The Basic Difference of American and European style of Renaissance Festivals

renaissance festivalsRenaissance festivals are the part of American and European Culture since mid twentieth century. During those time people were running away from medieval history basically hippie movement was taking its toll on rich medieval and renaissance history. People were showing very little interest and less regard in medieval past. A teacher sensed the same reluctant behavior in his pupil around 1960’s and came with the idea of introducing the past to the students in more entertaining manner and in this way the footing of renaissance festival was laid in his backyard.

Ren-fairs are now fully grown phenomena across USA and European countries and are widely popular among masses. However there is difference in ideology in celebrating these mega events between the two continents. American style of ren-fairs is more dedicated towards people’s historical reenactment. Their fully commercialized way of celebrating this fest includes amusement parks and shopping malls from where they can shop for historical artifacts on the other hand European made use of living history museum model. Actual historical sites are modeled by reenactors for making modern people aware of historical lives. What we can conclude is that American way of ren-fair is basically entertainment based including watching farce while European gives more importance authentic experiences.renaissance festivals

In United Stated along several numbers of renaissance-festivals are organized on weekly. Among them Texas Renaissance festival is USA’s largest amusement park. During 2011 this festival witnessed around 61,000 visitors per weekend, such is the height of popularity of these fairs. In other states like Michigan and Arizona weekend fairs are organized with same enthusiasm. However for each state ren-fair is month long affair held in different season of an year.

Renaissance fairs are the rarely happening occasion in the life of people for enjoying magnificent creations on the line of renaissance clothing of bygone eras.

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Style of clothing in the medieval period

pirate clothingPirate clothing is best option when it comes to putting charisma in any party. These clothes can be worn by a person of any age, sex and size as they are designed with a unique technique. Pirate clothing can be enhanced with accessories of medieval times. A knitted pirate cap and hat is the first thing that comes into notice in clothing of sea robbers. In the 15th century Monmouth caps made of wool became very popular.

Nowadays to reflect a different look some people tie long cloth piece around their head. Pirate trousers are also very different and fashionable; they were called breeches in the 15th century and reached up to ankles. One of the most fashionable women’s clothing is pirate skirt and it cannot be complete without use of an eye-patch. During fights pirates used to get wounded many times and to cover their wounds they used eye patches and that is how it became a very essential part of pirate dresses.

The most common of sea robbers’ apparel are loose pirate shirt and pent. Generally sea robbers used to wore whatever they got from hijacked ship so their outfits always appropriate fittings. Pirate shirts are made up of draped material without colors however today they are available in variety of colors like blue, red, orange etc.

One of the important festivals of the modern times is Renaissance festival. People of USA celebrate this festival with great joy. This festival is not just about renaissance clothes but much more like games, activities, food etc. Renaissance festival is a tribute to our middle age history.

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History of Renaissance clothing

renaissance clothingThings keep on changing with time and clothing is one of the biggest example to affirm it. People tend to wear dresses which are in fashion and which get along well with their culture and practices. But the renaissance costumes are big exception to it as these outfits are worn by people till date and are always in demand.

The rich and wealthier people of those periods used to wear heavy renaissance clothes, which were highly decorated and flashy by all means. These were handmade dresses, made from expensive fabrics, ornate and embellished with fine finishing.

On the other hand the ordinary people used to wear simple and relatively cheaper renaissance costumes. Though these were made out of original fabrics but they had less work done on these clothes using the threads which were not of so vibrant colors. During those periods clothes used to form a status symbol and rich people tend to spend much more on their clothes than on other necessary expenditures. The expensive costumes of those periods were regarded as investment because these outfits were made from high quality fabrics and adorned with costly ornate like gold, silver, gemstones and beautifully designed embroideries. During hard times wealthier people and dress designers used to sell their outfits for livelihood.

During the renaissance period dressed were crafted from original fabrics which were hard to produce, making the cost higher. People believed in using really heavy patterns for their clothes to make it heavier. Different type of materials was used for crafting such as cotton, velvet, silk, etc. Also the work of designing heavy renaissance clothing was executed only by proficient labor having good experience and skill in that field. Gold and silver threads were used for making embroideries on dresses.

Renaissance dresses are wore by people even nowadays especially at many traditional events. Most of the historical clothing stores also keep other genres of medieval clothing which includes medieval costumes, pirate clothing and are highly popular among the youngsters.

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Renaissance Era – Period When Europe Reawaken

renaissance era clothingMedieval age lasted till 15th century but the foundation of renaissance era was laid in 14th century. It was only the matter of time; the effects of major changes come in front during the end of 14thcentury. Renaissance was a cultural movement started in Spain and spread throughout the Europe gradually. European intellectual life was greatly influenced by this movement. Various fields like science, art, philosophy, literature, music, politics, and religion came under the reeling of renaissance.

The long stagnant period of underdevelopment and barbaric behavior of rulers forced Europe towards renaissance. From the rules of First Caesars to Pope of church everyone seemed fighting with each other to establish their supremacy over innocent people. These people were always on receiving end for the barbaric and Haines crimes of rulers. Although the reign of Queen Elizabeth proved effective and lot of work on exploration and expansion done but other periods only glorify the negative shades of medieval age. All these failures of Dark Age resulted in sudden revive of Europe.

