Surname Types and Origins

Last year, on the Ancestry blog, an article was posted about German surnames. The article, “There are Four Common Types of German Surnames – Which One is Yours?” by Leslie Lang can be found here.

Understanding surname practices is very important when researching your family origins, especially when that search takes you back into the medieval period. Some of the information here comes from the article noted above. That article focused on German names, but because some of the same concepts apply to surnames in use in other countries I will include information on those areas in addition to what the original article covered.

Basically, the blog notes that the first people in the German lands to use surnames were those of noble or royal descent. As the population increased, there was a greater need for surnames (in German - “Nachname” or “Familienname.”) to differentiate between people with similar given names. Merchants and general townspeople began to take on surnames. The practice came last to those living in rural or outlying areas were the population was smaller and it was still easy to keep names straight. This process took 2-300 hundred years, as the use of surnames spread. By the late Middle Ages, most people were using surnames.

The foregoing information is applicable to countries outside Germany as well. The nobility assumed names before the general population. But surname use came about earlier in England, probably influenced by the Domesday Book which required the cataloging of people by their name in 1086.  It is thought that the Normans brought the practice of using surnames with them from France and that surname use there may have begun as early as 1000 C.E.  Between 1250 and 1450, most English surnames were fixed.

"A Country Blacksmith Disputing upon the Price of Iron,
and the Price Charged to the Butcher for Shoeing his Poney,"
 a painting by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851)

People assumed surnames based on several facts about themselves, such as their occupation, appearance, home town, and parentage. Names based on occupation were the most common. These types of names commonly end with a specific suffix following the trader designation.  The “-er” suffix is common; for instance, a Baker becomes “Becker,” a butcher becomes “Fleischer” or “Metzger,”a mason becomes “Maurer,” a miller becomes known as “Muller” or “mueller,”and a tailor becomes “Schneider.”  Other endings include “-macher” as in maker of,; for instance, a window maker becomes known as “Fenstermacher.” The suffix “-hauer” or cutter is used to designate a tree cutter or hewer as “Baumhauer” where “baum” means tree. The suffix “-man” or “-mann” indicates a merchant, or “ome who sells”so the surname Kaufman represents this man’s trade. Other examples include: Bauer- farmer; Klingermann – weapons smith, Meier – farm administrator, Geiger- player of a violin, Schmidt-smith (as in blacksmith), Schulze –constable, Topfer or Toepfer – potter, Wagner – waggoner, carter, or cartwright, and Weber – weaver.

Other countries used this same naming practice. For instance, in England the following names developed from a bearer’s occupation: Archer, Bailey, Baker, Brewer, Butcher, Carter, Chandler, Clark, Collier, Cooper, Cook, Carpenter, Dempster, Dyer, Farmer, Faulkner, Fisher, Fletcher, Fowler, Fuller, Gardener, Glover, Hayward, Hawkins, Head, Hunt or Hunter, Judge, Knight, Miller, Mason, Page, Palmer, Parker, Porter, Potter, Sawyer, Shepherd, Slater, Smith, Stringer, Taylor, Thatcher, Turner, Walker, Weaver, Woodman and Wright (or variations such as Cartwright and Wainwright).

Some of the oldest types of surnames are those descriptive names which were based on the physical attributes of the person. For instance, a short or small man may be called “Klein,” while a large, big man may be names “Gross.” A man with black hair could be known as “Schwarzkopf”, or “Black headed.” A man with brown hair was called “Brun” or “Braun,” and a man with curly hair was called Krause. A man with red hair was known as “Roth.” Similar practices were common in other countries. Equivalent names for a red haired man include: Reid (English), Russ (English), Rousseau (French), Rossi (Italian) Cerveny (Czech), and Flynn (Irish). English descriptive names include: Short, Brown, Black, Whitehead, Young, Long, and White.

German home in the mountains.

People in Germany also adopted names based on the location of their homes or origins. By adding the suffix “-er” to their names, a person from Schwarzenegg became known as Schwarzenegger; Kissingen became Kissinger.  My own family name is thought to mean “from Wien” which is the state around Vienna, and hence the name became “Wiener.” Names could include descriptions of the land where a man lived, such as a man who lived on a mountain may come to be known as “Berger” or “from the berg” or mountain. In England, a man who lived along a stream was known as “brooks” and one who lived upon a tall hill was called, appropriately, “Hill.” Other English examples include: Bridge, Camp, Bush, Lake, Lee, Wood, Grove, Holmes, Forest, Underwood, Hall, Fields, Stone, Morley, and Moore.

