[Ansteorra] Squire belts (was: Sable Thistle...etc.)

[Dennis Grace]

Salut Cozyns,

As the heralds have noted, paraphernalia for squires, students, apprentices, 
and proteges are  established entirely by custom. I know of no kingdom laws 
that specify these items, though I suppose it's happened by now somewhere.

As for Ciard's comment about colored bits of leather, I always identify 
squires by their red beIts. Spurs and silver chains on squires always looked 
a bit pretentious to me. I know of only two knights (Corwin and Anton) who 
give silver chains and spurs to their squires. I've occasionally heard 
dissatisfied grumbles about this particular squire coterie from purists, but 
I've not yet seen anyone openly take offense.

Several knights I've known (I among them) have typically taken would-be 
squires first as men-at-arms. The agreement with a man-at-arms is less 
binding than the fealty I ask of a squire. Most of us gave our men-at-arms 
liveried black belts, but a few I've known gave blue belts. I've not yet met 
a squire in a blue belt (not that I doubt Sir Morgan's observation).

I always wondered, as Sir Morgan mused, why the devil anyone would want to 
impersonate a squire. I mean, where are the perks? Wearing a red belt just 
ups the odds of your getting chewed out by a knight if you're seen not being 
sufficiently helpful at an event.

Which brings me to the point of the red belts. They identify squires on the 
fighting field; red baldrics identify the MAA's students. This helps members 
of the Chivalry. Those in red belts and baldrics have identified themselves 
as desiring assistance in their dedicated quest for recognition by the 
Chivalry. I've met a couple of folks over the years who were squires with no 
intention of ever achieving that goal. Their argument is one of correct 
re-creation. In most eras squires were just servants and shield bearers with 
no hope of ever attaining a higher station. So it's historically accurate. 
Big deal. Bubonic plague is historically accurate, too. Squires with no 
ambition are a USELESS PAIN IT THE TUCHUS.

Yes the white belt and unadorned metal chain are reserved for knights. Spurs 
are another can of worms. In Atenveldt, the knighting ceremony included some 
verbiage about only knights being allowed with the king's blessing to "ride 
out" (translation: ride into battle). By custom, this implied that only 
knights should wear spurs. For a time, Atenveldt had a set of sumptuary laws 
that included specifications that only knights could wear *roweled* spurs 
and only dukes could wear gold roweled spurs. I objected at the time 
because, historically, gold spurs were the mark of a knight.

Sir Lyonel Oliver Grace

_________________________________
Micel yfel deh se unwritere.
		--AElfric of York




>From: Ciard49 at aol.com
>Reply-To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." 
><ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
>To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
>Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Sable Thistle badge etc. 
>(was:Questionaboutmotifsin artwork)
>Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 09:51:06 EDT
>
>
>In a message dated 6/17/2006 7:46:11 AM Central Standard Time,
>morganbuchanan at hotmail.com writes:
>
>That's  not quite accurate.  Some kingdoms blue belts are much more common
>for squires than red.
>
>But generally they are not reserved.  If  you have a spiffy outfit that
>historically would wear a red belt, feel  free.  And don't take any guff 
>that
>you're presenting yourself as a  squire.  You're wearing an accurate piece 
>of
>dress at an event, and  that should be appreciated.  But be prepared, 
>someone
>probably will  take umbrage.
>
>Sir Morgan - Who's not really sure why anyone would  "pretend" to be a 
>squire
>anyway.
>
>
>
>Very true. And a red belt alone is not indicative of a squire. There are a
>neck chain and spurs to complete the insignia set. Same for a knight with a
>white belt.
>
>Without the chain and spurs they are just colored bits of leather to
>coordinate with your outfits.
>
>Ciard


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