February 7, 2026
Barony of Bryn Gwlad
Site opens 8 AM, closes 9 PM
Georgetown Community Center
445 E Morrow St, Georgetown, TX 78626
Join the Barony of Bryn Gwlad for a winter ball and feast, set in 16th century Florence!
Enjoy a full day of dancing, classes, food, competitions, and all the courtly activities your hearts desire.
Bring your most “maliciously compliant” Italian outfits for our fashion show, or participate in a baronial fundraiser by purchasing sumptuary law seals!
PayPal preregistration is closed! See you on Saturday!
Fundraiser: Donate to the Baronial Practice Site Fund to receive a sigillo based on your donation level — and you can Purchase your sigillo online! Click here for the Link.
(By wearing your sigillo, you show your willingness to be “judged”, and this sigillo in period would represent your privilege to break the laws. Read more in the Sumptuary Law section below!)
ENJOYERS OF LUNCHEON & FEAST: Feast is available at Gate! Our dietary restrictions Form is closed, but if you have concerns please review the menus below and contact Jesse our Feast Steward or Christiane our Luncheon Steward with questions.
Event Schedule
| Time | Inside | Outside |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Site opens | |
| 0930 | Morning Court | |
| 1000 | Classes Start (1000-1500) Dance Practice Starts (1000-1500) Youth Activities (1000-1330) A&S, Largess/Insignia Derby, Gustatory, and Cheese Goo competition dropoff until NOON | C&T Tourney in the Park 1000-1200 |
| 1100 | Fashion Shows Sumptuary competition voting begins at Fashion Show (1100-Feast Service) | |
| 1200 | Luncheon 1200-1400 Gustatory and Cheese Goo Judging | |
| 1300 | Judging starts for A&S and Insignia/Largess Derby | Bardic Competition in the Courtyard 1300-1500 |
| 1330 | Youth Activities scheduled end | |
| 1400 | Luncheon closes Gate closes | Princess Tea in the Sunken Garden |
| 1430 | Brewing competition judging in the Courtyard | |
| 1500 | Classes, Dance Practice, Youth Activities end A&S and Insignia/Largess Derby Final Judging – COMPETITORS PLEASE ATTEND | |
| 1545 | Opening feast service starts | |
| 1600 | Candle Dance opens the Ball, followed by a ball set and feast service | |
| Court, Ball Sets, and Feast Service to alternate after Candle Dance – Times subject to change! | ||
| 1645 | First Court, followed by ball set and feast service | |
| 1800 | Second Court, followed by ball set and dessert | |
| 1915 | Final Court | |
| 1945 | End of Final Court (anticipated) | |
| 2100 | Site closes |
Sunday Regional Melee Practice
Please join us on Sunday, February 8th at the park surrounding the event site for a Southern Regional Melee Practice for both rapier and armored/heavy combat. Lord Sigurðr Hrafnsson is coordinating.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/16pMbP8WJ8/
Activities
As per tradition, a European Ball will be held concurrent with Feast. Come enjoy the afternoon and evening as they would have in period! A luncheon will also be served.
Baronial Championships will be held for:
- Arts and Sciences
- Bardic
- Brewing
- Cut and Thrust
Additional activities to expect:
- Princess Tea for Her Royal Highness Vittoria
- Candle Dance Performance and European Ball,
- European Dance classes,
- Fashion Shows,
- Sumptuary Laws Games and Fundraiser,
- Insignia/largess derby,
- Youth activities,
- A&S classes, including a focused Armored Fighting track
- Gustatory Competition,
- Cheese-Goo-Off,
- Table Decorating Competition
Arts and Sciences
Hosted by Bryn Gwlad A&S Champion Hrefna Hroksdottir. Contact her on Facebook under “Laura Hrefna Hroksdottir”.
From the Champion:
Welcome, artisans, to Bryn Gwlad’s Candlemas celebration, set in 16th century Florence!
The winner of the Arts & Sciences competition this year will be chosen by their Excellencies Hersirkona Kolfinna inn Kyra Otarsdottir and Barone Orazio D’Assisi. There will also be a Populace Choice vote.
Documentation is welcome, but not required – just bring your best and have fun! This competition will not be formally judged, but feedback forms will be available for those that want to make use of them.
Please set up your entries by NOON and pickup after attending Their Excellencies’ Choice at 3pm.