The use of “von” in a person’s name was commonly use by the nobility in the Middle Ages and its use was restricted to use by only them after 1600. A ruling member of the aristocracy was entitled to use this designation to indicate their association with a town or village. For instance, Berthold von Westerstetten, Hermann von Hürnheim-Katzenstein (he owned and ruled in Katzenstein castle) or Adelheid von Hessen who was born to Heinrich von Hessen and Adelheid von Braunschweig. All indicate the town, region or castle they ruled with the use of “von.” When researching surnames in sources such as the “Almanach de Gotha,” it will be noted that “von” is often abbreviate to “v.” After 1919, when the Austria-Hungary Empire was dissolved, the restriction on the use of “von” was lifted. It is not uncommon to see its use by German immigrants to America, though they likely never used such a name form in their native lands. Amongst the Dutch or Swiss, “van” was later used, but did not indicate nobility either.

Lastly, German names were sometimes based on parentage, or more specifically, the relationship of the bearer to a father. This naming practice was more common in the northern areas of Germany. Johann, the son of Peter became known as “Petersohn” or “Peterson.” Other names simply added the fathjer’s name behind the given name, so that Martin the son of Berend was known as Martin Berendi. (The “-i” suffix was added by Latin priests. Sometimes this appears as “-y.”)

Paternal names were used in various countries, besides Germany. For instance, in Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, “-son” or “-sen” was used to indicate “son of” while “-dottir” or “-datter” was used to indicate the “daughter of” a particular individual. Examples include Anderson ,Hansen, Sorensdatter, and Svensdottir.  In Poland and Slovakia, the suffix “-wicz” to indicate son while “-ovna” or “-ova” indicates daughter. The endings “-shy” and “-ski” were also used by Slavic people. English names are similarly constructed, using the “-son” suffix. Examples include: Richardson, Stephenson, Jackson, Wilson, Thompson, Benson, and Johnson. In Wales, sons took their father’s unaltered name as their surname or added “ap” (son of). Daughters used “-verch’ or “-ferch.” Examples include names such as David ap Rhys or Maredudd ferch Llewelyn.

Parish record

Eventually laws were passed that required permanent surnames. For instance, such laws were passed in the Schleswig-Holstein area of northern Germany in 1771, 1820, and 1822. These laws required that the surnames be passed through the male line. In England, Henry VIII (1491–1547) had already ordered that marital births be recorded under the surname of the father. Other countries followed suit. Most of the parish records (Catholic) that are available include surnames, though in some countries, such as Slovakia, evidence of the older naming practices can still be found in the earliest records. This is especially true in the case of females who are identified by their father’s last name which the “ova” suffix or alteration.

Tracking your family through their surnames can sometimes be challenging. In more recent centuries, it was not uncommon for families to alter or change their surnames.  Whether this was due to family disputes or a desire for a man to “strike out on his own,” sometimes a man decided to alter his last name in its spelling or structure. Hence Graver becomes Craver, and Wiener becomes Weiner; which are some examples from my own family. Careful analysis is required to sort out these families and track their movements. 

Hopefully this information will be of assistance to others who are researching their family’s origins.  While it has its challenges, genealogy is a rewarding pursuit and produces a legacy for future generations.

The Uniqueness of the Arabian Bridle and its Tasseled Neck Strap

I originally wrote this article as part of a research paper on the Evolution of Tack which was submitted as an entry for the Ice Dragon Pentathlon. In 2014, I submitted it for publication in the Kingdom newsletter, the Æstel. It was published in the January 2014 issue which can be accessed here. That year, I was awarded the Sylvan Quills Award for Best Article in a Kingdom Publication. The Sylvan Quills are given out by the Kingdom Chronicler’s office for excellence in Æthelmearc publishing. The following is the version which was published in the Æstel.

This article will examine the unique portion of the Arabian bridle known as the tasseled neck strap.  This is a piece of equipment used on horses in the Arabic lands and surrounding areas. I term the equipment “unique” because it was not used in European bridle construction, nor was it readily adopted by the Europeans in general. This article will explore the use, purpose and construction of the tasseled neck strap and how this research can be applied to SCA equestrian arts and sciences.


Throughout history, trade with other cultures has facilitated an exchange of technologies, science and ideas as well as products. Increased exposure to other cultures influences a society's own traditions.  During the turbulent times of the Crusades, the cultures of the west met those of the east, and further exchange occurred. It is well documented that Europe greatly benefitted from this exchange, achieving advances in science, medicine, architecture, and music. It is believed that caparisons or barding, the trappings used to cover the horse in war and tournament came originally from the eastern lands. The Arabs had been using cloth coverings on their horses for a long time, and European knights and mounted men did not use such cloth until they went to war in the Crusades. They brought this "invention" back with them and it became commonplace for horses to be outfitted with cloth barding. They also brought back the Arabian horse, whose genetics enhanced the bloodlines of nearly every European breed of horse. 

