Society for Creative Anachronism
College of Arms
For the January 2024 meetings, printed March 14, 2024
To all the College of Arms and all others who may read this missive, from Birgitta Laurel, Elisabetta Pelican, and Iago Wreath, greetings.
The word Caucasian as a racial classification is based on obsolete 18th century ideas about race, and the history of its use is steeped in racist ideologies and policies. As such, we are retiring use of the word when describing the proper color of human skin for any registrations made on or after this date, and will be using the terms White or light-skinned, as described on the January 2021 Cover Letter, in its place. We will not be updating registered blazons that use this word unless they are already being reblazoned for some other reason. We direct Palimpsest to update Table 4 of the Glossary of Terms accordingly.
This month we were asked to consider a submission involving the motif of interlocking animal heads. In the defining instance of this motif, we wrote:
A rare but notable practice in German heraldry was to have charges issuant symmetrically from either side of a line of division, forming the appearance of a complex line of division. When formed of animal's heads, the jaws of each head would frequently interlock in the center of the line of division. The practice appears to always have the same type of charge repeated on each side of the division, rather than different charges on each side. For SCA purposes, each submission following this pattern should be treated as two separate charges, each issuant from the line of division, with the type of field division (per bend, per fess, per pale, etc.) dictating the angle of the charges issuant therefrom. [Sigrothr Melrakki, 03/2018, A-Artemisia]
Two beast's heads issuing from the line of division without their facial features interlocking is also a period motif, and doesn't seem to have been interchangeable with the interlocking version. Under our current pattern for blazoning these there is no way for an artist to tell which depiction is intended.
To that end, and based on the German blazon term [plural animal name]+schnitt, going forward we will blazon the interlocking depiction as [animals]-cut tincture1 and tincture2. For example, two lion's heads interlocked in argent and azure would be blazoned lions-cut argent and azure.
Period examples all have the head of the first tincture inverted and facing sinister, and the head of the second tincture upright and facing dexter. This, and its mirror image (blazoned as [animals]-cut reversed) will both be registerable. Other orientations must be attested to be registered.
Period examples also show the dividing line meeting the edges of the field anywhere from per pale, through per bend sinister, to per fess, even in different renditions of the same armory. Much like charges in annulo, we will not grant difference for the exact orientation or arrangement of the heads, the direction they face, or the direction of the line of division.
Because of the high degree of complexity of the line dividing the two tinctures, this motif will only be allowed when there is good contrast between the sections. Armory using this motif will not be allowed with secondary charges, aside from peripheral ordinaries which will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
These designs will be considered primarily as a field division. We decline to rule at this time on what difference would be counted between these designs and armory with distinct charges on a divided field. We also decline to rule at this time on what difference would be counted between these motifs using different animal's heads.
Existing registrations using this motif will be reblazoned accordingly.
This month we considered two items where the shape of the leaf was a key factor in determining conflict. The conflict-checking of leaves has, for decades, been a complex, challenging process, with all the relevant decisions found in precedent, and no way to determine conflict between two types of leaf not mentioned in precedent. To simplify this process, and to provide a unifying framework for future decisions, we are classifying the types of leaf as follows:
"Leaf-shaped" - oval or pointed oval, may or may not have serrated edges
Includes default leaf, aspen, birch, blackthorn, elm
"Heart-shaped" - generally round shape, may be pointed, with a distinct concavity by the stem, includes arrow-shaped leaves
Includes linden, water lily, lady's mantle, paulownia, morning glory
"Maple-shaped" - roughly as tall as they are wide, a few large lobes that radiate from where the leaf meats the stem
Includes maple, sycamore, fig, ivy, grape, strawberry
"Oak-shaped" - taller than they are wide, multiple lobes or points that issue from a central vein
Includes oak, holly, dandelion, acanthus
"Frond-shaped" - multiple long leaflets issuing from a central stalk
Includes palm fronds and ferns
Leaves in different categories have a DC between them. Leaves within the same category will generally conflict with each other. Leaves that fit in more than one of the above categories will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This policy was determined by a thorough review of all past leaf precedents, and aligns with nearly all of them. Any past precedents that disagree with this policy are hereby overturned.
Notes:
These categories are not taxonomic classifications - some types of oak leaves, for example, better fit "Leaf-shaped"; these would be considered leaf-shaped leaves for the purposes of conflict.
Most compound or pinnate leaves are blazoned as sprigs of leaves, and the individual leaflets are blazoned as leaves. The most common exception is strawberry leaves, where the term "leaf" is always used to refer to the cluster of three leaflets.
We direct Palimpsest to update SENA Appendix M with this information.
Because nature has no respect for our nice little boxes, there are some leaves that have a lot of variety in shape, even on the same branch. In these cases the most distinctive and recognizable of their shapes should be used in emblazons: for example, a leaf blazoned as a holly leaf but drawn without notches, even though this appearance is common in nature, is not identifiable as holly and will be blazoned simply as a leaf.
