EX TENEBRIS CRESCIT FLOS
MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE CULTURE
Why Are So Many People Attracted to the Past?
September 2, 2005
I have always been attracted to the cultures of the past, and one of my
favorites has been Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Logically,
this does not make a great deal of sense, since the culture stood for all
kinds of ideals that would have been seriously damaging to me had I lived
in that time. There is, however, a certain romance to it despite the
religious oppression, the disease, and the unsanitary conditions.
Specifically, I love the clothing. The fashions of that time were surprisingly
comfortable, and the loose-fitting clothes cover up my figure flaws quite well.
There was a certain elegance to the clothing of this time that is somehow
missing in the modern-day uniform of jeans and a tee shirt (which I never
wear anyway). Naturally, wearing clothing that has been out of fashion for
centuries presents some problems. If I wear it around town, as I will on
occasion, I get weird looks (and also compliments!). At a renaissance faire,
of course, such clothing is entirely appropriate. In July, I went to a faire
in Cedar City, Utah, but unfortunately the weather was so miserably hot that I
could only stand to be there for about an hour. After leaving the faire, I
drove to three ghost towns, and got out of the car to explore them only briefly.
I must have looked funny exploring ghost towns in a medieval peasant dress!
Other accoutrements of the Middle Ages and Renaissance are fascinating as
well. There was a simple, but charming, artistic style to just about
everything produced, from simple belt buckles to coins to weapons. Many of
the coins, while crude by today's standards, are artistically beautiful.
The vast array of weapons testifies to the violence of society, but people
somehow found time to add an artistic touch. Real beauty can be found in the
hilt of a sword or the blade of a halberd.
A medieval Irish coin of King John - crude but hauntingly beautiful
Many people are attracted to a sort of idealized Middle Ages. Such conditions
did not, of course, exist as people imagine them, but the myth is powerful.
Tales of Chivalry abound, and people, myself included, avidly read these
ancient books to this day. They plant images of noble knights, ladies on a
pedestal, courtly love, and high adventure in the minds of many. Naturally,
people enjoy acting out their fantasies, and an industry of medieval and
renaissance faires has sprung up to cater to their desires. Some people
enjoy the idealized, romanticized aspects of the culture, while others
strive for authenticity (although I doubt anyone strives for authentic
medieval sanitation). It is interesting that this time period appeals to
so many people. I sometimes wonder why, but it is hard to answer. Perhaps
people are looking for an escape from their tedious lives or maybe they want
to bring back the ways of simpler times. For me, it fits in with my interest
in history and my desire for variety.
There are groups of people who take medieval reenactment very, very seriously.
I have thought about looking for groups who share this interest, but I am
not certain that I want to get so heavily involved. For me, the artifacts
and clothing of these time periods simply add variety to my wardrobe and to
the eclectic decor of my home, and chances are, this interest will not grow
far beyond where it is now.
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