The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) utilizes a unique system for tracking time within its fictional historical setting. Within the SCA’s organizational structure, distinct geographic regions, termed “kingdoms,” often maintain their own variations on this system. One such kingdom, Meridies, employs a calendar based on the Gregorian calendar but adapted to reflect the organization’s internal narratives and events. This adaptation typically involves assigning regnal years to the current reigning monarchs, alongside corresponding dates in the standard Gregorian calendar. An example date might be expressed as “AS 57, Anno Societatis,” (marking the 57th year since the SCA’s founding), cross-referenced with the Gregorian equivalent.
Maintaining a separate calendrical system fosters a sense of immersion and reinforces the organization’s dedication to its historical recreation. This practice enables members to more fully inhabit their personae and strengthens the overall community identity. The historical context emerges from the desire to create a distinct temporal framework within the SCA, separating its activities from the mundane world and contributing to the overall atmosphere of the organization.
This distinct approach to time reckoning influences many aspects of Meridies’ activities, from event scheduling and record-keeping to historical commemoration and storytelling. Further exploration will reveal the intricacies of this system and its impact on the culture of this specific SCA kingdom.
1. Gregorian Basis
The Kingdom of Meridies calendar, while distinct, fundamentally relies on the Gregorian calendar. This underlying structure provides a practical framework for converting dates and ensures compatibility with the standard calendar used in daily life. The Gregorian basis allows for easy synchronization with real-world logistics like venue booking and travel arrangements for events within the kingdom. For instance, an event scheduled for “October 27, AS 58” has a clear corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar, facilitating organization and participation. This foundation eliminates the need for complex conversions and maintains a clear link to the contemporary world.
Utilizing the Gregorian foundation offers significant practical advantages. It simplifies record-keeping and minimizes confusion when coordinating activities both within and outside the SCA community. This practicality extends to historical research, enabling members to easily cross-reference periods and events with established historical records. While the regnal year and AS dating systems add layers of cultural significance, the Gregorian basis ensures that the calendar remains accessible and functional within the broader context of modern society.
The reliance on the Gregorian calendar demonstrates a balance between maintaining the fictional historical setting and acknowledging the practical necessities of contemporary life. This pragmatic approach allows the Kingdom of Meridies calendar to function effectively as a tool for organizing events, tracking historical narratives, and fostering community engagement within the SCA. The Gregorian foundation, while often unseen, is crucial for the calendar’s continued utility and relevance.
2. Regnal Year Dating
Regnal year dating is integral to the Kingdom of Meridies calendar, providing a direct link to the current reigning monarchy within the SCA’s structure. This practice adds a layer of historical verisimilitude and reinforces the organization’s internal narratives. By tracking time based on the reign of the current monarchs, the calendar reinforces the SCA’s commitment to its simulated historical environment. This section will explore key facets of regnal year dating within Meridies.
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Commencement of Reign
A reign officially begins upon the coronation of new monarchs. This event marks the starting point for calculating the regnal year. Historically, the commencement of a monarch’s reign has held significant cultural and political implications, often associated with ceremonies and declarations. Within Meridies, the coronation establishes the regnal year “zero,” with the first full year commencing immediately thereafter. This mirrors historical practices where the first year of a reign began after the coronation, not necessarily aligned with the calendar year.
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Dual Reigning Monarchs
The Kingdom of Meridies, like many other SCA kingdoms, recognizes dual reigning monarchs, a king and queen. The regnal year applies equally to both monarchs, signifying their joint rule. Historical examples of co-regencies, while less common than sole rulers, provide a basis for this practice. This dual recognition reinforces the equal status of both monarchs within the SCA’s framework. Official documentation will often refer to “the reign of King X and Queen Y,” demonstrating this shared authority.
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Interregnum Periods
Between the reign of one set of monarchs and the next, there may be a period known as an interregnum. This transitional phase is typically brief and does not usually have a designated regnal year. Historically, interregnums were often periods of uncertainty and sometimes political maneuvering. In Meridies, the interregnum is managed by designated officers who oversee the transition of power. This ensures continuity and minimizes disruption to the kingdom’s operations, even during a change in leadership.