Early depiction of Arabic barding from an illuminated manuscript

In any study of horse tack used in the medieval period, it is natural to look to the time of the Crusades for examples of equipment used in period. While the horses of the Arabs were fitted with barding and saddles similar to those used in Europe, a striking difference in the construction of the Arabs' bridles quickly becomes obvious. Arabian style bridles are unique in that these include a special strap and covering over the top of the horse's neck. The strap is also outfitted with a tassel which hangs beneath the horse's neck. Though tassels are the most common, some bridles have bells or furs suspended from this strap. In some examples, this tasseled strap resembles a collar, and has been referred to as a "nape strap," or "neck pendant."

Occasionally, modern horses are fitted with a horsehair tassel that hangs from the throatlatch as a decoration and fly whisk to keep flies from irritating the horse while riding. This tassel is used today in the modern show ring, on Arabian horses competing in what is termed "Native Costume" classes.^[1] 

While not requiring historical accuracy, these classes require that the rider and horse be outfitted in "clothes" that emulate the culture of the Arabian lands and the Bedouin people who first bred the Arabian horse. Because this source lacks a requirement of historical accuracy, one cannot assume that this was a customary piece of horse tack dating back into the medieval period. Therefore, more reliable sources of documentation, such as archeological finds and art in the time period, must be consulted. 

An examination of period sources reveals there is no evidence of this tassel ever having been used on European horses. The historical record reveals the origins of this tasseled bridle piece, its spread through the eastern lands, and its purpose. Additionally, art depicts the use of this tasseled neck strap.  Several excellent art exhibits have been assembled and displayed regarding the Arabian horse in history. In 1991, Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia conceived of the idea of a special art exhibit to "honor the role of the horse in the development of human civilization." This exhibit, called Furusiyya, an Arab term denoting horsemanship and chivalry, was displayed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1996.  More recently, in 2010, Prince Faisal partnered with the International Museum of the Horse, located in Lexington, Kentucky, to create an exhibit called "The Gift of the Desert." Two museum curators and experts in the field of Arabian art worked to bring together items from around the world, many of which were held in private collections and had never been put on public display. This incredible exhibit was on display for a few short months. 

Several museum publications based on these exhibits are available to the public and provide the researcher with valuable information regarding the tasseled neck strap. The 1996 exhibit published two books, titled Furusiyya, Volumes I and II. The first volume extensively covers the horse's impact on civilization from a historical perspective. The second volume is a catalogue of the exhibit. The Gift of the Desert book, titled The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse is a museum catalog and contains invaluable historical information on the subject as well as a description of the exhibited pieces of art. These sources provide the researcher with an incredible amount of information on the culture of the Arabian people and their use of the horse throughout history from ancient times to the present. They also provide some excellent information on horse equipment that was used during the medieval period.

Examination of the archeological record reveals that the tasseled neck strap has been in use as early as 700 B.C.E. by the Assyrians and its use has persisted through the 19th century. The earliest evidence of its use is seen on bas relief cravings of the chariot horses of the Assyrians. Numerous examples are found to indicate the widespread use of the tasseled strap by most Arabian and Persian cultures, including the Turks, Mughals, and Ottomans. The Ottomans use of this strap influenced the "Frontier Troops" hired from Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and the Balkans, as its use is found amongst these peoples as well.^[2] The use of this collar spread as far as Northern Africa and India. In Africa, it evolved into a highly ornamented collar, used with or without a pompom/tassel.^[3] 

Frontier Troops

The persistent importance of this tassel is illustrated further by several photographs that were taken in Arabia in the 19th and 20th Centuries. In the 1870s, Lady Ann Blunt, the daughter of the Earl of Lovelace and granddaughter of Lord Byron, traveled deep into the Arabian desert in search of Arabian horses. She spent several years, learning the language and culture, and became the first Western woman to travel amongst the Bedouin tribes. She was later very influential in the Arabian breeding community, founding the line of Crabbet Arabians. During her visits to the Bedouin, she often adopted their dress, and this fact is caught on film in a photograph of her seated on an Arabian horse.^[4] Despite that fact she was so taken by the culture and majesty of these people and their horses, and is shown wearing native dress, she did not outfit her horse with a neck strap. In contrast, is a second photograph taken in 1906 of Bedouins proudly displaying a prize Arabian stallion to Homer Davenport, who was well known for traveling to Arabia to import these horses back to America for his own breeding program.^[5] In it, the horse has been fitted with a neck strap.  Obviously, to the Bedouin, it remained an important piece of tack that they would not omit when displaying their horses to an outsider. Thus we see, that while it was not considered important tack for the Americans, it was by the native Bedouins. Because the tasseled strap remained prevalent in later art and use by the Bedouins, we can see how it led modern competitors to design their "Native Costumes" to include the tasseled strap. 