Bardic
Calling all bards!
On this finest Candlemas, you are invited to test your mettle against the skills of your fellow bards and against the challenge before you! The bardic competition will consist of three rounds:
Bards are often asked to hold the attention of a populace with gripping performances! The longer a performance is, the more difficult it is to hold this attention. In this, the first round, you will be asked to present a piece at least 3 minutes in length. Aim to engage the attention of the audience throughout
Bards, as keepers of stories and traditions, must distill meaning and history into short performances. In this, the second round, you will be asked to present a piece under 75 seconds in length.
Bards, as performers in our heart of hearts, have favorites and well-practiced pieces. In this, the final round, bring your best! A short introduction including the name and provenance of the piece will not count against your time, and is encouraged.
Come, vie for the honor of serving their Halberd Excellencies as Bardic Champion, and uplift your fellow bards on this most festive Candlemas!
Hosted by Bryn Gwlad Bardic Champion Ashildr in Harfagri.
Brewing
The Brewing Competition will decide the new Brewing Champion of Bryn Gwlad!
This competition is being organized by Lairde Hextilda, in place of Champion Daria who has moved across the seas and is unable to attend.
From Hextilda:
Limoncello Brewing Competition
Hosted at Bryn Gwlad’s Candlemas, on the 7th of February, Anno Domini 2026
Buongiorno, tutti gentili!
Within the splendor of our fair gathering, all lovers of the noble art of distillation are invited to partake in a most delightful contest — the Limoncello Brewing Competition!
Let those skilled in the mysteries of lemon, spirit, and sweetness present their finest creation before our discerning judges and the assembled populace. Whether crafting the pure original recipe or creating your own twist on this classic, we welcome your submissions.
If you have never dared to dabble in this flavorful alchemy, this is your chance to dip your toes into the craft. Let your spirits and creativity soar!
Bring forth your bottle, your pride, and your passion for the golden fruit — and join us in celebrating the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, where art and craft are one.
For further queries, contact Lairde Hextilda Corbett at hex@hextilda.com. Per l’amore del limone, salute!
BG’s brewing competition is open to brewers of all skill levels — if you’ve been intimidated or nervous about delving into brewing, this is a FANTASTIC opportunity to try your hand!
Limoncello is a late-period Italian drink and VERY easy to make, especially if you acquire the base spirits commercially. It is very quick to make and requires no special equipment. Please feel free to submit anything from a classic limoncello to a creative twist, like lavender mint limoncello. The ONLY required ingredients are alcohol and lemons!
We ask that submitters limit themselves to no more than three entries.
Please note: ingredients lists ARE required (for allergy concerns). Documentation is not required, but always welcome.
Cut & Thrust
Hosted by Bryn Gwlad C&T Champion Floki Gerrikson. Exact format will be determined by the number of entrants. Open weapon/bring your best!
Please prepare to weapon down to the armor of your opponent — participants are expected to change their weapon style if they have a longsword and their opponent does not have the hardware/armor to fight against that. The longsword must change weapons down to be able to fight against the opponent.
European Dance Classes
The Bryn Gwlad Dance Guild and guests will be teaching dance classes before the ball. The ball will have dances by request, with additional requests accepted at musician’s discretion.
