Tempus Nebularum Principality of the Mists - Spring Coronet
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Principality of the Mists
Tempus Nebularum
Spring Coronet
A.S. LVI
From Our Prince and Princess
Greetings, Fair Mistlands
We gather together in Our shire
of Vinehold to select Our Heirs.
We look forward to a day of
pageantry, prowess, and valor
culminating with a victor and
consort who will continue to lead
Our glorious Mists. We hope all
fighters, whether they use steel,
rattan, or arrow, will join in
friendly competition with others
from far and wide.
We also look forward to seeing
all of you and celebrating after
the Lists. Come join Us on the
Lists field in the evening for
games, drinks, and shenanigans!
It has been Our honor to serve you, Our populace, as we as a Society took
the first steps out of the darkness which kept us from one another for so
long.
Long live The Mists!
Da’ud and Moira
Princeps et Principessa
Mists Spring Coronet
Friday April 1st, 2022 to Sunday April 3rd, 2022
Napa, California
Skyline Wilderness Park
2201 Imola Ave
Napa CA 94559
Site opens at 1:00pm on Friday, April 1, 2022, and closes at 3pm on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
Site Fee: Adult Event Registration: $25. Adult Member Discount Event Registration: $20.
Children/minors under 16: free
Watch for the signs pointing to the correct entrance gate/parking lot.
Greetings unto the populace of the West from Da’ud and Moira, Prince and Princess of the Mists:
We approach the time for selection of our heirs. The format for the Spring Mists Coronet will be double
elimination, best 2 out of 3 per round. Fourth round will be fought with mace and shield. Finals will be
best 3 out of 5, and should finals go beyond 3 passes, bouts 4 and 5 will be fought with mace and shield.
Their Highnesses will also be holding the Mists Rapier Championship at this event, with tournament
formatting to be updated shortly.
Due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the ongoing COVID Pandemic, we are requiring that
either fighter or consort be a resident of The Mists. We also request each fighter/consort pair to declare
their intent to Us prior to Coronet at royals@mists.westkingdom.org
The event will host the Mists Silver Muse Arts and Sciences competition: “Arts and Science though the
Ages”.This completion will be composed of two parts, one for early period, and one for later period
entries.The Early Period will be 8th century, and the Later Period will be 13th century. Artisans can
create clothing, jewelry, stamping from the 8th! Or sing a song, show a jewel from the 13th!
Documentation is required, but does not need to be elaborate. Silver Muse competition will contain a
teaching element at some point, so why not start early and arrange a class.
For questions regarding the Silver Muse competition, or if you would like to teach a class, contact Lady
Rue Payne at Rew@westkingdom.org or via FB messenger @RutheMiller.
Their Highnesses will also be encouraging populace participation for The Princess’s Social, Target
Archery, and Games and Socializing on the Tourney Field on Saturday evening after the Tournament.
From Monkei Sou’ichi, Principality Rapier Marshal
Their Highnesses of the Mists would like to invite you to the Mists Rapier Championship to be held
this coming weekend at their Coronet Lists in Napa.
They have requested that there be lots of fighting, and would love to see some cut & thrust! To fulfill
their requests, we have decided that we will be holding a double elimination tournament! Cut & Thrust
is allowed, and indeed encouraged, if both combatants are authorized & equipped for it.
For the MIsts Rapier Championship tournament on Saturday, Their Highnesses would like to see as
much Cut and Thrust as possible. If you and your opponent are authorized and have had your gear
properly inspected, please consider Cut and Thrust for thrust oriented swords (rapier) as well as cut
oriented swords (side swords, arming swords, long swords, etc). Let's show the diversity of Steel
fighting in the Principality of the Mists!
Event Steward: Khalidah bint Sa’id Al’Attar (Dominique Griffard) — Email:
dominique@redhouselawyer.com
Mists Spring Coronet, continued Tournament Details: The format will vary depending on the number of entrants. If we have less than 20 entrants to the tournament lists, then we will hold a standard double elimination tournament. In that case, finals will be best 3 out of 5. If we have more than 20 entrants to the lists, then we will run a bear pit style tournament and divide the lists into pools. The number of pools will depend on how many combatants we have in the lists. Each combatant will remain on the field and hold the pit against all other combatants in their pool; regardless if the one holding the pit wins or loses. Combatants will fight each opponent in a best 2 of 3 to determine the winner of each match. Once they have faced their entire pool of opponents, they will return their fighter card to the lists. This card will detail the results of their series of combats, including how many fights they won. Then they will return to the end of the line for their pit to fight the other combatants. Each combatant will only hold the pit 1 time against all the other combatants in their pit and will only record results for the combats while they hold the pit. Once all combatants have had a chance to hold the pit against every other combatant in their pool, we will take the top combatant from each pool to move to the next round. If there are more than two pools, then we will hold a semi-finals to determine the two finalists. Semi- Finals will be a single pass bear pit of the same style against all others in the semi-finals. The two with the most wins will move on to the finals. For the finals of the Mists Rapier Championship, if both finalists are authorized for Cut & Thrust, then we encourage you to consider it for one or all of your bouts, but it is not required. The finals for the Mists Rapier Championship will be held prior to the Semi-Finals for the Coronet Lists. The finals will be fought best 3 out of 5. We hope to see you all there to celebrate their Highnesses reign and to display your prowess on the field. From Mistress Crystal of the Westermark This weekend, at Mists Coronet, we will have the Saltatoris Nebularum Competition! The dance will be Chestnut, an English country dance that does not require jumping. Look around the tourney field for dancing, or follow the music sometime after 4th round. Event Steward: Khalidah bint Sa’id Al’Attar (Dominique Griffard) — Email: dominique@redhouselawyer.com Directions: to Site From I-80: Take CA-12 West toward Napa/Sonoma. Turn right onto CA-29 North. Veer slightly to the right on CA-221 North toward Downtown Napa/Lake Berryessa. Turn right at Imola Ave., and the entrance to the park is approximately 1 mile on the right. From US-101: Take CA-37 East toward Napa/Vallejo. Turn left on Ca-29 North/Sonoma Blvd. Veer slightly right on CA-221 North toward Downtown Napa/Lake Berryessa. Turn right at Imola Ave. and the entrance to the park is approximately 1 mile on the right. From CA-12/121 (Carneros Hwy): Turn left on CA-29 North. Exit Imola Ave. and turn right at the light. Stay straight on Imola for 2.5 miles (approximately 6 minutes and 5 lights). Entrance to the park will be on the right.