Authorities on Arabian horse art, such as the curators who organized the Gift of the Desert exhibit, Sandra L Olsen and Cynthia Culbertson, have proposed a plausible theory concerning the purpose of this tasseled strap.^[6] They theorize that the heavy tassel or pompom exerted pressure on the reins and the horse's poll (the area of the neck behind the ears where the headstall rested). This pressure would encourage the horse to lower its head and flex the neck. This could be particularly valuable when shooting arrows from the horse's back, as was common. It also freed the rider's hands for handling weapons such as the bow, sword and lance.

The continued pressure on the reins would maintain a level of control over the horse's speed and direction while the reins were dropped.

This theory is supported by further examination of the examples of early tasseled straps in use. The Assyrian bas reliefs depicting horses during that time, while out of period, document the original use of this device. In several examples, it appears that the tassel or collar is actually attached to the reins.^[7]  

An in-period example, an early 17^th century watercolor painting of Sultan Osman II, shows an additional set of reins attached to the bit, which pass up through the collar and then attach, by means of a ring, to the front of the saddle.^[8] This would work much like a modern martingale, by applying pressure on the bit, in this case, when the reins are dropped.  A modern martingale is an additional piece of tack used by some riders and trainers. There are several types but all serve the purpose of maintaining correct bit pressure, especially when the horse elevates the head in order to avoid such control.

Two later examples allude to the tasseled collar's use. A 19th century print of a mounted Mamluk shows a cloth rein attached to the headstall of his horse's bridle, which passes down through a ring at the end of the collar and is tied off to the front of the saddle. In this instance, it could be functioning as a martingale of the "tie-down" type which prevents the horse from exaggerated elevation of the head. A later example implies that the noseband may have been connected to the tasseled strap, to keep the horse's head flexed back.^[9] Preventing full extension of the neck, limits a horse's ability to gallop, running out of control. Secured in this manner, the collar would also keep the horse's head in a lowered position making it easier for a mounted archer to shoot over the horse's head.

Whatever its original intended purpose, with time the tasseled neck strap or collar seems to have taken on a more decorative use. As some later examples show, the collar was fitted with longer and more elaborate tassels, some made of horse hair or animal tails such as those from leopards.  These later versions were called, "tail badges" and were used to denote rank. These are similar to the horse hair standards, or "tugs" found in Mongol and Mamluk culture. Various examples of these hair tassels are dyed, and the more elaborate versions are found on the horses of aristocrats or royalty. Other later versions dropped the tassel entirely, or diminished it to a small hair tassel.  In these versions, the collar itself became more ornamented, often embossed with gold and other precious metals. One example is covered entirely in gold encrusted with precious gems.^[10]

Various examples of tassel

Various types of tassels including wool and animal tails

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highly ornamented collar

 

 

 

 

 

A component of many tasseled neck straps was an attached cloth piece which was fitted over the top of the horse's neck, over which the strap was fitted. This is usually connected to the headstall by a leather strap. This is another uniquely Arabic or eastern feature of the bridle. In battle, the cloth would have provided some protection to the horse;s poll area, cushioning any strikes to this area. More likely, its main purpose was to cushion the pressure on the spinal area of the neck from the weight of the heavy tassel.

 

As indicated earlier, an examination of numerous sources depicting mounted Europeans reveals a complete absence of the neck strap. These sources include period manuscripts and artwork from the medieval time period, extant examples of horse trappings held by various museums around the world, and books on the subject written by various researchers. In all these sources, European horses displayed in tack never show the presence of the tasseled neck strap or collar. Only two examples of European art could be found that include the neck strap and these are post period and  depict Europeans riding Arabians, displaying their native tack.   

Napoleon on an Arabian

The first example is a famous painting of Napoleon (The Battle of the Pyramids, July 21, 1798), who was so completely enamored of the Arabian that it is reported he commonly rode it in native equipment. Naturally, it does include a tasseled strap. The second example is a painting of King Wilheim I of Wurtemberg who in 1817 founded the Royal Weil Stud dedicated to the breeding of purebred Arabians. The painting, like the Napoleon example, shows him mounted on an Arabian horse in native tack, complete with a tasseled neck strap.

King Wilheim on an Arabian

What was such an important part of horse tack in the Arabian and eastern lands that it persisted throughout thousands of years, and still exists today, never was adopted by the western culture. This is important information for anyone seeking to reproduce a medieval "kit" for use in re-creation such as in the SCA. It would be a grave mistake to place such an item on a European style bridle, and just as erroneous to omit it from an Arabian style bridle.  

Sources:

Alexander, David. ed.  Furusiyya: The Horse in Art in the Near East.  Vol. I and II.  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz Public Library, 2010.
Kroll, Lois Ann.  Arabian Costumes.  Aurora, CO: International Arabian Horse Assoc., 1999.
Olsen, Sandra L and Cynthia Culbertson.  The Gift of the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse.  Lexington, KY: International Museum of the Horse, 2010.