| Time | Class | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 AM | Beginner Galliard in the Style of Orchesographie with Don Tuathal O’Sheils | We will be learning and practicing galliard technique and theory as shown in Orchesographie by Thoinot Arbeau. This dance, while athletic, can be adapted for those with movement issues. |
| 11 AM | Whirligig and other ECDs with Lord Throstr “Two falcon” | Want to dance Whirligig at a ball but haven’t danced it in a while or haven’t ever tried to dance it before? Here is your chance to try an english country dance a step or two tougher than rufty tufty and heartsease! |
| 12 PM | Introduction to 16th Century Dance Etiquette and setting: adding character and complexity to our dancing in period style with Don Tuathal O’Sheils | Students will be learning about the etiquette and protocol elements of dance in a class that is partially practical application and partially discussion. If students have a hat, cloak, or sword hangar available they should bring it with them but some will be provided for those students without. |
| 1 PM | ||
| 2 PM | Dance is a Combat Sport with Goodman Asa in Blinda | Do you hate footwork drills? Do you struggle applying measure to the field? Well historical swordmasters had the solution for you! Dance is a subtle way to practice fighting skills while getting to appreciate the work of musicians and look extra fancy while doing it. Learn some simple dances while also learning about the historical overlap between fighting and dancing. |
| 3 PM | Ball Prep | Join Daniel De Lincoln and assorted teachers to review a selection of dances for the ball. |
| 4 PM | Candle dance | A choreographed performance of La Doun Sella as a processional followed by Bizzarria d’Amore as the Candle Dance. |
English Country Dances:
Female Sailor
Juice of Barley
Trenchmore
Whirligig
Black Nag
Gathering Peasecods
Rufty Tufty
Heart’s Ease
Newcastle
If All the World Were Paper
New Bo Peep
Parson’s Farewell
Picking of Sticks
15th Century Italian Dances:
Amoroso
Rostiboli
Gioioso
Petit Vriens
Petit Rose
16th Century Italian Dances:
Bizzaria D’Amore
Contrapasso in Due
Ballo del Fiore
Bransles:
Arbeau Suite of Cassandra, Pinegay, Charlotte, Le Guerre, and Aridan
Horses Bransle
Malte
Turkish (SCA “Maltese”)
Hermites
Escoss
Official
Other Dances to choose from:
Belle Qui Pavanne
Pavanne and Galliard
Earl of Essex measure
Queen’s Alman
Black Alman
Allemande and Courante
Canario
Le Doun Sella
Female Sailor
Armynn
Le Bens Distonys
Grene Gynger
New Year
Heralds in Love
Korobushka
Contact Don Tuathal O’Sheils or Master Daniel de Lincoln with questions.
A&S Classes
We will have a variety of classes available for attendance. Classes will take place in the main hall, except for the Montante swordsmanship class.
TEACHERS: Please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/K4wtBQus1SvhChASA
Class Schedule:
| Time | Table 1 | Table 2 | Table 3 | C&T Lyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | The Soin Doctor is In Magnifica Biatrichi Malatesta Canzionari di Palermo 1000-1200 | The Medici: Rags to Riches and Borgia Bingo Aubri de Baudricourt, OL, OoD, WSA, CBS, etc 1000-1100 | Learning About Embroidery Thread Lady Catalin von Braunschweyg 1000-1100 | – |
| 1030 | – | |||
| 1100 | Japanese poetry: Haiku, Tanka, Renga Duquesa Valeria Richila Navarro 1100-1200 | Documentation Isn’t as Scary as You Think…Promise! Magister René Damours, OL, WSA 1100-1200 | – | |
| 1130 | – | |||
| 1200 | – | Leather Stitching That Will Outlive You Lady Despoina Targovisti 1200-1300 | Making Byzantine Beeswax Balm Herrin Hadewig Würmelin 1200-1300 | – |
| 1230 | – | – | ||
| 1300 | Leather Carving Lord Claudio de Cassiopi 1300-1400 | Art of the Bow Lord Randwulf the Heathen 1300-1500 | Mentoring the Dream: Adult Learning in the SCA Magister Goldweard of St. Golias 1300-1400 | – |
| 1330 | – | |||
| 1400 | – | – | Montante 101 Lady Aldonza Gonzalez Escajeda 1400-1500 | |
| 1430 | – | – |
Class Descriptions:
(In approximate order of schedule)
| Class | Class Description |
|---|---|
| The Medici: Rags to Riches and Borgia Bingo with Aubri de Baudricourt, OL, OoD, WSA, CBS, etc | An introduction to Italy’s most famous family. |
| The Soin Doctor is in with Magnifica Biatrichi Malatesta Canzionari di Palermo | Do you want to learn to spin? Do you spindle spin and want to try a wheel? Do you have a fiber you are having trouble with? Do you have a spinning wheel that won’t work and need a solution? This class is a hands on way to start spinning or take it to the next level. |
| Learning About Embroidery Thread with Lady Catalin von Braunschweyg | Different types of commercially available embroidery thread, how they might be used in pre-1600 embroidery, different qualities of the thread that affect how you might want to use them, and a thread “petting zoo” for examining and touching threads. |