Index
2 - Words From the Prince and Princess
3 - Mists Spring Coronet
5 - INDEX
6 - A&S and Silver Muse
7 - A Poem by Cesare de Lodovico Malefici, Bard of the Mists
8 - Principality Regalia Officer Seeking Replacement
8 - Principality Arts and Sciences Officer Seeking Replacement
9 - Mists Equestrian Officer Seeking Replacement
9 - Principality Web Minister Seeking Replacement
9 - Principality Lists Minister Seeking Replacement
10 - Upcoming Events
11 - A Poem by Cesare de Lodovico Malefici, Bard of the Mists
12 - Beltane
13 - Cynagua - Mists War
14 - Desert Rose, a story-poem by Cesare de Lodovico Malefici,
Bard of the Mists
15 - Law Change Art. VI, Sect. 2
16 - Law Change Art. III, Sect. 2.4
17 - Law Change Art. IV, Sect. 1.4
18 - Law Change Art. IV, Sect. 3.2
19 - Hawk's Haven Grand Archery Tourney& Falcon's Treaty Rapier
Tournament
20 - Lupercalia, Part Deux, Barony of Allyshia, arch 19, 2022
21 - Spring Equinox > New Year’s Day > April Fools
22 - Recipe: Ash-e Doogh - Yogurt-Herb soup
23 - Recipe: Haft Mewa - Seven Fruits compote
25 - Officers of the Principality of the Mists
26 - Branches of the Principality of the Mists
27 - Guilds and Groups of the Principality of the Mists
27 - Disclaimer
A&S and Silver Muse Competition “Arts and Science though the Ages” WHOLE YEAR SCHEDULE!! Find your inner Muse, Early or Late! This year’s Mists A&S Competitions are moving through time and expertise. Each Mists event will have two competitions: One early period, one later period. This will allow Artisans to grow a body of work that shows progression through both historical time, and their expertise growing over the years. All Artists, Bards, Calligraphers, Natural Scientists, Poets, Rubricators, Singers, Troubadours, etc. are invited to pursue the Arts and Sciences by creating displays of their work and teaching and discussing the work, whether it is a material object, an intellectual one, or a story of history. • Spring Coronet: The Early time will be 8th century; Later period will be 13th century. Please pick a time (and if needed or desired, a place) and bring your work! Create clothing, jewelry, stamping from the 8th century! Sing a song, show a jewel from the 13th! Brew an appropriate beverage or food! Share! (Actual competition time TBA on day of, listen for your Herald! Please bring your Arts and Brews to the A&S pavilion for display after first court but before round one starts) • Spring Investiture: The Early time will be 9th century; Later period will be 14th century. Please teach us to sing a song from the 9th or make a weapon! Perhaps a simple cote pattern? Or how they made paint from rocks and plants ? (Actual competition time TBA on day of, listen for your Herald! Please bring your Arts and Brews to the A&S area for display AFTER gate opens / ends 15 mins after midday break, subject to change) • Fall Coronet: The Early time will be 10th century; Later period will be 15th century. Teach us how to cure a headache ? Or how to lull a child to sleep with a lullaby? Make a painting or a hat or gloves ? Show a tool they might have used to garden? (Actual competition time TBA on day of, listen for your Herald! Please bring your Arts and Brews to the A&S pavilion for display after first court but before round one starts) • Fall Investiture: The Early time will be 11th century; Later period will be 16th century. You could play a tune or create a necklace, teach us how to make some rings? Sing some chants or mead your way into our hearts ! (Actual competition time TBA on day of, listen for your Herald! Please bring your Arts and Brews to the A&S area for display AFTER gate opens / ends 15 mins after midday break, subject to change) We are encouraging our artisans not only to make things but teach how to make them as well, as this is a part of the competition for the Silver Muse. Documentation is required but don’t let that scare you away. Simple is all we ask, but if you want to do more that’s wonderful. (Help is available!) Donations of largesse are always appreciated as our gifts are always valued so much! Are you interested in becoming the next Silver Muse? http://mists.westkingdom.org/the-silver-muse-award If you have any questions, Please contact me, Lady Rew Payne, at artsciences@mist.westkingdom.org or Rew@westkingdom.org The Silver Muse The three criteria for winning the competition are as follows: 1. Participation in at least 5 Mists A&S competitions. To qualify, the entry must receive at least 50% of the available points for that competition. This component recognizes the individual’s excellence in A&S skills.