---

Endotes:

[1]Kroll, Lois Ann.  Arabian Costumes. (Aurora, CO: International Arabian Horse Assoc., 1999).

[2]Alexander. Vol I. 177, Vol II.. 82

[3]Alexander. Vol I, 216.

[4]Olsen. 88.

[5]Olsen. 89.

[6]Olsen. 34.

[7]Olsen. 110-1, 113, 174.

[8]Alexander. Vol II. 179.

[9]Alexander. Vol II. 168.

[10]Alexander. Vol I. 180.

The Cathars

Battle of Muret, 1213
from a French manuscript

Several years ago I became interested in the Cathars. Through some of my research, I discovered their story. I wrote a research paper about them and submitted it as an entry in the Ice Dragon Pentathlon. In 2013, I submitted an abbreviated version of that paper to the Kingdom newsletter, the Æstel. It was published in the June and July editions under the title "The Cathars- History and Belief, Myths and Legends." It is too long to post it its entirety on this blog, but can be accessed through the SCA newsletters website here.

In 2014, I taught a class at the Pennsic War on this subject. This is the class description I submitted for the Pennsic booklet:

"The subject of numerous popular fiction novels and conspiracy theories, the Cathars were a religious sect from the medieval period. Declared heretics, they were the subject of intense persecution by the Roman Catholic Church. This class will examine such questions as: Who were the Cathars and what did they believe? What impact did they have on history?"

What follows is the class outline and source list for those who may be interested in further information:

Introduction

What do most people know about them?

Many people have no or little knowledge of the Cathars.
Those who do, learned about them from books such as Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln’s Holy Blood, Holy Grail, or fiction such as Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth, or Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.
People who are knowledgeable of history, may known them because of the Crusade against them.

What were they called?

Albigenes, and the Albigensian Crusade
Cathar -"pure ones"
Cathar - "cat worshippers"
Good Christians, Good men

Origins?

Paulicians
Bogomills
 Started in Italy and spread to Germany?
Early history is shrouded, but persecution comes from the church's records
After WWII, some records have been found and released.

The Cathar history in France

As early as 1022 - Orleans. - 13 heretics burned
By 1163 - well established in France, esp. in the Languedoc
 1065 - Attracted attention of the church; churchmen are sent to debate and investigate
It was discovered they would not swear oaths - but they hid their beliefs carefully
May 1167 - meeting of Cathars at St Felix where they organized their faith
People of the area accepted and aided them, many converted

On the left, the Pope excommunicating the Cathars (Albigensians);
on the right, the Albigensian Crusade is launched. (Royal 16 G VI, f 374v)

Beliefs
Most writings destroyed.; what we know is from church records, hearings, etc.
Church called them Manchieans early on
Definitely Christian - identified themselves as Good Christians; most likely Gnostic Christian
Lord's Prayer was important.  Rejected Old Testament, valued Gospel of John
Which one - Revelation by John, or Secret Book of John a - copy found in the Nag Hamadi Library
Did not follow the Ten Commandments
Rejected the God of the Old Testament - identified him as Evil - he who imprisoned the spirit in flesh (a very Gnostic teaching)
Reliance on gaining knowledge to be reunited with the realm of pure spirit.
Did not follow church laws on eating, sex, etc.  - instead Hell is here, with endless stream of reincarnations.; we must break this cycle.
Dualists - believed in light and dark, etc.
Believed Christ was a messenger, not a savior
Did not revere the cross or relics - all are matter, the realm of the Demiurge
Rejected the ceremonies of the church, including Eucharist
Only practiced the Conslamentum - the baptism of the spirit by laying on hands.
Upon becoming Perfecti- they lived an ascetic life - ate no meat, eggs, cheese; drank water and ate vegetables and fish.  Did not swear, kill, ever go alone, ever sleep naked, ever abandon their faith, even under threat of pain or death, lived an austere life, teaching and helping others.
Followers were Credentes who could take baptism later in life; until then not required to live by strict rules.
Women were treated as equals; they preached and taught, and gave council

Why were they declared heretics?

Rejected Christ as the redeemer, as well as the Old Testament and many parts of the New.
Rejected the Church and its Hierarchy.
Believed they could have a relationship with God without the Church

What were the events of the Crusade Against Them?

