What is Re-enactment

You've regularly been to a festival and seen people there living completely like they did in the old days. Or maybe you also have friends who are already into re-enactment. Or maybe you've been inspired by battles like those of Waterloo, Hastings or Agincourt that are recreated life-like by people who live for a weekend or longer the way people did in other times. Re-enactment is a very versatile hobby with a lot involved.

Re-enactment, Living History, Experimental Archaeology

There are different terms that are very similar but just a bit different. Finding out where your passion lies is often a journey through all three options. In this blog we'll approach them briefly, but we'll focus mainly on Re-enactment.

Experimental Archaeology

The most hardcore historical approach is experimental archaeology. Here a setup is completely historically recreated in order to discover how people lived in a period or performed an action. Like for example sailing a Viking ship from Norway to Dublin or a living experiment where you live for six weeks completely as in the bronze Age. In this setup the test object (sometimes you yourself) is completely historical but the environment can be modern.

Living History

Living History focuses especially on how people in history lived their daily lives. For example, a Living History Group can portray a Gallic settlement, or a group of Dutch resistance fighters from World War II. The emphasis is on historical accuracy. Objects and clothing must be able to be proven from historical sources that they existed. That last part is sometimes very difficult and that's especially where the challenge lies in living history. Living history is often done at events with visitors. It has an educational character about a specific period. At large living history festivals you often get to see different periods.

Re-enactment

In re-enactment just like in living history historical accuracy is central. But the difference especially lies in the fact that in Re-enactment warfare and battles are often important. Many re-enactment groups have historical camps where they eat or practice crafts. But there are also re-enactors who mainly come for the battles and don't stay in a historical camp otherwise, but in a plastic tent or camper outside the historical part.

Historically accurate

In re-enactment the level of historical accuracy differs per group. The problem with historical accuracy is that a lot of research has to be done to come up with a setup or even just to be able to wear a pair of shoes. The extent to which the group wants to be historically accurate should match the extent to which you pursue it yourself. This can be a challenge or a journey of discovery for you, or a critique that judges everything you buy. Many groups take 100% historically accurate as a rule of thumb, then you end up being 80% historically accurate. Note, this usually applies only during the opening hours of the event. Most groups sleep and eat outside opening hours in a modern or partially modern way.

Joining a Re-enactment group

The easiest way to start with re-enactment is to join a re-enactment group. They almost always have clothing and equipment you can borrow the first few times you participate. As mentioned, it's important to see how the group approaches historical accuracy and whether this fits you. Many groups are foundations and some ask a contribution. Other groups make money by participating in paying events. Paying events have the downside that you're not sure if you'll always be at a fun event or just at a modern fair.

Re-enactment events & Larp events

The big difference between re-enactment and larp is that the acting part in Larp goes much further than in Re-enactment. With many re-enactment groups the character you portray does have a basic foundation, but usually no storyline etc. At events re-enactment mainly has an educational character. You inform the public about how people lived for example in the Middle Ages. You do this regularly by demonstrating crafts or giving workshops. Larp events are much more about you and your group with the story that runs as a common thread through the weekend. There are virtually never visitors.

Camp Life at Re-enactment

For many re-enactment groups the camp is central. This is the central point for the group. This is also where people eat, usually in a historical setup, and sleep, usually in a modern setup. Many camps consist of historical tents and a central meeting place in the middle. Often camps also have weapon racks with all weapons on display. At many Re-enactment groups visitors are also allowed in the camp to look around. Modern objects are hidden away in historical tents that are closed. Just like in history, fire plays an important role at the re-enactment group. It provides rough heating at cold re-enactment events. It's used a lot in practicing crafts. It's also cooked on the fire, often with multiple kettles, pans and ovens.

Re-enactment battles

Re-enactment battles are dangerous. In battles strict rules apply that are usually discussed beforehand in a captain's meeting. The officers of a group participate and pass the information on to the rest of their re-enactment group. Usually it's mainly decided which side will win, especially when it's a historical battle like Agincourt. The tactics are also discussed. For example multiple infantry approaches and agreed moments when archers release their volleys. Planning is very important when it comes to firearms! Planning is done in such a way that re-enactors don't accidentally stand in front of a firing cannon.

Rules differ per event and country. But some basic rules are.

• No burrs on your weapon, burrs must be filed smooth.
• The weapon must be in good condition.
• No stabbing, even not with stabbing weapons
• (leather) gloves and helmets (2mm) mandatory.
• Do not hit above the nipple line
• Listen to your officers, safety marshals etc.
• Drink water when offered by a water carrier
• Keep distance from firing cannons, rifles
• Rifles must never be aimed at someone to shoot
• Bows may have a maximum poundage of 30 pounds
• Arrows must be equipped with an undamaged safety cap
• Play dead with your face down

Re-enactment weapons

Every weapon and every arrow that is brought to a re-enactment field is inspected. There must be no loose parts like pommels. The weapons must be sufficiently blunted, have a round point or be equipped with a safety point.

Re-enactment is a hobby in which you can keep growing. This provides a years-long challenge where every weekend is different. Often also in a different location.