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The Crown Province of Østgarðr is the greater New York City chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a not-for-profit educational and social organization dedicated to re-creating aspects of medieval and Renaissance culture. You can read more about the SCA at “About Us.” If you have any questions or want to get involved, email our newcomers’ officer. You can find links to our Facebook group, mailing list, and local sub-chapters at “Getting Involved.”

June Sunday Solar – Garb workshop

Nürnbergerin im Hauskleid c. 1500 (Source)

Come join us in Northpass (New Rochelle) to work on garb (clothing).

Bring your works in progress. There will be room on the table for people to bring two sewing machines, and there’s plenty of seating for people doing hand sewing.

Feel free to bring your extra garb, fabric, and trim to trade with others.

***RSVP with Vitasha*** 64944 @ members.eastkingdom.org

Scribal Day! Sunday, June 1st at 12pm to 4pm

Bit.Lib. Royal MS 14 E III, f. 6v (1315 – 1325) (Source)

Calling all Scribes! Help us fill the scroll case!

As we prepare for Pennsic and a busy season of upcoming events, our scroll case is in need of your creative magic. We are reaching out to our talented scribal community to help ensure we have beautiful scrolls ready to honor our worthy populace.

Vicereine Sofya will be hosting a scribal day at her home on Sunday, June 1st. Please email sofya at 206055 @ members.eastkingdom.org to register for the event. Once registered, she will send address and contact information.

We’ll provide details about the awards needed, due dates, and can even help pair you with a wordsmith if needed.

Whether you’re a seasoned scribe or just getting started, your contributions are truly appreciated. Every scroll gifted brings joy and recognition to members of Ostgardr and we can’t do it without you.

Shire of Midland Vale and Shire of Old Stonebridges recognized as Cantons of the Crown Province of Østgarðr

Let it be known to all good populace of the Province of Østgarðr, the Shire of Midland Vale and the Shire of Old Stonebridges,

From the hands of the East Kingdom and the councils of the Society, word has come to us—a decree rendered upon a matter of great moment and unity.

Hear ye now this joyful proclamation:
The Shires of Midland Vale and Old Stonebridges are henceforth recognized as Cantons of the Crown Province of Østgarðr. This change takes effect as of this present week, by the will of our Kingdom and in accordance with Society law.

Long have we awaited this union. Through patient labor and a steadfast heart, we now see our efforts fulfilled. In the days to come, we shall amend our records to reflect this joyous joining, but let no delay hinder our celebration.

Thank you to the officers and the populace of Midland Vale and Old Stonebridge for their desire for this union and their support during this process.  Thank you to the East Kingdom for all the help to get this done.  Thank you to the Vicereines, officers and populace of Østgarðr for their patience and encouragement of this unification!  

Raise your voices and your cups, for on this day, we stand united as One Østgarðr!

Long live the King and Queen of the East!  Long live the Vicereines!  And long live the people of Østgarðr and the East!

A message from our Senechal – April AS 59 Commons

A wedding scene from the 15th century. British Library MS Royal 17 F. IV, f.65v Source

Greetings Ostgardr,

I hope you are all well and enjoying Spring.  We just ran a very successful Coronation and I know a lot of us are still recovering.  Because of that and with spring break for schools and several holidays coming up, we will be moving Commons back a week to April 23rd, 2025.  

I will send out a reminder next week.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1You6icAVJ/

Thank you all,

-Ragnarr Bliskegg
He/Him
Seneschal of Ostgardr

Reading of Dante’s Inferno, or Ostgardr goes to Hell

Detail of a Portrait of Dante by Attilio Roncaldier mid 19th c. Source

Join us as we attend the 31st annual reading of selections from the Inferno. This year’s reading will take place in the Cathedral’s Crossing and will have some additional multimedia elements. Selected Cantos will be read by a wide variety of individuals. We are transitioning this event and look forward to sharing with everyone our new, creative endeavor. Part of the joy of Dante’s Inferno is its ever-changing adaptations, while remaining true to the heart of this epic presentation.

It is free to attend!

You can RSVP on the cathedral website here:
St. John the Divine’s RSVP page

If you’re on Facebook feel free to coordinate here.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1011185120922314/?rdid=PasiTGp46xVZV7e4

Deck the Halls – Our Seahorse Herald’s Official Report

Two courts were held at Deck the Halls of Valhalla, held on the 11th day of January in AS LIX. The first of these was held in the morning in which her Excellency Angelica di Nova Lipa welcomed all those who were present, recognized Carrick MacSeáin’s gift of Østgardr favors, and invited the event stewards Albrecht Anker and Arnora Kettilsdottir to speak about the games and classes. Court was then suspended until the afternoon.

The second of these courts was held after much enjoyment of games, classes and delicious dayboard. Her Excellency welcomed their Highnesses Ryouko’jin and Indrakshi to Court, who addressed all those present. Her Excellency then requested the presence of Thorfinnr Hróðgeirsson to induct him into the Order of the Seahorse. A scroll was presented, and the members of the Order of the Seahorse welcomed him into the Order. Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!

