You have regularly been to a festival and have seen people who lived completely as they used to. Or maybe you also have friends who already do reenactment. Or maybe you're inspired by battles like those of Waterloo, Hastings or Agincourt reenacted by lifelike people who live for a weekend or more as people did in other times. Re-enactment is a very versatile hobby that involves a lot.
Re-enactment, living history, experimental archeology
These are several terms that are very similar but slightly different. Finding out where your passion lies is often a journey through all three options. In this blog we approach them briefly, but we mainly focus on Re-enactment.
Experimental Archeology
The most hardcore historical approach is experimental archaeology. Here, a set-up is set down completely historically in order to discover how people lived or acted in a period. Such as sailing from Norway to Dublin on a Viking ship or a living experiment in which you live fully for six weeks as in the Bronze Age. With this set-up, the test object (sometimes you yourself) is completely historical, but the environment can be modern.
Living history
Living History focuses mainly on how people in history lived in everyday life. For example, a Living History Group can depict a Gallic settlement, or a group of Dutch resistance fighters from the Second World War. The emphasis is on historical correctness. Objects and clothing must be proven to exist in historical sources. It is precisely the latter that is sometimes very difficult and that is where the challenge lies in living history. Living history is often done at events where there are visitors. It has an informative character about a certain period. At major living history festivals you often get different periods in which you can take a look.
Re-enactment
Just like living history, re-enactment focuses on historical correctness. But, where the difference can mainly be seen is that warfare and battles are often important in Re-enactment. Many reenactment groups have historic encampments where food is served or crafts are done. But there are also re-enactors who mainly come for the battles and do not stay in a historic encampment, but in a plastic tent or camper outside the historic part.
Historically correct
In re-enactment, the degree of historical correctness differs per group. The problem with historical accuracy is that it takes a lot of reference work to come up with a draft or even just wear a pair of shoes. The degree to which the group wants to be historically correct must match the degree to which you strive for this yourself. This can be a challenge / discovery for yourself or a censorship that judges everything you buy. Many groups take 100% historically correct as a rule of thumb, then you end up being 80% historically correct. Please note, this usually applies within the opening hours of the event. Most groups sleep and eat outside opening hours modern or partly modern.
Joining a Re-enactment Group
The easiest way to get started with re-enactment is to join a re-enactment group. They almost always have clothes and equipment that you can borrow the first few times you come along. As already mentioned, it is important to see how the group approaches historical correctness and whether this suits you. Many groups are foundations and some require a membership fee. Other groups make their money by participating in paying events. Paying events have the downside that you are not sure whether you are always at a fun event or just at a modern fair.
Re-enactment events & Larp events
The big difference between re-enactment and larp is that the acting part of Larp goes much further than with Re-enactment. In many re-enactment groups, the character you portray does have a basic foundation, but usually no storyline, etc. At events, re-enactment mainly has an educational character. You inform the public about how people lived in, for example, the Middle Ages. You do this regularly by depicting crafts or giving workshops. Larp events are much more about you and your group with the story running through the weekend. There are almost never visitors.
Encampment Life at Re-enactment
For many re-enactment groups, the encampment is central. This is the focal point for the group. Here is also eaten, usually in a historical setting and sleeping, usually in a modern design. Many encampments consist of historic tents and a central meeting point in the middle. Encampments often also have weapon racks in which all weapons are displayed. Many Re-enactment groups also allow visitors to come into the encampment to watch. Modern objects are tucked away in historic tents that are closed. Just like in history, fire plays an important role in the re-enactment group. It provides heavy-handed heating at cold r-enactment events. It is widely used in doing crafts. Cooking is also done on the fire, often with several kettles, pans and ovens.
Re-enactment battles
Re-enactment battles are dangerous. Strict agreements apply to battles that are usually discussed in advance in a captains meeting. The officers of a group participate and pass the information on to the rest of their reenactment group. Usually it is mainly decided which side will win, especially when it concerns a historic battle such as Agincourt. Tactics are also discussed. For example, multiple approaches by infantry and agreed times when archers fire their volleys. Planning is very important when it comes to firearms! It is planned in such a way that re-enactors do not accidentally stand in front of a firing cannon.
Rules differ per event and country. But some basic rules are.
- No burrs on your weapon, burrs must be filed smooth.
- The weapon must be in good condition.
- No stabbing, not even with stabbing weapons
- (leather) gloves and helmets (2mm) mandatory.
- Do not hit above the nipple line
- Listen to your officers, safety marshals etc.
- Drink water when offered by a water carrier
- Keep your distance from firing cannons, rifles
- Guns must never be fired at anyone
- Bows may have a max poundage of 30 pounds
- Arrows must be provided of an undamaged safety cap
- Lying dead face down
Reenactment Weapons
Every weapon and arrow that is taken onto a reenactment field is checked. There should be no loose parts such as pommels. The weapons must be sufficiently blunted, have a round point or be fitted with a safety point.
Re-enactment is a hobby in which you can continue to grow. This creates a challenge for many years where every weekend is different. Often also at a different location.