| Japanese poetry: Haiku, Tanka, Renga with Duquesa Valeria Richila Navarro | Overview of Japanese poetry with examples and explanations of each type. The purpose is to familiarize everyone Renga for the first round of Bardic at Commander’s Crucible. Handouts for writing all three styles will be provided. |
| Documentation Isn’t as Scary as You Think…Promise! with Magister René Damours, OL, WSA | This class is for anyone, whether new to writing documentation, worried about writing it, or would like some pointers on how to improve. It will provide an overview of why documentation is needed and important. In addition, we will discuss tips on writing, editing, and revising documentation. It’s not that scary….I promise. |
| Leather Stitching That Will Outlive You with Lady Despoina Targovisti | Master the saddle stitch! This will be focused on theory, technique, and troubleshooting all manner of things involved in the process. Feel free to bring your own projects if you have them or practice along with the leather scraps I will be providing. |
| Making Byzantine Beeswax Balm with Herrin Hadewig Würmelin | Choose your essential oils and base oils and make a soothing beeswax balm for chapped, lips, chapped hands and even to tame flyaways, polish your flyaway, and prevent rust. Handout with recipe and all supplies provided. We will be working with hot wax and oils, not recommended for children. Donations appreciated but not required. |
| Leather Carving with Lord Claudio de Cassiopi | We will go over some of the basics of leather carving. |
| Mentoring the Dream: Adult Learning in the SCA with Magister Goldweard of St. Golias | Unlock the secrets of andragogy and transform from a subject matter expert into a master facilitator. This session explores how to mentor adult learners by respecting their prior experiences, setting collaborative goals, and providing growth-oriented feedback. Learn to foster an inclusive environment that empowers newcomers to thrive without the barriers of gatekeeping. |
| Montante 101 with Lady Aldonza Gonzalez Escajeda | A quick introduction to Figuereydo’s Montante forms, and the use of montante in Iberian Swordsmanship. |
Contact Lady Sorcha if you have questions.
Sir Caladin’s Class Track for Armored Fighters
There will be an additional track of classes focused on armored/heavy fighters, hosted by Sir Caladin and located adjacent to the C&T lyst.
Schedule, subject to change:
10am – How to teach heavy, the basic shots + Skills Drills and Katas, shot mechanics, 4 kinds of speed (Sir Caladin)
11am – What IS Chivalry: a round table (Sir Robert de Bray)
12 – Lunch
1pm – Shot mechanics, 4 kinds of Speed, Games that teach fighting. (Sir Caladin)
2pm – Scenario by Scenario Gulf Strategy discussion
3pm – Intro to Meyer Longsword (German HEMA w/2h sword, Redg)
Princess Tea
Cadet Nessa is organizing the Princess Tea for Her Royal Highness Vittoria Maggiore! The Cadets of Ansteorra would like to invite all members of the rapier community, who are not White Scarves, and those interested in the path of the blade to join them for Her Highness of Ansteorra, Vittoria Maggiore’s Princess Tea at Bryn Gwlad’s Candlemas.
All non-White Scarves are invited to partake in hospitality for this royal meet-and-greet. Gathering to be held in the Sunken Garden, across the driveway from the building foyer.
Contact Cadets Nessa and Floki for questions or assistance.
Candle Dance and European Ball
The Bryn Gwlad Dance Guild performs a dance to bring light to the hall after a long dark winter. Traditionally this performance also opens the ball.
Master of the Ball: Don Tuathal O’Sheils
The ball will have dances by request, with additional requests accepted at musician’s discretion. There will be 3 sets – each beginning with a processional and including 4-5 additional dances to be chosen by those present.
English Country Dances:
Female Sailor
Juice of Barley
Trenchmore
Whirligig
Black Nag
Gathering Peasecods
Rufty Tufty
Heart’s Ease
Newcastle
If All the World Were Paper
New Bo Peep
Parson’s Farewell
Picking of Sticks
15th Century Italian Dances:
Amoroso
Rostiboli
Gioioso
Petit Vriens
Petit Rose
16th Century Italian Dances:
Bizzaria D’Amore
Contrapasso in Due
Ballo del Fiore
Bransles:
Arbeau Suite of Cassandra, Pinegay, Charlotte, Le Guerre, and Aridan
Horses Bransle
Malte
Turkish (SCA “Maltese”)
Hermites
Escoss
Official
Other Dances to choose from:
Belle Qui Pavanne
Pavanne and Galliard
Earl of Essex measure
Queen’s Alman
Black Alman
Allemande and Courante
Canario
Le Doun Sella
Female Sailor
Armynn
Le Bens Distonys
Grene Gynger
New Year
Heralds in Love
Korobushka
European Dance Classes
The Bryn Gwlad Dance Guild and guests will be teaching dance classes throughout the day. See the class list above, under “Classes Information”.