2. At least one entry must include a “teaching” component – a Do-It-Yourself handout or
some other form of “how to do what I did” instruction. This information, with the
permission of the entrant, will be published via the Mists Web site to further the shared
knowledge within the Principality. This component recognizes the individual’s willingness
to give back to the Principality by teaching their skills to others.
3. The competitor shall be encouraged only to provide a donation to the Principality gift
basket. The contribution does not have to be one of the A&S entries, but should be an item
made by the contributor. This component allows the Coronet to proudly display the skills
of its artisans by providing gifts for the Coronet to give to worthy recipients that can enrich
the Principality.
Came hence, girded
Fight for right and honor
Elevate grace and glory
Rose of grace and light
Darkness creeping
No war calling
Yet defend I this place
Till my people’s return.
Esteemed grace arisen
Patron art and beauty
Darkness falls unbidden
Silent halls keeping
Loving hearth warmth
Patient joy awaiting
Yet keep I this place
Till my people’s return.
Resolute duty assumed
No quarter to darkness given
Content radiant joy
Our people have returned.
Cesare de Lodovico Malefici
Bard of the Mists
1304-40 Codex Manesse
(Cod. Pal. germ. 848).
Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg
Wanted: Principality Regalia Officer
Greetings unto the Principality of The Mists,
It is time that I look for a successor for the position of Regalia
officer. The Job involves a two-year commitment and will need
to be Warranted. This position, per the officer description on the
Principality Web page, “Makes sure that all regalia gets to and
leaves events intact and is stored appropriately.” In addition,
the person in this position will need to:
• maintain the regalia and awards box inventory.
• work closely with the seated and incoming
Principality Royalty.
• collaborate with the “Regalia Committee” for all additions
and subtractions to the Regalia inventory.
• give a report on the status of the inventory and any projects
that are being worked on, twice a year at the Mists
Management meeting (currently held on the Sunday of
Coronet )
• conduct an inventory of all regalia, including its location and
condition, to be completed immediately prior to its transfer to
the incoming Coronet Sovereign and Consort.
For additional details about the job, please email me at
kelsy.aylesworth@westkingdom.org. Any letters of intent with a
brief resume should be sent to Their Highnesses at
royals@mists.westkingdom.org , the Principality Seneschal at
seneschal@mists.westkingdom.org , and myself.
● In Service,
● Kelsy Aylesworth, OP
Principality Regalia Officer
Arts and Sciences Officer Seeks Replacement
Have you ever thought you would love to be an Arts and Science Officer but wasn’t sure
what it entailed, worried it would be too much work ?
Well worry not !!
I can train you and in just under a year you too can be a principality officer ! You will have
fun and get a chance to direct those creative juices !!
Now talking applications for A&S deputy successor!
Contact me, Rew Payne, on messenger or by email rew@westkingdom.org
Come join the fun !! Arts and Sciences are creative !!
Mists Equestrian Officer Seeks Deputy or Replacement
Greetings! I have been the Mists Equestrian Officer for the standard 2-year tenure from late
Fall 2019-present. While we haven't had many events due to COVID-19, I am extending the
opportunity to serve in the office to another interested volunteer. I could train someone over
the next 6-months if there is an interested volunteer to take over.
If you are interested in training as a deputy please send an email to
equestrian@mists.westkingdom.org (or send a FaceBook message to me at RachaelKeish for
fastest response if you use that platform). You can also reach out to the Kingdom Equestrian
Officer Kean de Lacy at equestrian@westkingdom.org if you prefer.
In Service, Marguerite du Royon
Mists EQ Officer
Your Mists Lists Minister Seeks a Successor
This is a low-impact office with only two weekends of commitment (the two Coronet
weekends) and one that gives you front-row views of the tournaments. Attendance at the
Mists Management meeting on Coronet weekends is also included.
Please contact Leah Raedaelf of Pagham (Linda Segal on Facebook or lksegal24@gmail.com).
Upcoming Events April 1-3 ———— Mists Principality Spring Coronet 23 ————– St. David’s Warlords Tournament 29–May 3 —– West Kingdom Beltane Coronation May 4-8 ———— Cynagua–Mists War 14 ————– Mists Principality Spring Investiture 14 ————– West Kingdom Heralds Meeting (Virtual) 15 ————– Westermark Arts Day 21 ————– Crosston Ball June 10-12 ———– West Kingdom A&S Tournament / Arts Faire 17-19 ———– West Kingdom Crown Tournament 30-July 4 —— West–Antir War (An Tir) July 29-Aug 14 — Pennsic War (Æthelmearc) August 6 —–––––––—– Cloondara Debardchery 19-21 ———— Mist–Cynagua War 26-28 ———— West Kingdom Purgatorio Investiture September 2-5 ————– KHTI Ducal Prize Tourney 9-11 ———— Mists Principality Fall Coronet 24 ————– Westermark Madness 30-Oct 2 —— West Kingdom Crown Tournament
Though all be dire
Steel armed he comes
Fight to inspire
Bright Rose’s sun
With grace and shield
Our fate to amend
From this field
Darkness to end
Cesare
de Lodovico
Malefici
Bard of the Mists
1304-40 Codex Manesse
(Cod. Pal. germ. 848)
Universitätsbibliothek HeidelbergWest Kingdom Beltane Coronation
Friday April 29th, 2022 to Tuesday May 3rd, 2022
Red Bluff, California
Unto the Populace of the West,
Their Majesties, Miles and Jitka, invite one and all to come and bear witness to the Coronation of Their heirs.