1170 - Pope Alexander III declared them anathema (burnable)
1198 - Pope Innocent III approved debates; by1204 - started to encourage persecution.
1207 - debates ended. Count of Toulouse, Raymond, ordered to hunt them down - he refused
1208 - Pope called for a crusade and by 1209, the army entered the Languedoc

Expulsion of the Albigensians from Carcassone in 1209
(Cotton Nero E II, pt 2, f20v, Grandes Chroniques de France, c. 1415)

Beziers attacked---15-20 thousand killed. "Kill them All, God will know his own"
Several other towns attacked
Bram -100 men had eyes gouged out except one to guide them; also upper lips and nose cut off. 
1210 - at Minerve, 140 Perfecti burned; they refused to recant. 
1211- Lavaur, 400 Perfecti burned
1216 - Pope died , Simon de Montfort died in 1218, as well as other persecutors soon later, so did several strong supporters of the Cathars.
Things eased up and by 1226 the Perfecti came out of hiding and reorganized
1227. -  a new Pope , Gregory IX, took up the crusade against them again
1233 - Dominicans set up to conduct inquisitions
1242 - The people struck back and killed 2 inquistioners and their retainers.  Attackers had ridden out from Montsegur, the last stronghold of the Cathars
1243 - Montsegur sieged and after ten months surrendered; 225 burned.
Efforts continue to find remaining, 1252 - torture is authorized.
1305 and 1309  - William and Peter Autier found and killed
1321- William Belbaste  thought to be the last Cathar is killed

Painting by Pedro Berruguete,
from the 1400s,
depicting St Dominic burning Cathar books.

Are there remnants of the Cathars?

Some could have been hiding in Italy and Germany
Those in Bulgaria were thought to be absorbed by the Muslims faith
Those in Germany may have been absorbed into, or evolved into the Waldesians and Moravians
Later in the US - New Born, Society of the Woman in the Wilderness, Ephrata Cloisters
Did they influence the Reformation?

Myths, Legends  (I didn't get to this part, despite the fact the class was scheduled for an hour and a half,due to questions etc.)

Did they possess the Holy Grail
Or did they guard the Templar treasure, which was thought to consist of money, as well as Grail, documents of Christ's family, or secret teachings
The Troubadors and the Church of Love (Amor)
Nazi Germany
Rosicrians
Freemasons
Ancient Egypt
Atlantis and UFO's

Conclusion

Cathars are expelled and their property ransacked.

Sources
Baigent, Michael and Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln. Holy Blood, Holy Grail.  NY:  Dell Publishing, 1983.
Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code.  NY: Doubleday. 2003.
“Cathar Texts and Rituals,” Jan 2013, < http://gnosis.org/library/cathtx.htm >.
"Catholic Encyclopedie:Cathari,"  Jan 2013, <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03435a.htm>.
Churton, Tobias. Gnostics Philosophy From Ancient Persia to Modern Times.  Rochester, VT:  Inner Traditions, 2005.
Churton, Tobias. The Gnostics.   NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 1987.
Coppens, Philip. "The Cathars:  the struggle for and a new church,"   Jan 2013, <http://www.philipcoppens.com/catharism.html>.
Fanthorpe, Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe.  Secrets of Rennes le Chateau. The Mysteries of Templar Treasure, Rosicrucians, and the Holy Grail.  Boston: Weiser Books, 1992.
Gardner, Lawrence.  Bloodline of the Holy Grail. The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed.  NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003.
Good, James and William John Hinke. Minutes and Letters of the Coetus of the German Reformed Congregations in Pennsylvania, 1747-1792.  Together with Three Preliminary Reports of John Philip Boehm, 1734-1744. Phila: Reformed Church Publications Board, 1903.
Henry, William.  "Secrets of the Cathars--- Why the Dark Age Church Was Out To Destroy Them,"   Jan 2013, <http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_autor_whenry04.htm>.
Howells, Robert.  Inside the Priory of Sion.  London: Watkins Publishing, 2011.
Khoury, Louis. “The Voice of the Cathars,” Jan 2013, < http://www.tatfoundation.org/forum2001-06.htm#5>.
“The Legend of the Cathars by Judith Mann,” Jan 2013, <http://gnosistraditions.faithweb.com/mont.html.>
Markale, Jean. Montsegur and the Mystery of the Cathars. VT: Inner Traditions, 2001.
Marrs, Jim. Rule by Secrecy. NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000.
McDonald, James. "Cathars and Cathar Beliefs in the Languedoc," 17 Jan 2012, Jan 2013, <http://www.cathar.info >.
Meyer, Marvin W, trans. The Secret Teachings of Jesus. Four Gnostics Gospels. NY: Vintage Books, 1984
"Montsegur and the Cathars Heresy," Jan 2013, <http://www.russianbooks.org/montsegur.htm >.
“Mystic Missal - A Door to Ways and Means on the Spiritual Path –Cathars,”  4 Jul 2004, 25 Jan 2013,  <http://www.mysticmissal.org/cathars.htm.>
O’Shea, Stephen. The Perfect Heresy. The Revolutionary Life and Death of the Medieval Cathars.  NY: Barnes and Noble Books, 2000.
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Introductory Equestrian Classes