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Integration with Anno Societatis
The regnal year is used in conjunction with the Anno Societatis (AS) dating system. A typical date in Meridies would be expressed as “AS 58, Fourth Year of the Reign of King X and Queen Y.” This combined approach provides both a broader historical context within the SCA and a specific reference to the current reign. This integrated system reinforces the hierarchical structure and historical narrative within Meridies, further immersing members in the organization’s fictional world.
Understanding regnal year dating is essential for navigating the Kingdom of Meridies calendar and appreciating its significance within the SCA community. This system, by connecting present events to the current monarchy, contributes to the overall immersive experience and strengthens the kingdom’s internal narratives. The integration of regnal years with AS dating forms a unique and cohesive temporal framework that supports the SCA’s historical recreation focus.
3. Anno Societatis (AS)
Anno Societatis (AS), meaning “Year of the Society,” serves as the foundation of the Kingdom of Meridies calendar and the broader Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) temporal system. It represents the number of years elapsed since the SCA’s founding in 1966. Understanding AS is crucial for interpreting dates within Meridies and the wider SCA context. This section explores key facets of AS and its connection to the kingdom’s calendrical system.
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Epoch and Calculation
The AS epoch, its starting point, is fixed to the year of the SCA’s first event, making AS 1 equivalent to 1966 CE. Subsequent years increment accordingly. This fixed starting point provides a consistent reference for all SCA activities and historical reenactments. The clear calculation method, adding to 1966, simplifies the conversion between AS and standard Gregorian dates, facilitating record-keeping and event planning across different calendar systems.
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Universal Application within the SCA
AS provides a unified temporal framework across all SCA kingdoms and branches worldwide. This universal application fosters a shared sense of history and community. Whether an event occurs in Meridies or another kingdom, the AS date remains consistent, promoting inter-kingdom communication and collaboration. This shared chronology strengthens the overarching SCA narrative and provides a common language for discussing historical events and periods within the organization.
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Integration with Regnal Years
Within Meridies, AS is used in conjunction with regnal year dating. A typical date would appear as “AS 58, Fourth Year of the Reign of King X and Queen Y,” providing both a global SCA context and a kingdom-specific reference. This combined system allows for precise dating within the specific reign of the current monarchs while maintaining a connection to the broader SCA timeline. This integration enhances the richness of the historical narrative and clarifies the temporal relationships between events within Meridies and across the SCA.
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Significance in Commemorations and Records
AS plays a crucial role in commemorating historical events and maintaining official records within the SCA. Anniversaries and historical reenactments are often marked using AS dating, reinforcing the organization’s historical focus. Official documents, including kingdom laws and royal proclamations, also utilize AS, providing a consistent and recognizable system for record-keeping. This consistent use of AS in official documentation ensures clarity and reinforces the historical focus of the SCA, furthering the immersive experience for members.
Anno Societatis is essential to understanding the Kingdom of Meridies calendar and the wider SCA community. It provides a common frame of reference for all SCA activities, fostering a sense of shared history and facilitating inter-kingdom communication. The integration of AS with regnal years within Meridies further enriches the historical narrative and reinforces the organizations commitment to its unique form of historical recreation. This combined system demonstrates the interplay between the global SCA context and the specific traditions of individual kingdoms.
4. Official Documentation
Official documentation within the Kingdom of Meridies, encompassing proclamations, event announcements, awards, and legal rulings, relies heavily on the kingdom’s unique calendrical system. This system, blending Gregorian dates with regnal years and Anno Societatis (AS) dating, provides a framework for recording and referencing kingdom activities within the broader context of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Understanding this connection is crucial for interpreting official records and navigating the kingdom’s historical narrative.