Come celebrate the grand traditions of the West with courts, arts, sciences, fighting, singing, dancing, and
archery. This event will take place in Red Bluff at Camp Discovery, a beautiful campground with cabins next to
the Sacramento River, with a grove of beautiful trees in which the gentle breezes play.
This year Beltane and Cynagua-Mist War will be held at the same site, a week apart, so we are going to have an
in-between camp. If you are planning on attending both events, you may leave your camp unoccupied or stay
and enjoy the event. The Event Steward will be on site the whole time.
Any changes and additional information about competitions, special activities, etc., will be included on the West
Kingdom calendar link and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/688293852171861/ and the
Beltane-War website https://sites.google.com/westkingdom.org/beltanecyn-mistswar/activities
Site Information: Camp Discovery (1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff CA 96080)
Site Amenities: Multiple potted water sites, 4 stone privies with scent guard, two large, covered areas with picnic
tables and grills, 11 bunkhouses with bunk bed sleeps 8 (limited availability), 8 shower stalls, 2 ADA accessible
shower stalls, 2 dishwashing stations, there is also an amphitheater with a large firepit ideal for an evening
gathering or Hafla. Electricity is available from the covered picnic areas. Fishing is available, as long as you have
a license. There is an RV Park with RV camping within 50 yards, several hotels within a couple of miles, and
local grocery stores across the I-5. To reserve and RV site uses Recreation.gov, look for the Sycamore Grove (Red
Bluff) Campground. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234633?start=10
Additional Site Info: This location will not utilize a traditional Eric space. The tourney field will be smaller than
normal, but there will be several fighting fields. Due to trees and the shape of the site please be kind and snug
tents up to your neighbors when possible. The site is ADA compatible. Please offload your vehicles quickly and
park courteously. Covid rules are still in effect. Please wash and sanitize your hands. Pets are allowed, leash laws
apply. Firepits are allowed, West Kingdom Fire Laws apply. There is a 10 pm noise curfew (subject to residents of
the RV camp). No RV? No curfew!
All Merchants must pre-register with Francisco de Salamanca or Argenteilin filia Elffin —
wkmerchliason@westkingdom.org
This event and the use of the Red Bluff Recreation Area is authorized under special use permit administered by
the Mendocino National Forest. The Red Bluff Recreation Area is adjacent to the Sacramento River on Sale Lane
in Red Bluff, CA. This site is open year round unless flooding or high winds occur.
Event Steward: Baroness Finna kottr Godormsdottir — Phone: 530-391-6271 — E-mail:
finnakottr@westkingdom.org
Registration:
Beltane Only — Adult (18 and up) registration: $30. Adult member discounted Registration: $25. Minors 17 and
under free.
Beltane and War Combo — Adult (18 and up) registration: $55. Adult member discounted registration: $45.
Minors 17 and under free.
War Only — Adult (16 and up) registration $25. Adult discounted member registration $20. Minors 15 and under
free.
Site opens:
Beltane opens Friday, April 29th at 12 pm and closes Tuesday, May 3 at 11:59 pm
The War will run Wednesday, May 4th 12 am to Sunday May 8th at 4 pmCynagua-Mists War
Wednesday May 4th, 2022 to Sunday May 8th, 2022
Red Bluff, California
Principality War! Do you hear the drums of War??? Does the thought of battle boil your blood??
Listen to the Cravings in your heart and come to War!!! Come witness The Clash of Titans on
and off the battlefield with Arts and Sciences, Cooking, Rapier, Archery, and Youth Combat! All
activities count toward the tally for the winners of the war! Individual competition information
TBA.
This year Beltane and Cynagua-Mist War will be held at the same site, a week apart, so we are
going to have an in-between camp. If you are planning on attending both events, you may leave
your camp unoccupied or stay and enjoy the event. The Event Steward will be on site the whole
time.
Any changes and additional information about competitions, special activities, etc., will be
included on the Website. You can also find information on the Facebook event.
Site Information: Camp Discovery (1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff CA 96080)
Site Amenities: Multiple potable water sites, 4 stone privies with scent guard, two large covered
areas with picnic tables and grills, 11 bunkhouses with bunk bed sleeps 8 (limited availability), 8
shower stalls, 2 ADA accessible shower stalls, 2 dishwashing stations. There is also an
amphitheater with a large firepit ideal for an evening gathering or Hafla. Electricity is available
from the covered picnic areas. Fishing is available, as long as you have a license. There is an RV
Park with RV camping within 50 yards, several hotels within a couple of miles, and local grocery
stores across the I-5. To reserve an RV site use Recreation.gov and look for the Sycamore Grove
(Red Bluff) Campground.