These classes will be held in the side foyer.
A&S Classes
We will have a variety of classes available for attendance! See the class list above, under “Classes Information”.
These classes will take place in the main hall.
Contact Lady Sorcha if you have questions.
Sir Caladin’s Class Track for Armored Fighters
There will be an additional track of classes focused on armored/heavy fighters, hosted by Sir Caladin. See the class list above, under “Classes Information”.
These classes will be held outside, near the C&T lyst.
Fashion Shows
Like to flaunt your wealth and cleverness? Join our fashion show and strut your stuff! One category for sumptuary law games, other category open. See below for details.
Flout Their Excellencies’ Sumptuary Laws (discussed below) in the special category and show off your sigillo or talk your way out of “trouble”.
Sumptuary Laws Games & Fundraiser
Purchase your sigillo, fill out your scavenger hunt card, participate in the fashion show, or talk your way out of trouble with our “fashion police”!
Fundraiser: Donate to the Baronial Practice Site Fund at Gate and receive a sigillo based on your donation level! By wearing your sigillo, you show your willingness to be “judged”, and this sigillo in period would represent your privilege to break the laws.
Check the sumptuary laws below and plan your outfit — and either lean into the benefits of holding a sigillo, or prepare your arguments for how you aren’t really breaking the law!
Don’t want to be judged but still want to play? Try out the scavenger hunt or fashion show!
Fashion Show:
Design your outfit and enter one or our two categories of Fashion Show! Juxtapose the fun of fashion with the historical malicious compliance of sumptuary control in 1500s Florence.
I. The Regulated Garment Category: (Subject to Evaluation)
This category is designed to comply with the provided laws, showcasing how creativity exists even within severe legal constraints. Each piece must pass the test of the Florentine magistrate. This category is open ONLY to those who have opted-in to judgement by purchasing a sigllio!
II. The Fantasy & Freedom Category: (Populace Choice)
This category represents any and all styles that will not be subject to the scrutiny of the provided sumptuary laws. These pieces celebrate creativity, fun, and anyone who wants to participate.
This will be determined by populace choice and can be voted on in person at a “snitch box” or digitally with a Google Form and a QR code.
Scavenger Hunt
Mingle during the event to find 10 individuals whose outfits represent one of the sumptuary laws. Each person is a “living clue,” and you must identify the law being broken (or followed) based on what they’re wearing. Fill out your card to win a prize!
Learn more about sumptuary laws and our activities in the “Sumptuary Laws?” section below.
Insignia and Largess Derby
The Barony of Bryn Gwlad will be hosting an Insignia and Largesse Derby at Candlemas, organized by HL Giulia di Marco Gonzaga.
This will be an incredible opportunity to showcase the art, generosity and talent of those who give their time and efforts to make insignia and largesse.
This derby will be known as:
Options, Options, Options!
Option One will be Kingdom Insignia!
Option Two will be Bryn Gwlad Insignia!
Option Three will be Largesse!
The derby will be using two different formats.
Either a Dirty Dozen (13) or our special option of Over The Top (which is thirteen each of three different items)!
And of course, in our theme of Options:
Their Majesties will chose Their Favorite
Their Excellencies will chose Their Favorite
And the Populace will chose Their Favorite
There will be special prizes! Each of the Favorites will receive a bycocket made by the gentle hand of Her Excellency Kolfinna! There will be a one of a kind prize for each artist doing the Over The Top option! And every one participating will get a lovely prize too!
Their Excellencies have hopes for Beginners Craft kits, small tools, and items for fighter support. Let us fill Their coffers full of largesse to be given throughout the barony and kingdom!
Please allow your creativity to run wild! Let us fill Their Majesties and Their Excellencies coffers with precious Insignia!
If you amazing artisans have questions or need ideas, please feel free to contact Giulia:
Email: JolieH2000@aol.com or Facebook under Giulia di Marco Gonzaga
Please set up your entries by NOON and attend Their Excellencies Choice at approximately 3pm.