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Royal Proclamations
Royal proclamations, issued by the reigning monarchs, often utilize the kingdom’s calendar to establish the effective date of new laws or decrees. A proclamation might state, “By order of Their Majesties, King X and Queen Y, in the Fourth Year of Their Reign, AS 58,” demonstrating the interwoven nature of regnal years and AS dating in official pronouncements. This practice reinforces the authority of the monarchy and situates the decree within the kingdom’s historical timeline.
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Event Announcements and Records
Event announcements and subsequent records rely on the calendar system to specify dates and times. An event listing might appear as “Tournament of the Silver Gryphon, October 27, AS 58, Fourth Year of Their Majesties’ Reign.” This format clearly identifies the event within both the Gregorian and SCA calendar systems, facilitating attendance and record-keeping. These records, using consistent dating conventions, contribute to the ongoing history of the kingdom.
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Awards and Recognition
The bestowal of awards and recognition within the kingdom is often documented with the specific date of the ceremony, utilizing the Meridies calendar system. Award scrolls or records might indicate, Presented on the Twelfth Day of November, AS 58, marking the Fifth Year of the Reign of King X and Queen Y. This precise dating links the achievement to a specific point within the kingdom’s history, adding to the recipient’s recognition and providing a historical context for the award.
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Legal Rulings and Court Records
Legal rulings and court records, if maintained within the kingdom, would also adhere to this dating system. While less common, the presence of such records further reinforces the importance of the calendar in maintaining official kingdom business. A hypothetical court record might read, “Case heard on the First of January, AS 58, Fourth Year of Their Reign,” providing a clear chronological marker for legal proceedings within the kingdom’s context. This practice, while not universally implemented, highlights the potential for integrating the calendar into all facets of kingdom administration.
The consistent use of the Kingdom of Meridies calendar in official documentation creates a cohesive and historically grounded record of kingdom activities. This practice strengthens the organizations internal narrative and reinforces its commitment to its fictional historical setting. By intertwining regnal years, AS dating, and Gregorian dates, the kingdom creates a rich tapestry of historical record-keeping that adds depth and meaning to its events, awards, and governance. This meticulous attention to dating conventions demonstrates the importance of the calendar as an administrative tool and a symbol of the kingdom’s unique identity within the SCA.
5. Event Scheduling
Event scheduling within the Kingdom of Meridies is intrinsically linked to its unique calendar system. This system, incorporating regnal years, Anno Societatis (AS) dating, and the Gregorian calendar, provides a structured framework for organizing and tracking events within the kingdom’s historical narrative. Understanding this connection is crucial for both event organizers and participants.
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Integrating Regnal Years and AS Dating
Events are scheduled using both regnal years and AS, grounding them within the current reign and the broader SCA timeline. An event might be announced for “the Twelfth Night of Yule, AS 58, Fourth Year of the Reign of King X and Queen Y.” This combined approach reinforces the kingdom’s historical narrative and provides context for attendees. This dual dating system allows individuals to understand the event’s place within both the kingdom’s specific history and the larger SCA chronology.
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Synchronization with the Gregorian Calendar
While regnal years and AS provide historical context, the underlying Gregorian calendar ensures practical coordination. The event announcement would likely also include a standard Gregorian date, e.g., “December 21, 2023,” to facilitate modern logistical arrangements. This synchronization is essential for booking venues, arranging travel, and managing other practical aspects of event planning. The Gregorian date acts as a bridge between the SCA’s internal calendar and the external world.
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Impact on Event Themes and Narratives
The calendar system can also influence event themes and narratives. Events held during particular periods of the regnal year or AS might be themed to commemorate significant historical occurrences within the kingdom’s fictional history or the broader SCA timeline. For example, an anniversary of a historical battle might be commemorated with a themed event, strengthening the connection between the calendar and the kingdom’s ongoing narrative. This practice enriches the immersive experience and reinforces the kingdom’s commitment to its historical recreation.
