An Afternoon at the Michigan Renaissance Festival

I have always thought of myself as being born at the wrong time.  What I mean is that I think I was born about 500 years too late.  I always picture myself as part of the late 14^th and early 15^th centuries and not a product of the 20^th century living the last of my years in the 21^st.   

The Renaissance is a period of rebirth of the human mind after the period of the dark ages where the arts, sciences and thinking were controlled by the church and the nobility.  The “dark” refers to the emptiness of the mind and soul.  The Renaissance to me means the breaking of the chains that bounded the mind.  To many people the Renaissance means the evolution of the arts, literature, politics, economics, and all aspects of society.  It is perhaps best known for its artistic developments and the contributions of such polymaths (a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas) as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who inspired the term "Renaissance man”.  Although I like the modern technology, I always seek to live with the technology and furnishings of the 15th century.  Moreover, I always seek the basics and basis for everything. 

Maybe this is why I am so attracted to the Renaissance Festivals that are held all over the country.  I went to my first one in 1975 and I’ve been hooked ever since.  Although there is very little or anything “real” about the recreation of the renaissance period in these fairs, it is the only approximation that we have to “relive” that period.  Costumed actors and vendors filled the fairgrounds dressed as princesses, lords, peasants, vendors, musicians, performers, pickpockets and every walk of life of that time period.  Of course, there are many in costume, not so much from that period but to walk around in “sexy” outfits – yes you know who you are!  They even have the Queen of England, who although carries herself in a very royal manner both and dress and language, but she still carries a mirror to spy under the kilts of her “subjects,”  The whole festival is an adult comedy show with a lot of sexual undertones, and in some cases not so subtle. 

Of course you have your performers performing both on stage and festival streets, and your vendors with “basic toys” carved from wood like swords and carts, and you have the candles, and the jewelry, clothing and other “period” appropriate stuff.  Of course you can’t go to the festival without sampling a turkey legs, fried pickles and other “period” foods that I’m fairly certain were not available in the late 14^th century. Although you can go in 21^st century clothing, it is an opportunity to wear a period costume while enjoying the festivities; many people get dressed up in character.  Anyone can be anybody from that period they want to be for the weekend.

As for me, I always mosey toward the Guinness Pub about an hour and a half before the end of the day (7:00 p.m.) and party with the performers, including the Queen and her court – What fun!  The beer and wine start flowing and, unfortunately, at the peak of merrymaking, the canon is fired and the fair is over a 7:00 p.m. – bummer!

It is lots of fun.  I recommend it!  Best $17.50 (if you buy the tickets at Kroger) one can spend for a whole afternoon.  Below is a link to a youtube video clips and photographs I took last Sunday.  ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fui4L1QhIE