Additional Site info: The site is ADA compatible. Please offload your vehicles quickly and park
courteously. Kingdom Covid rules are still in effect please wash and sanitize your hands. Pets
are allowed, leash laws apply. Firepits are allowed, West Kingdom Fire Laws apply. There is a 10
pm noise curfew (subject to residents of the RV camp). No RV? No curfew!
This event and the use of the Red Bluff Recreation Area is authorized under Special Use Permit
administered by the Mendocino National Forest.
Event Steward: Baroness Finna kottr Godormsdottir (Ileah Dotson) — Phone: 530-391-6271 — E-
mail: finnakottr@westkingdom.org
Start Time: The War will run from Wednesday, May 4th, 12am to Sunday, May 8th, at 4pm
Site Fee: War Adult registration: $20 Adult Member discount: $15, 17 and under free.
Beltane and the War combo Adult registration: $45, Adult Member Discount: $35, Minors 17 and
under free.
Pre-registration is available but not mandatory.Desert rose
It did happen that a good and dutiful servant, of that which is greater
than ourselves.
While out performing their duties to their Furusiyyah.
Did come across, to him, the most perfect and beautiful desert Rose.
So enamored, he decided to share his joy and blessing, with all he met.
He went among the Bedu.
Traveled the oasis of the herdsman.
Among the folk of the Mazra’a, of which his Furusiyyah was the guardian.
In the Souq.
Even unto the Qasbah, that watched over the caravan way.
Did he extol the virtues of the wonderful Rose.
But the Basirah, of this Rose, upon him was so great.
That even this was not enough.
So when the Sultan did decree a contest for a new Emir.
Did this humble one decide to enter. So all would share the joy,
Of his wonderful desert Rose.
Cesare de Lodovico Malefici
Bard of the Mists
1304-40 Codex Manesse
(Cod. Pal. germ. 848, f. 249v).
Universitätsbibliothek HeidelbergHawk's Haven Grand Archery Tourney
& Falcon's Treaty Rapier Tournament
Saturday February 19th, 2022
Gilroy, California
Photos courtesy of Lady Rew PayneLupercalia, Part Deux
March 19, 2022
I was one lucky Viscountess to be able to attend the most recent Lupercalia,
part Deux in the Barony of Allyshia. The day was slightly soggy, but that didn’t
stop the Allyshians from coming out to support their Baron and Baroness.
Unfortunately, there were no competitors, and the current reign will continue.
Meetings were held and socializing ensued. For most everyone, this was their
first event back after COVID and it was the perfect size to get our feet to get
wet and get a taste of life “post” covid.
I cannot wait to attend another event in Allyshia. 10/10 would recommend the
long drive (also a quick flight from SFO) to spend some time with some of the
nicest people in the kingdom!
Long live Donovan and Yrmengerdis, Baron and Baroness of Allyshia!!
Sara la petite RoseSpring Equinox > New Year’s Day > April Fools Spring Equinox is recently passed - it was March 20 and will fall on the same date in 2023-27. In ancient times the Spring Equinox was New Year’s Day. The ancient Sumerian calendar began with the first new moon after the equinox and was celebrated with the 12-day Akitu festival. Part of the festival involved the return of the goddess Inanna from the underworld, which was ruled by her sister Ereshkigal. She was called the Queen of Heaven, a title shared by many goddesses worshipped in ancient Southwest Asia and around the Mediterranean. On the tenth day she married the shepherd god Dumuzi. The Sumerian calendar was adopted by the Babylonians who celebrated the marriage of their goddess Ishtar to the god Tammuz. The goddess is associated with the planet Venus and the spring rains, and the god as shepherd with spring lambs. In some form, the Akitu festival is still celebrated today by the Assyrian ethnic group in Iraq. Additionally, the dates of both the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian Easter are determined in relation to the Spring Equinox. And it is New Year’s Day in the Persian calendar. The celebration of early spring goes back at least to the days of Zarathustra aka Zoroaster (possibly born around 1000 BCE), although it is not mentioned by name in either of the holy books. It has been celebrated at least since the Achaemenid Dynasty (c. 550–330 BCE). The name Nowrūz finally appears during the Parthian empire (248 11 c. Medical Miscellany BCE–224 CE). MS Lat. 7028, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris Chahārshamba-sūrī (lit. "Festive Wednesday”) is observed on the last Wednesday before Nowrūz with rituals such as jumping over bonfires and in modern times setting off firecrackers and fireworks. Nowrūz lasts thirteen days, one day longer than the Akitu. The interval between Chahārshanba-sūrī and the Spring Equinox, when Nowrūz begins, is no more than six days. During this time the house is cleaned thoroughly during khāne-takānī (literally "shaking the house”), when families wash rugs, windows, and curtains and repair their furniture, throwing out or donating worn out household items. People also buy new clothes to wear for the New Year. Flowers, especially hyacinth and the tulip, are popular. Families eat snacks after the end of Chahārshanba-sūrī, usually nuts and dried fruits (a mix called ājīl), which often includes salted hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, prunes, apricots, and raisins. The Arabs captured the Sassanian capital on a day in Nowrūz and levied heavy taxes on Nowrūz. Though the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs continued the taxation, at the same time they publicly acknowledged Nowrūz, thus keeping Nowrūz and its traditions alive. And it continues to be observed in Iran today. The festival of Nowrūz is celebrated by groups of people in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the South Caucasus, western Asia, central and southern Asia. In the 21st c. places where Nowrūz is a public holiday include: Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia (by the country's large Azerbaijani minority), Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Bayan-Ölgii province in Mongolia. It is also celebrated by Kurds in Iraq and Turkey, in addition to the Iranis, Shi’as, and Parsis in the Indian subcontinent, as well as in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by the Uyghurs, Chinese Tajik, Salar, and Kazakh ethnicities. And it is one of nine holy days for adherents of the Baháʼí Faith worldwide. I recommend Encyclopedia Iranica - iranicaonline.org - for lots of information about Chahārshamba-sūrī and a very in-depth article on Nowrūz.
