Historical

November 1, 2023

A (Very) Brief History of Low Comedy When looking back at the long tradition of ren faire entertainment, comedy comes in as the most prolific category. Whether it’s the bawdy aesthetic, the pageantry of color and sound, or the fact that we’re all walking around speaking in the accent of a country we fought a […]

October 25, 2023

With Halloween fast approaching, and Trick or Treat Weekend at the Ohio Renaissance Festival just around the corner, all sorts of shrieks and screams are waiting for you to enjoy! As we participate in this modern season of the supernatural, do you ever wonder what the Elizabethans believed in? Did they have a love for […]

October 18, 2023

Wel folowing his maistre and doyng whatever he hym commandeth, he shuld be good and kyndly and clene, glad and joyful and playeng, wel willyng and goodly to all maner folkes save to the wild beestis. 14th century quote as to the mannerisms expected of dogs In the Elizabethan world as well as modern times, […]

October 11, 2023

When it comes to the myriad of musicians at renaissance festivals, the talent displayed is overwhelming. You have people who have dedicated their lives to the romanticized notion of a wandering bard bringing their music from town to town and spreading joy like a guitar strumming Johnny Appleseed. With all this skill, it’s strange to […]

September 13, 2023

A (Very) Brief Look at the History of Performers People have always clamored for entertainment. Whether it be the rancorous singing of a crowded tavern or the elegant dance of a ballerina on stage, people long for the display of talent and skill that comes from those who have dedicated their lives to performance. There […]

May 24, 2023

The history of the divergent Celtic people is interwoven with their folklore and legends, going back to a time long before Christian arrived and began to transcribe their tales. It can be difficult to speak briefly on this subject, as many of these tales are epics equal to that of the Mesopotamian Gilgamesh or Greek […]

May 10, 2023

For many Celtic nationalities, their folklore and legends are intertwined with the history of the respective peoples. As such, the symbolism that is so much a part of their past trickles down through the ages in such a way that it is inextricable. But do you know how these symbols became such an important part […]

December 7, 2022

Holiday traditions around the world bring to mind a sense of joy and good tidings. Each tradition carries a special meaning, many of which go back for generations. But if we were to take a look back about five hundred years ago, Christmas would seem almost unfamiliar. The holiday that now dominates most of the […]

November 16, 2022

The holiday season is just a few weeks away. As we approach the start of the cyclical winter wonderland there are certain traditions that many of us just can’t go without. Everyone celebrates the holidays a little differently. Some folks are guided by their faith, others by their family and cultural heritage. Some mainstays are […]

October 27, 2022

“This fellow is wise enough to play the fool.” William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night The visual effect of a jester is something that most people are familiar with, even if they don’t really know why. Diamond patterned clothing in bright colors, a three-pronged hat with bells jingling about. They may wear masks or have elaborate face […]