Surviving Winter Parades Baethan at the Moon by David Vavreck

Contents Introduction and Bylaws Interpretive Clothing Scottish Culture History Music and Dance Military Life Language Bibliography, Sources and Library Materials

The rule for an event such as a parade is if it doesn’t show, it’s okay. If it does show, try to make it at least appear correct. And the Torchlight Parade occurs after dark, so appearance is even less of an issue. 1. Wear long johns. If you are wearing a kilt, make sure you also have knee-length hose to cover up the lower portion. Bonus tip: one can put in a French-cut neckline in long johns tops, which can then be worn at events under your sark (i.e. shirt or chemise) at living history events without fear of it showing at the collar. Cut the neckline into a large “u” shape - large enough so as not to show whether or not your sark is buttoned at the neck - and hem it down. 2. Wear a wool cap. Bonnets are great (for men, at least), but there were also several styles of knit cap made in our period. If you do not have a correct Monmouth cap or whatever, any short knit cap will do, but stick to solid earth tones. Avoid day glow, logos, pom-poms etc. 3. Wear layers. Several shirts, skirts, pairs of socks, etc. really help. As long as the outside layer looks okay, no problem. 4. If dressing as a man, wear a pair of knee britches under your kilt. If you are not wearing your kilt, use it as a cloak. These tricks are even period correct. 5. Wear wool or leather gloves or mittens. Modern driving gloves are obviously not period correct, but this is just a parade, not a living history event. Our rules can be relaxed somewhat. Unlined leather doesn’t hold in much heat, although it does a bang-up job stopping the wind. 6. Get some of those little instant heat thingies to put in your mittens or shoes. They can really help. They are available at sporting goods stores, etc. Remember that your hands get colder when they are carrying something than if they are not, and most of you will be carrying something at the parades. 7. Women began wearing muffs around 1630. They were small at first, and often hung from a cord around the neck. Made of fur or fur and wool. 8. Borrow extra stuff from older members - we often have lots of period gear. I, for example, own 4 doublets (and 6 pair of period footwear) and cannot possibly wear them all at once! Ask your staff to help hook you up with spare clothing. 9. Wear armor. Steel makes a great windbreak. Hope this helps. Baethan