A Haft-seen table is arranged with seven (haft) symbolic items that begin with the letter “S” (seen in the Persian alphabet). The
primary items of the Haft-sin display are:
Sabzeh – sprouted greens, such as wheat, barley, mung bean, or lentils, grown in a dish
Samanu – sweet wheat germ pudding
Senjed – oleaster fruit, or Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), native to western and central Asia
Serkeh – vinegar
Seeb – apple
Seer – whole heads of garlic
Somāq – sumac
Other items that start with the letter "seen", such as coins (sekke), hyacinth (sonbol), and a clock (saat) are sometimes included
too. And the Haft-seen display can involve other symbolic items like a mirror, candles, painted eggs, a live goldfish in a fish bowl,
and traditional Persian sweets. There are many photos of Haft-seen tables on the Wikipedia page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haft-sin
During the holiday, people visit the homes of family, friends, and neighbors. Young people visit their elders and the elders later
return their visit. Visitors are offered beverages and pastries, fresh fruit, dried fruits and mixed nuts (ājīl), or other snacks.
On the last day, Sizdah be-dar, Nature’s Day, Iranians go out to enjoy nature and to picnic outdoors. In 2022 that is April 2. The
greenery grown for the Haft-sin arrangement is thrown away, preferably into running water. It is also customary for young single
people, especially young girls, to tie the leaves of the greenery before discarding it, making a wish to find a partner. It is
customary to eat lettuce dipped in sekanjabin on Sizdah be-dar.
Another typical dish is Ash-e doogh (aush-eh doo) a soup made with whole milk yogurt, a variety of fresh herbs (such as parsley,
mint, tarragon, dill greens, cilantro, and chives or scallion greens), vegetables (such as spinach, purslane, and chickpeas), eggs,
rice, hazelnut-sized meatballs of lamb and grated onion, garlic, and salt.
Ash-e Doogh
Servings 6
Ash is a style of thick soup and doogh - pronounced doo - is a liquid yogurt drink that is popular among Iranians and Turks,
who call it ayran. This soup can be served hot or cold, depending on the season.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped green onions / scallions, just the green tops
1/2 pound ground lamb - or - beef - or - mix of lamb and beef
1/2 onion, grated or puréed in food processor
1/2 Tb. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black or white pepper
1 egg
2 quarts doogh aka ayran (from a Middle Eastern market) - or - substitute plain whole milk yogurt mixed with enough
water to reach the consistency of milk, then add a large pinch of salt
3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice, basmati or jasmine
one 15-oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed
fresh green peas, optional
1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and thickly sliced - or just 3 cloves, depending on your garlic tolerance
salt and pepper to taste
If you prefer, chop the cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, and green onion, mixed together, in a food processor. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
In a small bowl, break the egg and whisk well.
in a large pot add yogurt and whisk until smooth. Beat in whisked egg. Stir in the rice.
On high heat, stir constantly - a wooden spatula or spoon is recommended - until it begins to boil, about 15 minutes.
Continue stirring for 2 more minutes, then turn down the heat to medium.
Little by little, while stirring, add the chopped herbs.
Keeping an eye on the pot, make meatballs. In your palms, roll the meat mixture into hazelnut-size meatballs. As you form
them, drop them into the soup.
When they are cooked they will pop up to the surface and float. Stir gently periodically until they have all risen to the top.
Then slowly, while stirring, add the garbanzo beans (and green peas if using).
Simmer for a few minutes.
Shortly before serving add the garlic. For intense garlic flavor, serve about 1 minute after adding the garlic. For a gentler
garlic flavor, allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat until time to serve.
Traditionally this is served in a tureen, the top of the soup decorated with a pattern made of finely-crumbled dried mint
briefly fried in butter.In Afghanistan, Haft Mewa (lit. Seven Fruits), a fruit compote, is made from seven dried fruits and nuts, served
in their own syrup: raisins, dried fruit of the oleaster tree (senjed), prunes, dried apricots, pistachios, hazelnuts,
walnuts, and almonds. The New York Times recipe notes "Senjed and whole dried sour apricots with seeds can
be found at Afghan or Iranian markets, and online. They are a hallmark of the dish, but can be substituted with
other dried fruits, such as figs and cherries."