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Long-Term Planning and Historical Continuity
The structured nature of the calendar facilitates long-term planning for recurring events. Annual events, such as Coronation celebrations or seasonal festivals, can be easily tracked and scheduled using the established regnal year and AS system. This predictability allows for consistent historical reenactment and reinforces the ongoing narrative of the kingdom. The calendar’s stability contributes to a sense of historical continuity and provides a framework for future events.
The Kingdom of Meridies calendar plays a vital role in event scheduling, providing a framework that connects the practical aspects of event planning with the kingdom’s historical narrative. This interwoven system ensures that events are not only well-organized but also contribute to the rich tapestry of the kingdom’s history and the broader SCA community. The calendar’s influence on event themes and long-term planning further strengthens its importance as a tool for building community and fostering historical immersion.
6. Cultural Significance
The Kingdom of Meridies calendar possesses significant cultural weight within its community, extending beyond mere timekeeping. It acts as a unifying element, binding members together through shared traditions and a collective sense of historical continuity. This calendar fosters a stronger sense of belonging within the group, reinforcing its distinct identity within the larger Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). By utilizing a unique system, members participate in a shared cultural practice that sets them apart, strengthening internal bonds and reinforcing group cohesion. For example, the annual celebration of the kingdom’s founding, marked using the Meridies calendar, serves as a powerful reminder of shared history and collective identity. This shared commemoration fosters unity and strengthens community ties.
The calendars emphasis on regnal years directly connects the community to its current rulers, reinforcing their symbolic importance. Each reign contributes to the ongoing narrative of the kingdom, with the calendar serving as a tangible record of this evolving history. This practice mirrors historical societies where the rulers reign often defined historical periods. The calendar’s structure, incorporating both regnal years and Anno Societatis, emphasizes the interplay between the current reign and the broader historical context of the SCA. This connection reinforces a sense of lineage and tradition within the kingdom, grounding current events in a broader historical narrative. The use of specific terminology within the calendar, such as regnal years and specialized event names, contributes to a unique cultural lexicon within the kingdom, further enhancing its distinct identity. For example, an event titled “Tournament of the Golden Lance, held in the Tenth Year of Their Majesties’ Reign,” carries specific cultural meaning within Meridies, distinguishing it from similar events in other kingdoms.
Understanding the cultural significance of the Kingdom of Meridies calendar is crucial for appreciating its role in shaping community identity and fostering a sense of shared history. This intricate system, by intertwining timekeeping with cultural practices and historical narratives, reinforces the kingdoms unique position within the SCA. The calendar serves not merely as a tool for tracking time but as a symbol of cultural identity and a tangible link to the kingdoms past, present, and future. This shared cultural understanding promotes inclusivity within the group and facilitates communication through a shared language of dates and events. While seemingly a simple construct, the calendar serves as a powerful emblem of the kingdom’s cultural richness and its dedication to creating a vibrant and engaging historical recreation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Kingdom of Meridies calendar system within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Question 1: How does the Kingdom of Meridies calendar differ from a standard Gregorian calendar?
While based on the Gregorian calendar for ease of use, the Meridies calendar incorporates regnal years of the current monarchs and Anno Societatis (AS) dating, representing the years since the SCA’s founding. This creates a unique temporal framework reflecting the kingdom’s internal history and its place within the broader SCA context.
Question 2: What is the significance of Anno Societatis (AS)?
AS provides a unified dating system across the entire SCA, marking the years since the organization’s first event in 1966. It offers a shared historical context for all SCA kingdoms and branches, facilitating inter-kingdom communication and collaboration.
Question 3: How are regnal years calculated in Meridies?
Regnal years commence upon the coronation of new monarchs. The first year of a reign begins immediately after the coronation, incrementing annually thereafter. The current regnal year is used in conjunction with the AS year in official documentation and event announcements.
Question 4: How does the calendar system affect event scheduling within the kingdom?
Events are scheduled using a combination of Gregorian dates, regnal years, and AS dating. This allows for practical coordination while maintaining a connection to the kingdoms internal history and the broader SCA timeline. This integrated approach clarifies the temporal context of events for attendees.