Youth Activities
Lady Dae Knarrarbringa in Bareyska will be running a youth crafting activity in the main hall during the event! Youth will be designing, drawing, and assembling a small faux-stained glass lantern. Stencils will be provided.
Suggested donation of $2 per youth to cover materials costs.
This can be an all-day project, or drop-in/drop-out at different stages.
Gustatory Competition
Hosted by Maistreas Meadhbh ni Ruaidth o Chonnemara, a gustatory competition!
Love to cook? Love history? Now you can show off your skills!
At Candlemas 2026 we will have a gustatory competition. Bring your best Torta, Tart, and/or Pye. Savory or Sweet are both welcome!
There will be 3 categories:
1. Populace Choice: Please include samples for tasting (20-25 samples). Voting will be done with beads in a cup.
2. Baronial Choice: Gustatory winner will be chosen by Their Excellencies Bryn Gwlad. There will be a prize basket and a pass down prize.
3. Meadbh’s Period Prized Pye: A prize for best entry made using a period recipe.
Minimal documentation is requested: ingredients listed and where the recipe came from (author, title, and publication year of cookbook).
Please limit to two (2) entries. We recommend having about 20-25 samples for Populace Choice.
Please have yourself and your entry ready for judging at NOON and pick up when luncheon closes by 2pm.
Cheese-Goo-Off
Hosted by Hildagua Escarlata de Granada — bring your best Cheese Goo, that famous Ansteorrean dip!
Please have yourself and your entry ready for judging at NOON and pick up when luncheon closes by 2pm.
The Great Bryn Gwlad Cheese Goo Off happens this year at Bryn Gwlad Candlemas! This competition seeks to reinvivify and popularize the infamous Cheese Goo, everyone’s favorite period recipe — Digby’s Roasted Savorye or Toasted Cheese. Escarlata has brought on the best Cheese Experts that they could find and we seek to crown the best cheese goo in the land. Does yours have what it takes to stack up or will it melt down under the heat of competition? There’s only one way to find out, and expect things to get pretty gooey.
All details including an explanation of Cheese Goo, Expectations of the Competition, Esteemed Cheese Experts, and even a Guide to the History of the Recipe are available here: Cheese Goo Off
The other Esteemed Cheese Experts and I are very much looking forward to tasting many satisfying and delicious goos in the competition so be sure and bring your best.
Table Decorating Competition
Sir Robert de Bray is sponsoring a table decorating competition! Bring your extravagant displays, tablecloths, centerpieces, candles, and everything to bring the light.
Feast
A Florentine feast in modern times. Applying modern cooking with period ingredients, our local professional Jesse of Bryn Gwlad will be stewarding our feast.
Menu:
1st course:
Pickles – Carrots, Turnips, Cabbage
Fruit preserves – Apple butter
Whipped butter
Bread/gluten-free bread
Cheese medley
2nd: Pottage
Pottage of winter greens: smoked cabbage, beans, and smoked meats (gluten-free, dairy free).
Seperate pot for those who have submitted dietary restrictions.
3rd: Entrée
Chicken with citrus and herbs (orange sauce)
Rice/Faux Risotto
Gluten Free: Cabbage roll/Involtini di Verza: pork and poultry stuffed cabbage rolls
Vegetarian: Risotto, roasted veggies, and cauliflower “steak”
4th: Dessert (Not DF)
Gluten-free turnover cake with roasted apple topping.
See ingredients list in the PDF here.
Luncheon
Prepared by the HL Cristiane Milton.
Ensalada de Hierbas Frescas
A simple salad of fresh seasonal greens and herbs dressed with olive oil and vinegar, reflecting common Iberian preparations of the late medieval period.
GF 
| Dairy Free | Nut Free
Huevos con Hierbas
Eggs gently cooked with fresh herbs and a small amount of aged cheese, based on preparations found in Libro de los Guisados. Served as a savory centerpiece dish suitable for a midday meal.
GF | NOT Dairy Free | Nut Free
Pan de Higos
A dense pressed fig bread made with dried figs, nuts, spices, and honey, widely documented in medieval Iberia as a travel and feast food. Served sliced.
GF | Dairy Free | NOT Nut Free
What Are Sumptuary Laws?