4 servings
1/4 cup pistachios
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup hazelnuts
1/4 cup walnut halves
Boiling water
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried sweet cherries
1/2 cup dried apricots, about 8 large
1/4 cup dried oleaster fruit (senjed), about 20, rinsed
4 cups water
1/4-1/2 teaspoon rosewater
Put each kind of nut in a separate small bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Soak the almonds and
pistachios about 1 hour, then slip the skins off. Leave the walnuts overnight which makes them easier to
peel.
In a medium-sized pot bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.
Remove pot from heat, and put all the fruits and nuts into it.
Stir in rosewater.
Cover and set aide to cool, then store in the fridge for a couple days.
Serve the fruits and nuts in bowls along with their syrup.
Notes:
Oleaster fruits and sour apricots have seeds, so warn guests and eat cautiously.
Senjed can be found at Afghan or Iranian markets, and online.
Why all this about Nowrūz as New Year? Well, April First as
April Fool’s Day may have been a holdover from the calendar
change from Julian to Georgian, with the “fools” still
celebrating on April 1st instead of January 1st. There is a long
history of fools festivals or festivals during which the standard
order is "turned upside down" for one day or several days in
various cultures, although most are not in April.
The Roman holiday Saturnalia has been suggested as a possible
origin. After a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn in the Roman
Forum, there was a public banquet, which was followed by
private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival-like
atmosphere overturning Roman social norms. It was supposed
to be a holiday from all kinds of work; schools were closed; and
courts were not in session. Gambling, normally banned, was
permitted, and masters waited on their slaves at the banquet
table, a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike. As
Lucian wrote in his Saturnalia it is a "festive season, when 'tis
lawful to be drunken, and slaves have license to revile their
lords”. But it was feted on December 17 of the Julian calendar
and later expanded through the 23 of December. So a foolish
celebration, perhaps, but not April.
Fool playing an animal as if it were a bagpipe
f. 262 of a French Bible historiale,
dated to 1410-1415The Roman Hilaria was closer in time, celebrated on March 25. It blended a number of different rituals, among them
a religious festival honoring the adopted goddess Cybele, who was originally Anatolian. Also, during the days of
public rejoicing, celebrating the end of the gloom of winter, no one was allowed to show grief or sorrow. The state
sponsored many kinds of games and amusements, and anyone might disguise himself to imitate whoever he wanted,
even magistrates. It was a good deal more complicated than this, involving another dying god, Attis, but that would
take us away from celebrating foolishness.
The Feast of Fools was a feast day celebrated by the clergy in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was held on or about
the Feast of the Circumcision, 1 January. During the Feast, participants would elect a false Bishop, false Archbishop,
or false Pope. Ecclesiastical ritual was parodied, and higher and lower level clergy would change places. This
celebration originated in proper liturgical observance, and is related to other examples of medieval liturgical drama.
In France, “poisson d’avril,” or “April fish,” is the name for a person duped on April Fools’ Day. The first reference to
“poisson d’avril” is from a 1508 poem by Eloy D’Amerval called Le Livre de la Deablerie, or The Book of Deviltry.
However, it isn’t clear whether the author was referring to April 1 or to fools in general. Why April fish? Fish were
plentiful and hungry in the spring, and easy to catch: an “April fish” was more gullible than a fish any other time of
year. So a reference to an “April fish” does not prove there was a holiday on April 1.
Then there is bourgeois lay sotie. The sotie was a short satirical play common in 15th- and 16th-century in France,
from the word sots, meaning “fools”. Many fools appeared as characters in the play, making observations and
exchanging thoughts on contemporary events and individuals. With fools as fonts of wisdom soties presented a world
turned upside-down. While allegorical protagonists were also common in morality plays, the sotie was primarily
meant as entertainment. The plays were written with complex rhyme schemes and sophisticated verse structures. The
best known playwright of soties was Pierre Gringore (b. ca. 1475 - d. 1538), and his best-known play is the 1511 Jeu du
prince des sots (Play of the Prince of Fools). However, not much later in the 16th century, soties were banned and
disappeared.
So how did we get the odd custom of playing pranks on April 1? Ultimately, nobody knows for certain. What we
know is that it was known in Renaissance Europe and probably has roots older than that.
