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.