Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Steampunk Interview Part 2
Sorry all, 21st century internet problems got in the way of posting the second part of this interview. Hope you enjoy and thanks again Lauren K for helping us out!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Where are the female knights?!
The following is an interview given
by me to my roommate and friend Rachelle. Though she has only seen the first 5
episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones I
thought it would be interesting to get a female perspective on the hit TV show
that is currently making its mark on the worlds stage.
Interview:
Megan: With
me today is Rachelle Howatson. She has agreed to answer a few questions about
Game of Thrones for the purpose of my observation and final project. First off:
I’ve never seen Game of Thrones before; could you give me a brief idea of what
it’s about?
Rachelle: “From what I’ve seen so far, there are seven families
fighting for this land, so all the family have to come together and try to win
it. There are lots of battles and fighting but also some devious stuff going
on. There’s also a Romeo and Juliet
scenario going on with the girl from one family liking a guy from another. That
adds a romantic side to the story.”
M: Why did you start watching Game of
Thrones?
R: “To
be honest, I really started watching it because Josh [my boyfriend] did. He
told me to watch it and he said it was good”
M: Was there anything that kept you
watching?
R: “I
watched like 5 episodes and I kept watching because of the fighting-there’s
battle scenes and a cool story that underlines it. I also think the costumes
are cool and the main guy is cool as well. I also like the midget; he’s funny
and hooks up with all the girls. Basically It’s badass”
M:
Badass?
R: “[Laughs]
I don’t know how else to explain it!”
M: [Laughs] that works. Did you ever read
the books?
R: “No.
Josh has the books but he hasn’t finished them yet.”
M: From what you’ve seen, what is the
representation of males?
R: “Big
and burly, ready for battle and they have really cool names.”
M: Females?
R: “Normal
medieval representation and [like the guys] they have really cool names. The
main girls name is Cersei and the other girl is Arya; she’s my favourite, she’s
really young and a badass.”
M: Can you give me an example of what you
call “normal medieval representation?
R: “Well
like the opening scene, and one that sticks out to me, is a battle between the
guys-not the girls-and they’re [the guys] trying to kill each other. The girls
are more represented by the love connection I mentioned earlier”
M: Can you pick out any examples of
medievalism?
R: “For
sure the castle they live in, the armour and weapons, and the main guy has a
medieval sword. It’s also obvious that the way the kids are treated differently
than [they are] today; they have to do more chores, portrayed to have more
responsibility than we associate with kids today”
M: I’d just like to thank you, Rachelle,
for sitting down with me. This was very helpful
R: “No
problem. I’m actually going to go watch Game of Thrones right now [laughs].
It’s all that we’ve been talking about and I remember now why I liked it so
much”
Questions for further thought:
- Is medievalism marketed towards males? Females? Both?
- Does this support the claim that the Middle Ages has something for everyone?
- What role does medievalism play in marketing merchandise?
- What does Game of Thrones teach about medievalism?
- Where does this attraction to medievalism come from?
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
All Hallows Eve: The Story and Some Facts
Ever wonder how Halloween came about? Here are some facts about the holiday:
Halloween is based on the idea of syncretism (the combining of two clashing beliefs or cultures); Christians vs. Non- Christians in this case. Before the Christians took over there was a New Years celebration on October 31st called the festival of Samhain. This festival was based on the end of the summer season and the welcoming of the winter season which was associated with death. When the Christians came along they changed this festival to now celebrate all saints day (now November first) --in the 10th and 11th century November second became known as all souls day. This syncretism showed the tear between lightness that was ending and the coming of darkness. October 31st was this in between, a purgatory, where souls who hadn't entered into Heaven or Hell could roam the earth looking for those who they blamed or detested and make things right in order for that soul to leave the in between state (resemblance to ghosts, haunting, fear).
On October 31st beggars were allowed the privilege to go door to door and beg for food (this is where trick or treating comes into play in modern times).
In Germany, as a superstitious routine, they put flour on the kitchen counters (to keep the souls away) and hide the kitchen knives (so the souls cannot do any physical damage) on all Hallows Eve.
In Austria, people will leave out bread and water by lamplight to welcome the souls into their home and back to the earth.
In Hong Kong, the celebrate the Hungary Ghosts Festival (known in Hong Kong as Yue Lan) in replacement to Halloween. This is a time where ghosts are free to roam the earth for a twenty-four hour period. On this occasion people can be seen burning pictures of fruit or money as this is believed to comfort the roaming souls.
In Mexico, picnics are held on the graves of deceased relatives. This is a day of remembrance. Often fires are lit and lanterns are hung to guide the souls home.
In Scotland, in stead of carving pumpkins as we do in Canada, they carve and hollow out potatoes, turnips, and/or rutabaga.
Want to see learn about more Halloween traditions around the world? Check out http://www.jackolanterns.net/traditions.htm!
Halloween is based on the idea of syncretism (the combining of two clashing beliefs or cultures); Christians vs. Non- Christians in this case. Before the Christians took over there was a New Years celebration on October 31st called the festival of Samhain. This festival was based on the end of the summer season and the welcoming of the winter season which was associated with death. When the Christians came along they changed this festival to now celebrate all saints day (now November first) --in the 10th and 11th century November second became known as all souls day. This syncretism showed the tear between lightness that was ending and the coming of darkness. October 31st was this in between, a purgatory, where souls who hadn't entered into Heaven or Hell could roam the earth looking for those who they blamed or detested and make things right in order for that soul to leave the in between state (resemblance to ghosts, haunting, fear).
On October 31st beggars were allowed the privilege to go door to door and beg for food (this is where trick or treating comes into play in modern times).
Halloween Around the World
In Germany, as a superstitious routine, they put flour on the kitchen counters (to keep the souls away) and hide the kitchen knives (so the souls cannot do any physical damage) on all Hallows Eve.
In Austria, people will leave out bread and water by lamplight to welcome the souls into their home and back to the earth.
In Hong Kong, the celebrate the Hungary Ghosts Festival (known in Hong Kong as Yue Lan) in replacement to Halloween. This is a time where ghosts are free to roam the earth for a twenty-four hour period. On this occasion people can be seen burning pictures of fruit or money as this is believed to comfort the roaming souls.
In Mexico, picnics are held on the graves of deceased relatives. This is a day of remembrance. Often fires are lit and lanterns are hung to guide the souls home.
In Scotland, in stead of carving pumpkins as we do in Canada, they carve and hollow out potatoes, turnips, and/or rutabaga.
Want to see learn about more Halloween traditions around the world? Check out http://www.jackolanterns.net/traditions.htm!
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween Bloggers!
Let us know how you are spending your Halloween and what are you wearing!
Game of Thrones Pumpkins
Did anyone carve a medieval/Neo-Medieval themed pumpkin this year?
Steampunk
Medieval Girl will be interviewing Lauren K in the upcoming weeks to give you all a better idea on what steampunk is. She has recently come into the trend and even fashioned her Halloween costume around it. Here is just a little something to keep you interested until then!
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