Reminded that a quest for the perfect lemon is underway, Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin was asked to come forward, in which he presented Her Excellency with a perfectly round and green citrus fruit. Her Excellency encourage Mathghamhain to continue his quest.

In the next order of business, taxes on the coinage held by the Coin Comisars was collected, and the winners of the games were announced. The first was winner with the most coins was Samson and his gang of Rogues, with second and third place won by the team of Østgarðr bards. An error in how coinage was collected for taxes was caught by His Highness, and as a result, our Lord Albrecht has been sent on a culinary tasting Quest.

To round out court, Her Excellency recognized all those who have in the past year, and are presently serving as officers, event stewards, and event staff. Banners of each of Østgarðr’s cantons were presented. Then, there being no further business, court was closed.

Lady Kunigunde Wedemann
Seahorse Herald
Crown Province of Østgardr
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Date change – A message from Ragnarr Bliskegg our Seneschal

Mexican and Central American calendar systems – Source


Greetings Ostgardr,

Attention Ostgardr, after talking to some officers, we are going to be moving Ostgardr Commons to January 22nd this month.  Due to how the calendar worked this month and how several officers have told me they can’t make it this month, I am making the call to move the meeting back a week. 

Thank you all for understanding and I look forward to talking to you all on January 22nd!  

FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/15BZiykKWG/

Best,

Ragnarr bliskegg (he/him)

Seneschal of Ostgardr NYC

SCA

A year end message from our Vicereins

Christine de Pizan presents her book to Isabeau of Bavaria, in the Book of the Queen, France, c. 1410-1414: Harley MS 4431, f. 3r Source

Dear Ostgradr, 
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and contributions. This year has been one of remarkable growth and participation in Ostgardr, and we have so much to celebrate!

Our community thrived with a wide range of events, learning opportunities, and shared experiences. From museum trips, sewing circles, and cooking classes, to the flourishing of our arts, fighter, and fencing communities — your passion and hard work made it all possible.

We also look forward to expanding our borders with the addition of two new Cantons, strengthening both our presence and the greatness of our people. This year, Ostgardr had the distinct honor of one of our own winning Crown, and now we prepare to bid for the celebration of Prince Ryouko’jin and Princess Indrakshi’s Coronation.

Many of our fellow Ostgardrians were recognized with local and Kingdom Awards, and we couldn’t be prouder of these well-deserved honors.

It has been a privilege to be part of such an incredible year, and we’re excited to see what 2025 will bring. Thank you again for your time, talent, and dedication — Ostgardr is stronger because of you!

In gratitude,

Angelica and Sofya

Your Vicereines

Sunday Solar – Spices

Segment of Heures a l’usage de Rome c. 1487

Join us on Northpass for Sunday Solar on January 19th, from 1 to 4 pm for a discussion about spices in Medival cooking.

Please bring an item for the snack potluck that includes ta spice found in the Medieval period and tell us a little bit about that spice.

You can go with something commonly found in modern times like cinnamon, ginger, or garlic. Or feel to delve deeper and bring something with a more obscure spice.

Potluck contributions do not need to be period or made by you.

An ingredient list is appreciated due to food allergies.

Feel free to also bring a project to work on while we chat.

Please RSVP with Vitasha for the address.

Allergy alert: The home has a cat and a dog

A year end message from our Seneschal

Fresco depicting January at Castello Buonconsiglio, Trento, Italy, c. 1405-1410. https://sarahpeverley.com/2013/12/29/medieval-winter-sports/

Greetings Ostgardr,

The year is coming to an end, but here in Ostgardr we have some new beginnings about to start!  Commons this month will have officer elections.  

Current officers, there is no position that has any challengers.  The current list of positions up for election are the following:

Exchequer – Teodora Ivanić
Chatelaine – Catelin Straquhin
Arts & Sciences – Brandr Aronsson
Knight Marshal – Albrecht Anker
Minister of Lists – Ivarr Valsson
Chronicler – Zahra de Andaluzia
Social Media – Lada Monguligin
Chancellor Minor – Pia Maletesta d’Rimini
Herald – Kunigunde Wedemann
Historian – Alfarr Skegglauss

Please send in your officer report by Wednesday and I will collate them together before the meeting.  

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A54x6ftMe/

Agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQzk0uKwReFKSVcAjIvcQa10HUQScPsXLn9Qklr32RCDUKF-G9kS-3Rxm2N5PjDituBXa4DTuzU_qm4/pub

Dial in details:

Østgarðr Provincial Commons & Social
Wednesday, December 18 · 7:00 – 9:00pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nhu-qsgk-zzi
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 402-364-0138‬ PIN: ‪616 864 602‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/nhu-qsgk-zzi?pin=7203106506138

Thank you,

-Ragnarr Bliskegg

Seneschal of Ostgardr