Author on the WarHorse Rex
at Siege of Glen Gary event 2013

In an effort to promote the equestrian program in the SCA, I started to write various articles and teach classes on topics relative to horses - as they were used in the medieval period and as we use them in the SCA. One of the most popular topics has been introductory equestrian information.  The first article on this subject I wrote was "Introduction to SCA Equestrian Activities." The next year, I revised the article and titled it, "What are Those Horsey Types up to?  In 2009, at the Pennsic War, I taught a class based on information from these articles. The articles and classes continued to evolve as I updated the information, so that by 2010, I titled the article as "Equestrian Activities: A Guide for the Spectator and New Participant." That year, I taught this subject again at Æthelmearc War Practice. 

The articles and classes cover the various equestrian activities, including jousting, combat, archery and tests of skill. The latter are commonly called "games" but I feel this does not adequately describes these activities, which require a degree of skill in weaponry as well as control of the horse.  These tests include the historical activities which were practiced by mounted warriors in the medieval period as preparation for battle and tournament. They include tilting (or spearing) rings, pig-sticking and javelin throwing, the "heads course" and titling the quintain.

Because there continues to be a great deal of interest in this subject, evidenced by the good attendance each time I teach it, I taught the class again at the Pennsic War in 2011, 2013 and 2014.  At the 2014 Joint Æthelmearc Academy and Royal University of the MidRealm (RUM) event, I picked up and taught a similar class when the instructor failed to show up. (I was there to teach a different equestrian class and when I found out the instructor was not there and the interested students asked me if I could teach the class, I filled in for him.)

According to the class announcement that I have used to teach these classes, "This class will discuss types of equestrian activities practiced in the SCA. As such it is an aid to those watching the activities, enhancing their appreciation of equestrian events through an understanding of the purpose of the "games," historical background, and "scoring" for competition purposes. This class is also of benefit to those persons seeking to get involved in this exciting area of the SCA experience." 

The importance of these classes cannot be over-stated. In order to increase participation in the equestrian programs, we equestrian marshals need to constantly look for potential new people. Occasionally, people who have been in the SCA for years suddenly discover that there are equestrian activities in our organization and they are looking for information on how to get involved. Others are interested in watching the activities but do not understand what they are seeing in the arena or how things are scored. Classes of an introductory nature serve both these groups. Additionally, this class can be used when conducting demonstrations in the modern world, such as at 4-H club meetings or shows, in an effort to recruit new members to the SCA and specifically, to the equestrian program. This is the reason that I have taught this class more than other equestrian related class, and written several versions of the related article.

Arena and equipment layout for Equestrian Activities at Saxon Summer 2011

In 2013, I updated the article again and it was published in the Kingdom newsletter, the Æstel, as a series of articles under the title, "Equestrian Activities or What Are Those People Doing Over There With Horses At An Event? That year, I won the Sylvan Quills for Best Series in a Kingdom Publication for these series of articles. The Sylvan Quills are given out by the Kingdom Chronicler’s office for excellence in Æthelmearc publishing.

I have not posted the articles here on my blog but they can be found in the April, May, June and July 2013 issues of the Æstel and can be accessed by SCA members here.)

In an on-going effort to promote the equestrian program, I believe it is important to keep this topic current and to continue to publish articles and teach classes on this subject. I encourage others in their Kingdom to do so as well as my fellow equestrians in Æthelmearc!

The Myth of Family Crests

One of the most famous, the Coat of Arms of Richard III

If you do family research for any length of time or talk to someone who does, eventually the subject of a family crest arises. Posted trees on the Internet often include a picture of a Family Crest, claiming that the coat of arms noted belonged to their ancestor and therefore they have an attachment to it as well, and possibly even, the rights to use it. Sadly, this is a myth, plain and simple.  The family crest or coats of arms does not exist as such.  According to William Armstrong Crozier in his article originally titled “The Use and Abuse of Armorial Bearings,” which appeared in The Delineator (March, 1905), pp. 426-428:

"According to English laws of heraldry, armorial bearings are the property of an individual, descending to his children and their children. It is the exclusive property of the one who either received it by grant or proved his prescriptive right to it. If it is attained by a grant of arms, the lineal descendants, not the collateral relatives, may pretend to it. The brother of a grantee is no more entitled to the use of the same arms than a complete stranger. Maternal descent from a gentlewoman does not give the right to coat of armor to the descendant of a man not having inherited from his male ancestor. If a man without armorial bearings marry an heiress, he cannot make use of her arms, for having no escutcheon of his own, it is evident he cannot charge his shield with her arms; neither would their issue, being unable to quarter, he permitted to bear their maternal coat. This is a rule frequently violated in America." [This article which appears under the title of "The Use and Abuse of the Coat of Arms and Crest" by  William Armstrong Crozier can be found on the Genealogy Magazine website here.]

