Peerage Ceremonies

Introduction

Being recognized with a Peerage is a major event in someone's SCA life. Therefore, there should be an appropriate level of ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment. Many Kingdoms or Orders have standard ceremonies or important features of a ceremony that are common, but variations are fine as long as the candidate and the Crown agree in advance.

This article tries to lay out some of the common features of most Peerage ceremonies for consideration. If a candidate has already been recognized with another peerage then their second or higher ceremony will frequently be less elaborate.

For insight into what goes on to select candidates see the article on polling orders.

Notifying the Candidate

One of the joys of Royalty is surprising deserving people with awards. It is their right and duty to be the people who inform a peer-to-be that they will be recognized with a Peerage. Other people will typically know in advance including the candidate's mentor, spouse/significant other, and other members of the Order being offered.

Generally, Their Majesties inform the candidate in one of three ways:

• On the spot - The elevation happens immediately. This is most often used when the candidate is already a Peer in a different order.
• Vigil now, Elevation later - The candidate is escorted to their vigil immediately and offered elevation at some later time, most often at a court later at the same event. For example, a candidate may be put on vigil on Friday and elevated on Saturday.
• Writs - The candidate is informed of Their Majesties' decision to recognize them with a peerage with the vigil and elevation to be held at some mutually agreed future event, perhaps months later. The candidate is still surprised, but then can help decide the details of their vigil and elevation ceremonies.

Vigils

A vigil is a quiet time for the candidate to contemplate the offer of elevation. It is exceptionally rare but individuals have declined Peerages for various reasons. During the vigil the candidate is offered congratulations and advice on their new role. They are typically separated from the rest of the event in a private room or tent that is decorated with their heraldry or other meaningful items where visitors can join them for brief discussions. Hospitality (food and drink) is frequently provided for those visiting the candidate.

• Cleansing - A ritual cleansing is a common feature of most SCA vigils. This can be a hand washing, a bath, a dunk in a lake, or a dowsing with ice water. The candidate is told that they are washing away all of their old cares and concerns and they are beginning again.
• Vigil Tunic - A new white linen garment is common for the vigilant to wear during their vigil to represent this clean, pure state.

Elevations

Elevations take place in a formal Royal court. The court can be a scheduled general purpose court or can be a special purpose court for this single elevation. Knights and Masters of Defense are sometimes recognized on the field of battle. Laurels and Pelicans are sometimes recognized during a competition or at a place where they are serving the Society, for example.

• Praising the Candidate - Some form of public praise for the candidate is a common feature of most Peerage ceremonies. This can take the form of the Five Worthies Ceremony (below) or a themed presentation like the Seven Virtues or Seven Deadly Sins, etc.
• Release from Fealty - If the candidate is in fealty to a Peer, they are typically released from that fealty so they can swear directly to the Crowns. Note that there are instances where a Peer may also be a Companion. For example, a Laurel that is also a Squire.
• Presentation of Regalia - Each Peerage order has corresponding regalia which are presented to the candidate
• Oath of Fealty or Service - Members of the Chivalry that choose to be titled 'Knights' are the only Peers required to swear fealty to the Crown. A candidate may still be inducted into the Chivalry without swearing an oath and then be titled 'Master of Arms'. Other new peers may choose to swear fealty or an oath of service, but it is not required.

The Atlantian Five Worthies Ceremony

By far the most common Peerage ceremony in Atlantia is the "Five Worthies" Ceremony. It has this name because a representative from each bestowed Peerage (four people) plus a Lady of the Rose (the fifth worthy) are invited, in turn, to briefly speak about the candidate and how their Order agrees that the candidate is appropriate for this new role. Typically, the worthies can speak in any order with the worthy for the candidate's new Order going last. Occasionally, a non-Peer member of the populace who is meaningful to the candidate will be asked to speak as well.

The timing of when this ceremony occurs has evolved over the years. Traditionally, the Worthies speak in Court, followed by the release of the candidate from fealty to a Peer (if such fealty exists), then bestowal of any regalia that is presented to the candidate.

The current method is the Worthies gather at the Vigil site and speak prior to the candidate's cleansing ritual. Release from fealty and presentation of regalia is still part of the elevation ceremony in Court.

In Case of Peerage, Break Glass

It can be very helpful to create a list of the things that you would like to happen at your hypothetical future Peerage ceremony. This could include if you'd prefer a writ, what family and friends you'd like to have invited, what Peers you'd like to speak about you, etc. Give that list to your Peer, mentor, spouse, significant other, or logical person that the Crowns or Order will contact when it really is time to plan your recognition. Also, remember to review and update the list from time to time as your wishes may change. Many Peers will ask for this sort of list from their students. One example of the In Case of Peerage letter may be found here

Links to Ceremonies and Related Articles

• An Atlantian Master of Defense Ceremony
• Atlantian Laurels Checklist