The Festival of Fools. Artist: After Pieter Bruegel the Elder (Netherlandish,
Pieter van der Heyden, ca. 1525–1569 Brussels). Metropolitan Museum of ArtPRINCIPALITY OF THE MISTS
(Unless otherwise noted, please do not call any officers after 10 PM)
http://mists.westkingdom.org
PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF THE MISTS
Da’ud and Moira
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Da’ud: 925-708-5075 ~ Moira: 925-708-5074
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GREAT OFFICERS
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Youth Combat: Contact Mists Marshal
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LESSER OFFICERS
Archer: James the Unhinged (James Whitten) ~ archer@mists.westkingdom.org
Chatelaine: Khalidah Bint Sa’Id Al’Attar (Dominique Ruffa) ~ 831 359-0899 ~ chatelaine@mists.westkingdom.org
Equestrian: Marguerite du Royon (Rachael Keish) ~ 408-592-0223 ~ equestrian@mists.westkingdom.org
Gold Key: Khalidah Bint Sa’Id Al’Attar (Dominique Ruffa) ~ 831 359-0899 ~ goldkey@mists.westkingdom.org
Lists: Leah Raedaelf of Pagham (Linda Segal) ~ 408-245-4141 ~ lists@mists.westkingdom.org
Youth Chancellor: vacant, contact Kingdom Youth Chancellor
Regalia: Kelsy Aylesworth (Conni O’Neill) ~ 408-391-3540 ~ royalregalia@mists.westkingdom.org
Web Minister: Allison de Saint-Loup (Allison Rolls) ~ 510-684-1845 ~ webminster@mists.westkingdom.org
BARD OF THE MISTS
Cesare di Lodovico Malefici (Jack Bruce Bufkin) ~ bard@mists.westkingdom.orgLOCAL BRANCHES
(Seneschalate changes MUST be approved
by the Principality seneschal prior to publication)
Caer Darth, Canton DORMANT See Barony of Darkwood for information
Caldarium, Shire (Marin Co.): Mark von dem Falkensfenn (Mark Fenn) ~ 415-499-0670 ~ P.O. Box
4292 San Rafael CA 94913 ~ caldarium@mists.westkingdom.org ~
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Darkwood, Barony (S. Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Cos.): Margaret Grym
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Baron and Baroness: Carrek MacBrian & Mercy Grym (Aaron & Stormy E Winklebleck) 408-504-
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Hawk’s Haven, Canton (S Santa Clara, San Benito Co.): Jacques de Sion (Blake Erickson) ~ 408-
386-3018 ~ hawkshaven@mists.westkingdom.org
Mists, Province (N. Alameda Co.): Angeleta Marina Castillo de Guzman (Nicki Powell- Ford) ~
510-517-4508 (Home ~ Cell) ~ 209-206-6904 (Groveland house cell, other number doesn’t work
there) ~ mistsprovince@mists.westkingdom.org
Montaigne du Roi, Canton (Monterey Co.): Rhys Gethin ( Rhys Moore) ~ 831-789-9029 ~
montaigneduroi@mists.westkingdom.org ~ Mtg: 2nd Tues@7pm at MIRA. A&S Nights:4th
Tues@7pm at MIRA. ~ http://cantonofmdr.org
St. David’s, College (UC Santa Cruz): Marnie of St David’s (Marnie Bryant) ~ 510-929-9497 ~
mbbryant@ucsc.edu
St. Katherine, College:(UC Berkeley) Bersi Eðvarðsson (Bear Goodson) ~ 925-719-1264 ~
beargoodson@berkeley.edu
Southern Shores, Province of (Central Santa Clara Co.): Apollonia Faust (Ashley Flesouras) ~
479-970-5614 ~ southernshores@mists.westkingdom.org ~ www.southern-shores.net
Teufelberg, Shire (E. Contra Costa Co.): Moira of Kent (Maureen Williams) ~ 925-708-5074 ~
teufelberg@mists.westkingdom.org
Vinhold, Shire (Napa, SW Solano, and E. Sonoma Cos.): Margaret of Vinhold (Margaret
Woodbury) ~ 707-287-1771 ~ vinhold@mists.westkingdom.org ~ www.vinhold.org
Westermark, Barony (San Mateo Co.and Central ~ south Alameda County): Sean Tracy of
Newbury (Tracy Newby) ~ 510-386-7135 ~ westermark@mists.westkingdom.org
Baroness: Tangwystel Telynores (Telynor) (Beth Richards) ~ 972-978-7662 ~ westermark-
baron@weskingdom.org ~ http://westermark.westkingdom.org
Wolfscairn, Shire (N. Marin and W. Sonoma Cos.): Steinarr Ulfsson (Geordie McDermott) ~ 707-
480-9914 ~ wolfscairn@mists.westkingdom.orgPrincipality Guilds and Groups Brewers Guild: Chancellor: Michael O’Foley (Josh Roberts) Mists Needleworkers: Currently vacant Mists Representative of Kingdom Chirurgeons Guild: Currently vacant Saltatoris Nebularum: (Dance): Crystal of the Westermark (Crystal Larsen)/ Deputy: Cera inghena Corbbi (Tiana Hanson) / dance@mists.westkingdom.org Silver Spoon (Cooking): Seraphina Van Eldstorm (Sarah Vanstrom-Johnston) / silverspoon@mists.westkingdom.org Cover art: The Fool card from the Sola Busca Tarot Deck (circa 1491), probably created by Nicola di maestro Antonio (1448-1511) The Tempus Nebularum is a publication of the Principality of the Mists of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA, Inc.). This publication is not a corporate publication of SCA, Inc., and does not delineate SCA, Inc. policies. The Tempus Nebularum is available on the Principality of the Mists website at https://mists.westkingdom.org/ and from Principality Chronicler. For a printed copy, please contact the Chronicler, Urtatim al-Qurtubiyya, at chronicler@mists.westkingdom.org Copyright © 2022 Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. For information on reprinting photographs, articles, or artwork from this publication, please contact the Chronicler, who will assist you in contacting the original creator of the piece. Articles/images courtesy of their respective authors as credited; all others from public domain sources. Copyright for all writing and art belongs to their creators. Please respect the legal rights of our contributors.
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