Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Gryphon's Word of the Day, April 18, 2007

The word of the day for April 18, 2007 is “renaissance” noun 1 capitalized a : the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science b : the period of the Renaissance c : the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance. 2 often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity. 3 : REBIRTH, REVIVAL.

This is the weekend for our annual Spring Renaissance Festival. Since I promised Lloyd I would go shopping for trousers with him this weekend, I’ll probably not get over there until Sunday. The Fest used to be hosted by Kansas Newman University, but the head of the project stepped down after number twenty-five. The next year, Eagles’ Realm, who had been holding a late summer Fest of their own, stepped up to the mark and held their own Spring Thing.

So far, the Fest is visited by the usual suspects. Even though I don’t belong to the Society for Creative Anachronism, I usually dress in Renaissance inspired garb for the occasion. Some of the people who attend really go all out with pretty authentic costumes. Most of us settle for long skirts and a boned bodice (women) or a tunic and tights with boots (men). The past few years, however, have brought men in kilts or pirate gear and women in belly dancer outfits or something out of Boris Vallejo. Or they dress as elves or ninjas or all goth (which is amusing in the Kansas midday sun.)

 

The photo above was taken a few years back at Bonner Springs, KS, Ren Faire, but you get the idea.
L to R: Wendy, Buffy, Emily, Cyb, DJ & Jan

The quote for today is from Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910), U.S. author. The Innocents Abroad, ch. 23 (1869):

     Who is this Renaissance? Where did he come from? Who gave him permission
     to cram the Republic with his execrable daubs?

;^)  Jan


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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What a shame the above photo didn't turn out Jan.  We have Medieval days in some of our towns and villages odd weekends at the height of the tourist season here in Cumbria.  These always draw large crowds and are a lot of fun.  Especially when watching the street theatricals and jugglers.
I don't think I would want to wander around in a boned bodice like you though.  I like my excess fat to feel unrestricted.   Lol!
I hope Lloyd is recovering from his accident now?
Jeanie