“The earliest sumptuary laws in Italy date back to the second half of the thirteenth century, and they continued to be issued until the late eighteenth century. Their declared purpose was the curtailing of luxuries and, in particular, of imports in order to protect local economies. Another, and far from secondary purpose concerned the preservation of social hierarchies and the assurance of good governance and social harmony. The laws established the dress of each social category and they were to be strictly applied. A third, undeclared but important, purpose was to fill the public coffers through the fines imposed on offenders.”
from “The Right to Dress“, Sumptuary Laws in a Global Perspective, c.1200–1800, pp. 167 – 185
Explore the sumptuary laws with us during our fashion show, participate in the Sumptuary Scavenger Hunt during the event, or donate to receive a sigilio to otherwise participate!
We have chosen a selection of related real-world sumptuary laws to apply to our event:
Ten Sumptuary Laws from 1500s Florence
- Limit to 4 pieces of jewelry, and 20 total buttons.
- Requirement for people to wear multiple layers of dress in public (often four layers: camicia, cotta, gonnella, and mantello), enforced for modesty.
- Limits to 2 “braccio” or 3ft on the length of gown trains that trailed on the ground.
- High-cost dyes, particularly Kermes Red, deep black, and purple may only be worn by the elite.
- No enameled or glazed buttons on any garment which there is any decoration with pearls or precious stones.
- Prohibitions on extravagant decoration of the clothing, except the sleeves.
- Prohibitions on excessive depth of necklines deemed immodest.
- Any member of the populace may wear a metal fillet not to exceed ½ inch in width.
- General bans on the use of the most expensive furs like Sable, Ermine, or Lynx for trims or linings.
- Garments made from non-Florentine silk, silk velvet, silk damask, and wool fabrics are forbidden.
Event Instructions
Use these rules to create your outfit for our fashion show’s sumptuary category. You can also engage with our “fashion police” during the event to flout the rules or participate in some malicious compliance. We will also have a “scavenger hunt” to find particular examples of the different laws.
Have fun! Interpret the rules flexibly, rat out your friends, and out-talk the “fashion police”!
Fundraiser: Donate to the Baronial Practice Site Fund at Gate and receive a sigillo based on your donation level! By wearing your sigllio, you show your willingness to be “judged”, and this sigillo in period would represent your privilege to break the laws.
Online Fundraiser: Now you can purchase your sigillo online!
Follow this URL: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-seal-of-exemption-sigillo-di-esenzione-candlemas–2025
Fashion Show: The Florentine Edicts
Juxtapose the fun of fashion with the historical malicious compliance of sumptuary control in 1500s Florence.
I. The Regulated Garment Category (Subject to Evaluation) (Populace/TE Choice):
This category is designed to comply or flaunt with the provided laws. Showcase how creativity exists even within 1500s Florentine Sumptuary Laws. Each piece may be tested by the Florentine Officiales. Points will be awarded or taken away if they follow or break the sumptuary law. Participants are encouraged to discuss their “malicious compliance.”
Open to anyone who would like to participate.
II. The Fantasy & Freedom Category: (Populace Choice):
This category represents any and all styles that will not be subject to the scrutiny of the provided sumptuary laws. These pieces celebrate creativity, fun, and anyone who wants to participate.
Voting can be done in person at a “snitch box” or digitally with a Google Form and a QR code.
Three fashion show winners will be chosen. One will be determined by populace choice for the first category. Their Excellencies will choose their favorite, and populace choice for the second category.
The following merchants will be selling their wares on site:
Todays Leather and Chain/TLC Leathercraft – Redh and Czina sell leather goods, such as belts, hats, and pouches, as well as jewelry from Armor & Castings.
Cookie Dealer – Merewen Wyllt sells baked goods.
Recent Candlemas-related Announcements
- February Words from TE Bryn Gwlad
- Candlemas: Back at Georgetown! Feast Menu! Sumptuary Games!
- Candlemas 2026 Feast: Send in Your Dietary Restrictions
- Candlemas Meeting: 10/14/2025
- Candlemas 2026 updates (9/2/2025)
- Candlemas 2026: Initial Meeting Agenda
- Candlemas 2026 Planning: Meeting on Aug 18 2025
- Candlemas Check Requests and forms
- Missed the Announcements at Practice? Here’s the Rundown from 1/23/2025
- Class sign up for candlemas
Last updated February 6, 2026.