Lady Delorise Greetings from Duchess Willow de Wisp I hope you will not mine if I open up this question to some of the Ladies I have asked to take part in the Elfsea's Ladies Pavilion. What should the favors we give out at the Pavilion be like? In historical times a favor was a favor was a favor. Whether an intimate, personal thing like a lady's silk shift that had been worn next to her body or a piece of cloth torn in the heat of moment off a dress they were still a "favor". In the SCA we have separated the "Favor" a Lady gives her Lord and the favor token. While in the middle ages the favor one gives to a lover should be guessed at, like having the same colors as ones dress but should never give away the actual identity of the Lady the "Favor" in the SCA is often includes the arms of both people linked forever and shouts to everyone who can knows heraldry who are the parties involved. This kind of "Favor" is almost a contract and should not be given or received unless both parties understand the commitment. The token favor is less serious thing. This is what we are mostly giving out at the Ladies' Pavilion. Of course, some Ladies may be giving out personal intimate tokens, but most of the time the purpose of the favors are to promote Chivalry and courtliness and to encourage the fighters on the field. It is serious in one way because it does involve giving and taking the honor of another person. When a Lady gives a small f favor she is entrusting that individual with her honor and now their actions on the field reflects on the Lady. Her trust is very special and in all cases with which I am familiar has bought out the best in the individual. I am sure that somewhere somehow this hasn't been true, but I like to live the dream so please don't disillusion me. Because the small f favor is not a token of eternal love it is proper for it to be simple. Simple ribbons of your favorite color or colors are just fine, but some ladies make them fancier. The Ladies of Lindenwood had lace favors that they had made. The Caldal ladies made cords in our colors. I have given feathers with ribbons on them.I have given out silk flowers. One lady gave out cookies. It is proper for a gentleman or lady to wear all the token favors he/she has gotten. Yes,it is proper for a Lady to give a Lady fighter a token. In the Kingdom of Ansteorra it is perfectly proper for men to give out favors. We are encouraging the high ideals of our kingdom and it is always proper to do so. Because part of activity is to wear the favor it is good idea that your favors can be worn. The cookies didn't survive being worn. I give out pins once. This turned out badly because the pins were broken by the blows and the pin part speared my gentles that wore them. Please keep practicality and safety in mine while creating your favors. Ribbons should be long enough so you can tie them, but not so long as a fighter would kneel on them if he/she goes down on their knees. Pins should not be long enough to inflict damage. Soft is good. We don't want little hard things flying off and getting in peoples eyes. Please realize that your favor might not survive the activity so don't put anything on it you treasure too much. Traditional the "Favor" should be returned after the tourney or when the relationship ends. Token favor are not returned. Fighters take great pleasure in wearing and keeping them as keepsakes. I have known fighters that have given silk flowers that I have given them for 20+ years. If you want your token favors returned to you make sure you state that fact when you give out the tokens. Knowledgeable gentlemen will try to return the token favors after the Tourney. Courtly ladies will give them permission to wear them as a sign of honor. This Courtly behavior at its best giving us a chance to flirt a little in a honorable way. The Cap the points simple is good ribbons and flowers open individualizing is all right, but don't go overboard make them safe and not get in the way of the fighting. I hope this helps you Duchess Willow de Wisp First Queen of Love and Beauty in Ansteorra ________________________________________________________________________ Try Juno Platinum for Free! Then, only $9.95/month! Unlimited Internet Access with 1GB of Email Storage. Visit http://www.juno.com/value to sign up today!