Recently, a rather large Letter of Intent revealed some confusion about the acceptable number of items. As it turns out, submissions heralds in different kingdoms have been operating under different views of how long a LoI may be; and while most agree that there is a maximum number of items, this isn't written down anywhere accessible.
One thing to consider here is that kingdoms sometimes have reasons to send large letters. Most often this happens after major wars, although in our history other causes have also resulted in massive amounts of submissions getting to the College at the same time. However, another aspect of this is that it does no-one any particular good to swamp the college with submissions on which people cannot realistically comment: making properly informed decisions depends on commentary, and the heralds who provide that commentary have only limited resources. Burning out commenters is highly undesirable.
Therefore, any Letters of Intent submitted after the end of March will be limited to a maximum of 50 items per kingdom per month, either names or armory. Please note that this likely means somewhat fewer numbered items, as having both a name and the attached device will count for two items. In rare cases, Laurel may grant an exception to this limit. To make this information more easily accessible, we will ask the approval of the Board of Directors for adding a section to the end of Administrative Handbook V.B.2:
i. Number of Items - A kingdom is limited to a maximum of 50 items per month. A name and any attached piece of armory are counted separately, even if they are presented together in OSCAR. If necessary, remaining submissions should be pushed to the next month according to a policy set by the Principal Herald.
There are two major international congresses later this year that touch our activities:
The 28th International Congress of Onomastic Sciences will be held in Helsinki, Finland, on 19-23 August. Registration for the congress will open in March.
The 36th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences will be held in Boston, MA, USA, on 24-28 September. Registration for the congress is already open.
Both of these congresses have in the past had SCA heralds present, so please be aware of the current ones. I will personally be at ICOS 28 but will be unable to make it to ICGHS 36; for others, it is likely the easier one to reach.
Further information can be found at the conference web sites:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/conferences/28th-international-congress-onomastic-sciences
https://www.americanancestors.org/icghs-2024
PN1B2c allows descriptive and locative bynames to use the lingua Societatis Allowance. Appendix B makes it clear that occupational bynames are not descriptive bynames; however, precedent allows occupational bynames to use the lingua Societatis Allowance. In order to make clear that occupational bynames may use this allowance, Palimpsest is directed to update the first sentence of PN1B2c to:
We allow the registration of translations of attested and constructed descriptive, occupational, and locative bynames into standard modern language forms.
We wish to thank M{a-}lik ibn Q{a-}rin ibn al-M{a-}rid{i-} ibn Jinn{i-} al-'Abd{a-}r{i-} al-Shayb{a-}n{i-} for bringing this issue to our attention.
This month we considered a submission that used "Jewish Names in the World of Medieval Islam" compiled by Yehoshua ben Haim haYerushalmi (https://heraldry.sca.org/names/Jewish/Cairo/index.html). This article capitalizes the articles ben, bint, bat, bar, ibn and al-. None of these articles should be capitalized for submission unless documentation for that capitalization in period sources can be provided at the time of submission.
In addition, this work discusses use of the article ibin. This is a typo for the standard ibn. We will not register the article ibin as of publication of this letter.
Palimpsest is directed to update the Standard Source "Errata" article with these changes.
Please send information about happenings to major heralds and major happenings to all heralds to Laurel, so that it can be published here.
On January 12, 2024, at East Kingdom Twelfth Night, Their Majesties Matthias and AEsa feilinn made Mael Eoin mac Echuid a Tyger of the East. He has been a frequent court herald, both locally and for East Kingdom courts.
On February 10, 2024, at Ansteorra's Laurels Prize, Her Majesty Nicollet awarded Emma de Fetherstan, Temperaunce Herald and recent Laurel Queen of Arms, with the Award of the Sable Thistle of Ansteorra in the field of heraldic research. The Sable Thistle is Ansteorra's AoA-level arts and sciences award.
Also that day, Annais Star Principal Herald elevated Ivo Blackhawk to the rank of Herald Extraordinary.
On February 17, 2024, at the Midwinter Feast of the Barony of Aarnimetsä, Their Majesties Stigot and Lofnheiðr of Drachenwald elevated Joanne am Rein, Susi Herald, to the Order of the Laurel in a ceremony heralded by the Laurel Queen of Arms.
At the same court, the Crown of Drachenwald also created Birgitta Lulli, Laurel Queen of Arms, and Dubhghall MacÉbhearáird, Koira Herald Extraordinary, Companions of the Order of Defense.
On the same day in An Tir, at Tir Righ Investiture, Jadwiga Rodomyskova was invested as Princess of Tir Rígh. She is former Cheval et Lion Pursuivant of An Tir (staff), former branch herald of the Shire of Thornwold, and a noted scribe within the kingdom.
Also at that event, Malyss Makneile, Lion's Blood Herald, was awarded the Sable Scrivener for their scribal work by Their Majesties An Tir Ulfgar and Juahara.
Also at the Tir Righ investiture, Vladimir Andreivich Aleksandrov stepped down as Silver Yale Herald for the Principality and was succeeded by Elspeth Farre. For Vladimir, many thanks, and for Elspeth, welcome to the new office!