The classical learning, which was left in middle age reintroduced in this period. Now people to some extent were free to express their thoughts. Many renaissance philosophers and writers wrote about natural thoughts, faiths and believe and included vernacular languages in their literary works. When major European countries like France were ruled by monarchs and others were controlled by church, the independent cities of Italy laid the foundation of commercial revolution later which spread all over the Europe.

Emergence of middle class of was one of the key features of renaissance era. Many social reforms and evolving city culture helped in upgradation of life style of people. New formed class of merchants and bankers had accessibility to leisure like singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and upto some extent rich renaissance clothes.

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Medieval Swords as Home Décor – Irony with Bloodthirsty Weapons of Renaissance Era

Celtic SwordMedieval swords were considered as an armory which can only be used by knights and solders but in renaissance era swords became the part of fashion as renaissance clothing. These weapons of destructions were now used for entrainment activities like swordplays. The use of these weapons were declining in battlefield due to introduction of fire arms and other changes in warfare, now these swords were seen as a part of backup plan only.

The notion of cut and thrust swordsmanship was still prevailing. Renaissance men had expertise in blocking the attack of opponent leading to modifications in already existed weapons. The days of wide blade swords vanished and new thin blade short swords and rapiers took the place. Unlike other medieval weapons, renaissance swords were more beautifully made, the handle part of it were elaborately decorated, blades were made thinner and these weapons became a part of everyday attire and keeping larger swords were looked at as unfashionable or exaggerated.

Knight HelmetFencing in these weapons became popular and they called as costume swords. On later periods these swords hired a new name ‘rapiers’ with a few changes, a new style of civilian swords. With the rapid advancement in firearms, the value of this medieval armory decreased however fencing restored the path for swordsmanship. During early renaissance era rapiers was the most popular weapons but soon they were seen as an alternate option. Not only knights and soldiers, sea robbers to used them as pirate swords. Medieval helmets and shields were the inseparable part of knights’ expensive attire alongwith weapons.

On the line of other period swords from different zone of the world like Viking, Katana, zatoichi, tanto, ninja swords, renaissance swords too became the part of past. Their use in Warfield’s has completely vanished. Now you can see them not in battlefields but in someone’s achieve collection. They are used as home décor, can be found in museums or in acrobatic plays.

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Renaissance Costumes – One of the Reasons for Emerging of Renaissance Era

renaissance costumesAfter the long civil turmoil of Tudor period, birth of new era happened what we called it as renaissance era. This period saw the rebellious nature of people against unlawful act of rulers. Regular suppression and continuous tyranny by monarch resulted in outbreak of mass movements against them. Slowly but commoners started questioning about social discrimination that they were facing since centuries, whether it is regarding wealth, life style or clothing. Yes, the clothing also because rulers had chosen renaissance costumes as a means of differentiating social status of people.

Fabrics used in making of clothing like renaissance shirts, pants, coasts and so on were the major cause of dispute between rulers and commoners because laws imposed on renaissance clothing system make people of lower strata feel inferior. To show their agony a new designing technique of costumes were developed by common people called slashing technique in which a small portion of inner lined clothes popped out of inner lined clothes. However like other renaissance dresses designing methods invented by medieval commoners for themselves, rulers tried to inhibit this technique as well.renaissance shirts

Church too played in key role in emerging of renaissance period but indirectly. Church showed loyalty for rulers and condemned common people who try to oppose the rule of land. A fashionable person was considered as guilty, they were labeled as threat to society.

People were going against the governmental policies on various issues. A number of people took the path of piracy for leaving the life full of misery, they were embarrassed by lawmakers neglecting and suppressing behavior. For them piracy become a coolest job which could fulfill their dreams, they could satisfy appetite for food, costly dresses famous as pirate clothing and things of luxury.

In short, renaissance period came out slowly but strongly from Middle Ages due to myriad reasons like ruthless behavior towards people, constant loose of life in wars, discriminating factors in renaissance clothes by rulers and outbreak of a life taking disease called Black Death.

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Medieval Armors Irony of becoming Home Décor

medieval swords
Although the medieval history witnessed major developments in field of science and technology yet it is filled with bloodsheds and gruesome acts. Well, use of weapons is part of human accessories since early civilization however it took its blood sucking shape throughout the long period of middle age. With the fall of Roman Empire around 5th century a new era of decency, elegancy as well as heinous acts began. Completely new versions of weapons like medieval swords, pirate swords, scimitar, rapiers, Viking swords and Falchion swords were popular part of medieval armory.medieval clothing

When it comes to achievements middle age was full of positive developments. One can find the traces progression in medieval clothing, lifestyle and ever increasing success in scientific discoveries but never ending hunger of ruling on others inspired rulers to snatch the lands other monarchs resulting in advancement of more deadly weapons.

