We would like it to be known that these pages in no way intend to disrespect
the Roma, their history, their customs, or their sufferings. Our hobby
is that of historical re-enactment. The Society for Creative Anachronism
re-enacts a period of history for enjoyment, and to learn about different
medieval cultures. Members are not restricted to personas that reflect
their own ancestry. We are aware that some of the photos on these pages
reflect a lighthearted stereotype of the gypsy--the vardos, our garb,
etc. Ours is a hobby meant to re-enact the best parts of the middle
ages--the plague was period, but we don't attempt to contract it. In
truth, the Roma of the time would often act these stereotypes themselves
in an effort to separate themselves from the gadje. There are personas
of all types in the SCA. The Roma were just one of the many peoples
who populated the middle ages. Our personas are in no way meant to lampoon
this particular group.
Many of us have done our best to learn about the Romany people. We
always attempt to make others understand that the Roma weren't a bunch
of silly fortunetellers who happily lived the lives they did, dancing
and thieving because it was in their nature. We don't believe this,
and we don't pass this misconception along to others.
For information on the Society for Creative Anachronism, please visit
the SCA official website