Medieval Feast 2016 –
February 20th, seating promptly at 6:30 pm
St James Parish, Lothian MD
The year is 953 AD. In the hundred years since Kenneth McAlpin (Cináed mac Ailpín) united the Picts and Gaelic Dal Riata into Alba (Scotland) history says as many as 16 kings have reigned, although after the loss of the druids, and with the burning of many of the Christian records by the Vikings, no two histories agree as to the names and the dates of the reigns of those kings. Ruling is a dangerous and murderous business. The sovereignty of Alba, though nominally under one head, was in reality a pentarchy, which allowed four provincial kings to dispute the monarchy of the fifth. This system was the prolific source of anarchy, assassinations and civil wars. The Dalriads were constantly kept in a state of internecine commotion and mutual hostility by the pretensions of their rival chiefs, or princes of the three races, who contended with the common sovereign for pre-eminence or exemption1. History, after a while, leaves us with more questions than answers about this time, and we will hope the violence doesn’t spill over into our Feasting. The Bards and story tellers will supply us with history, entertainment, or amusements for the evening.
Enjoy a little history with a side dish of humor. Shake off the snow and wintry doldrums and wear your favorite Medieval period finery (plain clothing allowed, too, if you must). Be prepared to enjoy numerous dishes prepared using traditional ingredients of the period. Just as at a great feast hall where each person supplied their own kit, we suggest that you bring your finest period dining utensils, plates, soup bowl, mugs, goblets and napkins, candles (column styles stand easily on the table – if you bring tapers, bring candleholders, as well.) Place settings can be provided, if necessary.
Entertainment will include musicians, perhaps a story, and a Gaelic bard. Traditional Dancing after dinner. For additional information please email [email protected]. Advance tickets only, purchase tickets online at http://cssm.ticketleap.com . Tickets are $30, additional online fees apply.