Double edge slashing swords that were used during the early period of medieval era were converted into more contemporary form of sturdy iron swords and in later period stainless steel took over the making bloodthirsty weapons, due to stainless steel knights and worriers get rid from never ending problem of rust on iron swords and became most practical swords used ever. These ruthless weapons of past acquired diamond shape and became sharper and proportionally weighed. Such weapons were meant to cut the enemies into pieces but their handles were beautifully crafted, abbreviations of designs over the handles were the poof of unmatched artistry.

In the present times medieval armory only remained a few medieval enthusiasts collections’ part or in archives of museums. They are also seen as possible home decor based on middle age theme along with some Korean and Japanese swords like samurai, tanto and ninja swords. Being in collection as decorative items is just like irony for these death-dealing medieval weapons.

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Three Popular Costume Ideas for Gentlemen

medieval costumesMany people don’t want to see any changes in traditions and customs especially those who got nostalgic about the past. Tradition and creative ideas are like two different poles that exist in human civilization but the current fashion trend has made them to go together. The example of this association can be seen in modern medieval costumes. In modern version of historical clothing theme remains same with a modern touch up for instance a little variation in designing method or creating same outfits in different fabrics which was not possible during middle age.

Want to grace any themed events such as weddings, pirate theme parties or renaissance festivals put on medieval clothing, they are perfect visual fests. Women in these historical dresses look graceful and men appear as staunch gentlemen. Anyways, I too have three medieval costume ideas and would love to share with you.

  • Charles Vane Set for a perfect pirate themed event. A loose pirate shirt in white color and a loose black color harem pant along with white color pirate skull scarf will make a set for you. Don’t forget to apply dark make up and eye patch, take a pirate sword and wear some jewelries like earrings, now you are ready for the job of pirating.
  • Want to enjoy the life of noble people atleast for once, grab the golden noble set. This set should include a golden noble vest, a white shirt, same black color pant and a black color belt. What a royal attire to be a noble person.
  • renaissance festival clothing

  • A true traditional version of peasant attire is farmer’s tunic. Enact as peasant of middle age wearing farmer’s tunic, a loose black pant and a black color cotton belt.

All above stated medieval renaissance costumes are much traditional in their look but are designed with modern twist and turns.

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The spirit of Renaissance Festivals

renaissance festival clothingAtleast for once everyone should be a part of renaissance festivals. This is the time when past meets with present to form an environment of friendly gesture among people. In renaissance fairs people enjoy dressing in renaissance clothing, enjoy munching on medieval foods and take pleasure in viewing acts based on periods shows and acrobatics.

Here people come in myriad colors of stunning medieval costumes which seems like it is a fair of colors. People in the dresses of prince, princesses, kings, queens, worriers, pirates, wenches, witches etc. appear fascinating. Some of them are fulfilling their childhood dreams of becoming the historical figure they envy most, some of them are doing their official jobs and rest do so because they are the part of such popular occasion. One thing which is common in all of them is they just want to enjoy to fullest.renaissance shirt

Things that make these events more interesting are innovative ideas of people while trying on renaissance costumes and accessories. Many people use bizarre combination of dresses like renaissance shirt and Gothic Death Pant alongwith pirate sword by making modern modifications. May be their main aim is not to look best but to attract the eyeballs of others. Afterall looking good is not only the way of getting attention of others, being a weird is sufficient to be in mind of many – LOL.

The special thing about ren fairs is the knowledge which younger people get about their medieval history and guess what, they don’t get bored. Away from the day to day hectic schedules of life such fairs are very special events where one can spend quality time with family and friends. Many historical enthusiast and educators feel nostalgic in these festive occasions.

Renaissance festival is all about knowing the middle age, attiring in renaissance costumes and enjoying quality time, if not with anyone then alone.

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Renaissance Costumes – A Money Making Business

renaissance pirate costumesThe idea of setting ecommerce business is not a distinct dream in this age. There is scope for everything that can be into a profitable business .Today whatever the thing you can think about is available on internet whether it is heavy machinery, foods, clothing and vehicles, infact this list will not end. If we talk only about clothing then there are varieties of categories on which an ecommerce business can be set up and one of category is medieval costumes.

As a small scale enterprise of medieval renaissance dresses can prove to be a profitable business for you, the reason behind it is investment for launching is not so high as compared to conventional form of businesses and maintenance cost is also low. The other reason behind it is renaissance festivals and theme based events are very popular in western countries and are gradually influencing the other parts of the world as well. Renaissance clothing is the center of attraction in such mega events. People dressed in different attires, portraying myriad characters from middle age always try to outdo each others. To make wedding memorable many people give it medieval theme where everything seems to be just medieval.medieval clothing

The important reason in favor of successful business of medieval dresses is internet’s vast reach. A person can order from one corner of the world to other without any hindrance. No need to go out of home, loiter store to store, get indulge in argument etc. What one need is a little time for searching a genuine user friendly website for right medieval clothing let’s say pirate shirt and click to buy it.

However certain things have be taken care if you are launching an ecommerce website for renaissance-outfits.com. E-commerce is very competitive. People will not think twice before buying if they find similar product more attractive and reasonable at some other website. Also you have to keep updating the website to remain in business and the last is little interaction with customers, so the chance of losing valuable customers becomes more.

E-commerce of medieval renaissance costumes can be a money making business if associated risk are handled with proper attention.

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