transcends mere timekeeping, functioning as a powerful symbol of shared identity, historical continuity, and community cohesion within the organization. It reflects a conscious effort to create a distinct cultural space separate from the mundane world, fostering a deeper sense of immersion within the SCA’s historical narrative. The consistent use of A.S. dating in official pronouncements, event announcements, and personal interactions reinforces this separation, marking interactions as occurring within the SCA’s unique cultural context. For example, celebrating an anniversary using A.S. dating imbues the occasion with special significance within the SCA community, connecting it to the organization’s shared history and reinforcing its cultural importance.
This constructed calendar contributes directly to the richness and depth of Atlantian culture. It provides a framework for recurring festivals, historical commemorations, and reignal anniversaries, each imbued with specific meanings within the SCA’s historical narrative. The A.S. calendar allows for the creation of traditions specific to Atlantia and the wider SCA, strengthening the organization’s unique cultural identity. Furthermore, understanding the nuances of the calendar system, including reignal periods and significant historical events within the SCA’s timeline, enhances an individual’s sense of belonging within the community. Participation in events tied to the A.S. calendar reinforces shared experiences and fosters stronger interpersonal connections, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic cultural environment.
In essence, the cultural significance of the Atlantian calendar system lies in its ability to create and maintain a distinct cultural space within the SCA. This system facilitates the development of traditions, strengthens community bonds, and provides a framework for shared experiences. Recognizing the calendar’s cultural importance enhances understanding of the SCA and its member kingdoms, revealing a complex interplay between timekeeping, historical narrative, and community building. This deliberate construction of a unique temporal framework exemplifies the SCA’s broader commitment to creating a rich and immersive historical experience, distinguishing it from typical historical reenactment organizations and highlighting its distinctive cultural character.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantian Calendar
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the calendar system employed within the Kingdom of Atlantia, a prominent group within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Understanding this system is crucial for participation in kingdom activities and appreciating its unique cultural context.
Question 1: What is the significance of “A.S.” in date references within Atlantia?
“A.S.” stands for Anno Societatis, Latin for “Year of the Society.” It denotes the years since the SCA’s founding in 1966, serving as the cornerstone of the organization’s unique calendar system.
Question 2: Why does Atlantia use a different calendar system?
The A.S. calendar reinforces the SCA’s focus on creating an immersive historical environment. It provides a separate temporal framework that distinguishes SCA activities from the contemporary world.
Question 3: How does one convert between A.S. and Gregorian calendar dates?
To convert from A.S. to Gregorian, subtract 1965 from the A.S. year. Conversely, add 1965 to the Gregorian year to obtain the A.S. equivalent. For instance, A.S. LIX corresponds to 2024 (2024 + 1965 = 4024).
Question 4: How are reign lengths calculated within Atlantia?
Reign lengths are calculated using A.S. dating. A reign’s duration is determined by the specific start and end dates within the A.S. year, reflecting the period of rule by a designated monarch.
Question 5: Why are dates often presented in both A.S. and Gregorian formats?
This dual-dating convention ensures clarity for individuals both within and outside the SCA. It allows for seamless interaction with external organizations and avoids confusion regarding event scheduling.
Question 6: Where can one find a comprehensive Atlantian calendar of events?
Official Atlantian websites and social media groups typically publish event calendars using both A.S. and Gregorian dates. These resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding kingdom activities.
Understanding the Atlantian calendar system, particularly its use of A.S. dating, is fundamental for participation in kingdom events and comprehending the organization’s rich historical narrative. This system fosters a sense of community and strengthens the immersive experience provided by the SCA.
Further exploration of Atlantian customs, traditions, and activities will provide a deeper appreciation for the kingdom’s unique cultural context within the broader SCA framework.
Understanding the Atlantian Calendar
These tips provide guidance on utilizing the Atlantian calendar system effectively, facilitating participation in kingdom activities and fostering a deeper understanding of its cultural significance within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Tip 1: Recognize the Dual-Dating System
Always note that dates within Atlantia are presented in both Anno Societatis (A.S.) and Gregorian formats. This dual-dating system allows for clear communication and avoids confusion between SCA members and individuals unfamiliar with the A.S. system.
Tip 2: Calculate A.S. Dates Accurately
To determine the A.S. year, add 1965 to the current Gregorian year. Conversely, subtract 1965 from the A.S. year to find its Gregorian equivalent. This simple calculation ensures accurate date conversion.
Tip 3: Consult Official Atlantian Resources
Refer to official kingdom websites, newsletters, or social media groups for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding event schedules and reignal information. These resources typically employ both A.S. and Gregorian dates, ensuring clarity for all members.
Tip 4: Understand Reignal Timeframes
Familiarize oneself with the current reign within Atlantia. Knowing the reigning monarch and the timeframe of their reign, documented using A.S. dating, provides valuable context for understanding kingdom activities and announcements. This information can often be found on official Atlantian websites or SCA resources.
Tip 5: Interpret Historical Records Correctly
When researching Atlantian history, remember that historical documents and records primarily use A.S. dating. Utilizing the A.S. system enables accurate interpretation of historical events and reignal periods within the kingdom’s context.
Tip 6: Utilize Online Conversion Tools
Several online tools and resources can facilitate quick and accurate conversion between A.S. and Gregorian dates. These tools can be valuable when planning attendance at events or researching historical information related to Atlantia and the SCA.
Accurate interpretation and utilization of the Atlantian calendar system, particularly its A.S. dating convention, ensures effective engagement within the kingdom and a deeper appreciation of its cultural context. These practices facilitate clear communication, accurate historical understanding, and seamless integration within the broader SCA community.
By integrating these tips, individuals can more effectively navigate the Atlantian calendar, fostering a richer understanding of the kingdom’s history, traditions, and cultural significance within the larger SCA tapestry.
The Atlantian Calendar
The Atlantian calendar system, inextricably linked to the Anno Societatis (A.S.) dating convention of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), serves as more than a simple timekeeping mechanism. This exploration has highlighted its multifaceted role in shaping the kingdom’s cultural identity, facilitating community cohesion, and grounding its activities within a constructed historical narrative. From event scheduling and reign tracking to the preservation of historical records, the calendar system provides a consistent framework for understanding Atlantian activities and traditions. Its dual-dating approach, incorporating both A.S. and Gregorian dates, allows for seamless interaction with the external world while simultaneously reinforcing the SCA’s unique temporal context.
The Atlantian calendar represents a deliberate effort to construct a distinct cultural space within the SCA. This constructed temporality fosters a deeper sense of immersion, strengthens community bonds, and contributes to the richness of the organization’s historical narrative. A thorough understanding of this system is essential for anyone seeking to engage with Atlantian culture and appreciate its unique place within the broader SCA community. Further investigation into the SCA’s diverse kingdoms and their unique cultural adaptations promises to reveal further insights into the interplay between time, community, and historical recreation.