On March 2, 2024, at An Tir Kingdom Arts & Sciences Championship, Their Majesties Ulfgar and Juahara awarded Elisabetta Tommaso di Carduci, Pelican Queen of Arms, the Scholar of An Tir. This non-armigerous award is given to those who score at least 80/100 on any single entry within the Championship format.
On March 9, 2024, at Daffodil War in the Barony of Seagirt, Their Highnesses of Tir Righ Mikolaj and Jadwiga awarded Vemundr Syvursson the Etoile d'Argent for his contributions to the electronic Heraldic Traceable Art project. The Etoile d'Argent is the Principality of Tir Righ's non-armigerous award for arts & sciences.
Letters of Intent, Comment, Response, Correction, et cetera are to be posted to the OSCAR online system. No paper copies need be sent. All submission forms plus documentation, including petitions, must be posted to the OSCAR online system.
Cheques or money orders for submissions, payable to "SCA Inc.-College of Arms" are to be sent to Trent Le Clair, 928 Frazier Dr, Walla Walla WA 99362
Send roster changes and corrections to Laurel. College of Arms members may also request a copy of the current roster from Laurel.
To subscribe to the mailings of the LoAR, please see the bottom of https://heraldry.sca.org/heraldry/lists.html#lists for more instructions.
For all administrative matters, please contact Laurel.
Items listed below in square brackets have not been scheduled yet. For information about future scheduling, please review the status table located on the Web at https://oscar.sca.org/index.php?action=137.
The January Laurel decisions were made at the Pelican meeting held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 and the Wreath meeting held on Saturday, January 20, 2024. These meetings considered the following letters of intent: Trimaris (30 Sep, 2023) (pushed due to lack of Packet not completed.) , Meridies (02 Oct, 2023), Gleann Abhann (07 Oct, 2023), Calontir (09 Oct, 2023), Laurel LoPaD (11 Oct, 2023), Artemisia (15 Oct, 2023), An Tir (21 Oct, 2023), Caid (22 Oct, 2023), Æthelmearc (23 Oct, 2023), Middle (23 Oct, 2023), Ealdormere (24 Oct, 2023), Outlands (25 Oct, 2023), Ansteorra (26 Oct, 2023), Lochac (26 Oct, 2023), Avacal (27 Oct, 2023), Atlantia (29 Oct, 2023), Drachenwald (29 Oct, 2023), Ansteorra (30 Oct, 2023), Atenveldt (30 Oct, 2023), East (31 Oct, 2023), Laurel LoPaD (21 Nov, 2023) (redraws). All commentary, responses, and rebuttals should have been entered into OSCAR by Sunday, December 31, 2023.
The February Laurel decisions were made at the Pelican meeting held on Sunday, February 11, 2024 and the Wreath meeting held on Saturday, February 17, 2024. These meetings considered the following letters of intent: Calontir (07 Nov, 2023), Gleann Abhann (08 Nov, 2023), Middle (08 Nov, 2023), Meridies (09 Nov, 2023), An Tir (12 Nov, 2023), Artemisia (15 Nov, 2023), Ansteorra (16 Nov, 2023), Middle (20 Nov, 2023), An Tir (22 Nov, 2023), Ealdormere (24 Nov, 2023), Ansteorra (25 Nov, 2023), Atlantia (28 Nov, 2023), Lochac (29 Nov, 2023), Æthelmearc (30 Nov, 2023), Atenveldt (30 Nov, 2023), Avacal (30 Nov, 2023), Caid (30 Nov, 2023), Drachenwald (30 Nov, 2023), East (30 Nov, 2023), West (30 Nov, 2023), Laurel LoPaD (11 Dec, 2023), Laurel LoPaD (06 Jan, 2024) (redraws). All commentary, responses, and rebuttals should have been entered into OSCAR by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
The March Laurel decisions will be made at the Pelican meeting held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and the Wreath meeting held on Saturday, March 16, 2024. These meetings will consider the following letters of intent: Meridies (07 Dec, 2023), Artemisia (16 Dec, 2023), Calontir (17 Dec, 2023), Palimpsest Rules Letter (18 Dec, 2023), Ansteorra (21 Dec, 2023), An Tir (23 Dec, 2023), Middle (23 Dec, 2023), An Tir (29 Dec, 2023), Atenveldt (30 Dec, 2023), Lochac (30 Dec, 2023), Avacal (31 Dec, 2023), Drachenwald (31 Dec, 2023), East (31 Dec, 2023), Laurel LoPaD (12 Feb, 2024) (redraws). All commentary, responses, and rebuttals should have been entered into OSCAR by Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Not all letters of intent may be considered when they are originally scheduled on this cover letter. The date of posting of the LoI, date of receipt of the Laurel packet, or other factors may delay consideration of certain letters of intent. Additionally, some letters of intent received may not have been scheduled because the administrative requirements (receipt of the forms packet, receipt of the necessary fees, et cetera) have not yet been met.
REMINDER: Until all administrative requirements are met, the letter may not be scheduled.
Pray know that I remain,
In service,
Birgitta Lulli
Laurel Queen of Arms
Created at 2024-03-14T20:52:19