Question 5: Where can one find official documentation using the Meridies calendar system?
Official documentation, including royal proclamations, event announcements, awards, and legal rulings, can typically be found on the kingdom’s official website, social media channels, and other communication platforms used by the kingdom’s officers.
Question 6: What is the cultural significance of the calendar system within Meridies?
The calendar contributes to a shared sense of history and community identity within Meridies. The use of regnal years links members directly to their current rulers, reinforcing their symbolic importance. The calendar, as a whole, acts as a tangible representation of the kingdom’s ongoing history and its unique position within the SCA. It fosters a sense of continuity and belonging.
Understanding the Kingdom of Meridies calendar system is essential for navigating official documentation, participating in kingdom events, and appreciating the rich history and cultural traditions of this SCA group. It represents a blend of practical timekeeping with historical reenactment principles.
Further exploration of specific aspects of the calendar system can provide additional insight into its complexity and significance within the SCA context.
Tips for Understanding the Meridies Calendar System
Navigating the Kingdom of Meridies calendar system can be initially challenging for newcomers. These tips offer guidance for understanding and utilizing this unique system within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Tip 1: Cross-Reference with Gregorian Dates: Always cross-reference Anno Societatis (AS) dates and regnal years with standard Gregorian dates. This practice ensures clarity and facilitates coordination with real-world scheduling.
Tip 2: Consult Official Kingdom Resources: Refer to official Kingdom of Meridies websites and publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the current regnal year and upcoming events. These resources often provide conversion tools or charts.
Tip 3: Familiarize Oneself with Regnal Year Conventions: Understand that regnal years commence upon the coronation of new monarchs and increment annually thereafter. Be aware of how interregnum periods, if any, are handled within the kingdom.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Event Announcements: Event announcements typically include both AS dates, regnal years, and Gregorian dates. Pay close attention to all three to avoid confusion. Note any kingdom-specific event naming conventions.
Tip 5: Utilize Online Resources and SCA Forums: Numerous online resources, including SCA forums and social media groups, offer helpful explanations and discussions regarding the calendar system. These platforms can provide clarification and answer specific questions.
Tip 6: Engage with Experienced Members: Don’t hesitate to ask experienced members of the Kingdom of Meridies for guidance. Established members can offer valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the calendar system and understanding its cultural significance.
Tip 7: Understand the Significance of AS: Remember that AS provides a unified temporal framework across the entire SCA. Understanding its significance helps contextualize Meridies’ history within the broader organization.
By following these tips, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of Meridies calendar system and its role within the SCA community. This understanding enhances event participation, facilitates communication, and contributes to a richer appreciation of the kingdom’s history and culture.
This enhanced understanding ultimately contributes to a more immersive and engaging experience within the SCA, enriching participation in kingdom activities and fostering stronger connections within the community.
The Kingdom of Meridies Calendar
This exploration has illuminated the Kingdom of Meridies calendar system, highlighting its intricate structure and multifaceted role within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). From its basis in the Gregorian calendar to its incorporation of regnal years and Anno Societatis (AS) dating, the system demonstrates a unique blend of practicality and historical immersion. The examination of official documentation, event scheduling, and cultural significance underscores the calendar’s importance as an administrative tool, a historical marker, and a symbol of community identity. The interplay between regnal years and AS dating provides a nuanced understanding of how the kingdom situates itself within both its internal narrative and the broader SCA context. The cultural impact of the calendar reinforces its role in shaping community traditions and fostering a sense of shared history.
The Kingdom of Meridies calendar stands as more than a simple timekeeping device; it represents a vibrant expression of cultural identity and historical consciousness. Its continued use ensures the preservation of tradition within Meridies, strengthens its connection to the wider SCA community, and contributes to the ongoing narrative of this unique organization. Further research and engagement with kingdom members can provide an even deeper appreciation of this intricate system and its enduring significance.