From this we are to understand that Arms were granted by different organizations during the medieval period to an individual. While the right to use that crest was sometimes granted to the male descendants of a family, they were never considered "family" crests. The real challenge for the genealogist is proving a direct link to the particular ancestor that was granted the Arms. Through good solid research, that may be possible. And doing so, will certainly give you a sense of pride in knowing your ancestor was deemed worthy enough to have been granted Arms.

"Family Crest" product

But the problem today arises from the numerous companies selling what they claim are your family coat of arms or crest. With a few keystrokes, they produce a document which they claim supports your right to display and use this Coat of Arms. As genealogists, we know that research is painstakingly slow and tedious. In order to add a single generation to our line, with proof, takes days of careful research.  Yet these wizards of heraldry are able to circumvent all that work and quickly come up with a definitive Coat of Arms for you to proudly display in your house in an exquisitely framed document, or one of their many other products. When asked for source information on which this document is derived, they reply that it is part of their proprietary database which they cannot and will not allow you to access. The fact of the matter is they are using historical sources, such as  Burke’s Peerage or  Armory not some secret files system they have collected through their own research.

These companies will sell you various products so that you can display your "family Crests."  This includes documents as shown above, as well as Signet Rings. They claim if you purchase and wear this ring, you can feel connected to your ancestors who used signet rings in their daily lives.

This problem is not a new one.  According to Crozier, the practice of using crests registered to a person with the same last name became popular in America during the 1700's. In the beginning of the century, a carriage maker by the name of Gore complied what he claimed were the arms of his customers' families and had these arms emblazoned on the carriages he sold them.  Towards the latter half of the century, dozens of fake heraldry "experts" including Thomas Johnson, John Coles and  Nathaniel Hurd were selling Family Crests displayed as paintings. Crozier's article, which was written well over a century ago in 1905, cautioned people about falling into this trap.  And yet, the problem still exists today.

As James Pylant points out in his article for Genealogy Magazine, the myth of the Family Crest is perpetuated by the companies who are advertising their products, claiming to sell authentic family coat of arms which are thoroughly researched.  Pylant states:

"Because "heraldry" mills produced and sold coats of arms for ... practically any surname for decades, a myth grew in American culture that every family has a coat of arms, or at least one exists for every surname. It has also become popular to use the expression "family crest" when referring to the arms, but the two words are not interchangeable; the crest is what sits atop the coat of arms."    [His article "My So-Called Family Coat of Arms:A Case Study" by James Pylant can be found in its entirety here.]

As noted by Pylant, the use of the term Family "Crest" is also incorrect.  As he points out, the crest is a component of the display of arms, not the actual registered arms.

For further information about Coat of Arms and researching your ancestor's arms, the website for the Society of Genealogists -The National Family History Centre contains an article "Hints & Tips Seven: The Right to Arms." the article includes information about the history of coat of arms, College of Arms sources, Scottish sources, and mottos. That article can be found here.

You might ask, can I register a Coat of Arms for myself? There are several bodies which record and register coats of arms throughout the World. One of the most well known is the College of Arms in England. It is possible to register arms with them, if you meet their criteria.  You can locate more information about that here. For links to other countries, you can read the article "How to Register a Coat of Arms" which includes links to various heraldic authorities.  The article can be found here. 

In America, we have no tradition of heraldry as was practiced in the medieval period. Corporations use logos and such, but arms were not registered to people as they were done overseas. There is an American College of Heraldry, and they will register arms for you, though they advise that the College does not have any statutory right to grant arms and registered arms have no legal standing. Information about the College and registering arms can be found here.

My personal Coat of Arms
which are registered to me
 in the SCA College of Arms

Within the medieval living history organization (the SCA) in which I am an active participant, members can design and register their own unique Coat of Arms. The SCA College of Arms assists members in developing and registering a Coat of Arms. (More information on that process can be found on their website here.) We use these arms, or what SCAdians offer refer to as "devices" much as was done in period - to identify ourselves to others.  We display our arms on banners, to show that we are encamped at an event and help others find our pavilion or tent in a seas of similar structures. We paint our shields and mark our clothing such as our surcoats and tabards with our arms so that we are recognizable on the field. (Actually this was the original purpose of heraldry.)  We even put our arms on personal items such as mugs and pouches to identify these objects as belonging to us. Having a registered Coat of Arms with the SCA carries no legal right, just as registering it with the American College of Arms does not, but within our organization, I have the sole right to use these arms.  And it gives me a sense of pride and belonging-ness. And when I attach a picture of it to my family tree, I know that it really is My Coat of Arms!