Vigil-Courtsy-art - 1/29/18
"A Courtesy lesson at Vigils" by Master Dirk Edward of Frisia, O.P..
NOTE: See also the files: A-Bird-Bath-art, Calon-Vigils-art, Grant-of-Arms-art, peerage-cerem-msg, peerage-vigls-msg, SCA-oaths-msg, A-Peer-Within-art.
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NOTICE -
This article was added to this set of files, called Stefan's Florilegium, with the permission of the author.
These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org
Copyright to the contents of this file remains with the author or translator.
While the author will likely give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file.
Thank you,
Mark S. Harris...AKA:..Stefan li Rous
stefan at florilegium.org
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NOTE: Kingdom customs may vary, and the desire of the vigilant may vary, but an OPEN vigil is open to anyone at all, regardless of rank, and ANYONE may speak to the Vigilant.
A Courtesy lesson at Vigils
by Master Dirk Edward of Frisia, O.P.
This past weekend I was the Major Domo- the gate keeper, the list holder, for a vigil for a person being elevated. My job is to take the names of people who wish to speak to the candidate for elevation and offer advice or counsel. It needs to be noted here that such vigils are open to anyone, but most people who attend know the candidate. That doesn't mean they have to- but that's the usual case. Rank is unimportant.
The person who prepared the reception food (with help from the candidate and a couple others) worked EXTREMELY hard and provided a great spread of food.
Some people only came in and ate the food, and did not speak to the candidate at all, even when asked if they wanted to be on the list to take a few minutes to say congratulations at the least.
It is a shame that others saw this as an opportunity for free food, and gave little regard for the people involved who prepared the food, laid the table, and provided the hospitality.
Here is where my story of courtesy comes in.
One man came in with his daughter. They spent some time sitting in a chair, and when asked if he wanted a place in line to speak to the candidate, he said yes. So his name was placed, and he and his very well behaved child waited their turn. They took nothing to eat until AFTER they spoke to the candidate, although they could have. (It's fine to have some food while you wait your turn- that's entirely polite.)
This man and his daughter displayed the essential element of vigils, courtesy and consideration for the vigilant. While others- came- ate- and left without a word to that person.
He held no rank that I could see, but that was not important. His respect for his daughter, by taking her with him, and his respect for the situation and consideration for the candidate, someone he did -not- know, was evident and very courteous.
The vigilant noticed this fact, and appreciated it very much.
This is part of the essence of courtesy.
Your awards, recognition, and rank doesn't make you courteous and considerate of others.
Your consideration of others comes from within. From your personal standards and regard that is not based on self-interest. This man set such an example for others, and for his child.
Be the example you wish to see in the SCA.
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Copyright 2017 by Dirk Hermance. <bluecat at neo.rr.com>. Permission is granted for republication in SCA-related publications, provided the author is credited. Addresses change, but a reasonable attempt should be made to ensure that the author is notified of the publication and if possible receives a copy.
If this article is reprinted in a publication, please place a notice in the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.
<the end>