Realm Collections Blog

Are you a history or fantasy fanatic looking for groups and individuals with similar interests? Well I am, or should I say was since I found the perfect place. You have probably heard of myspace, but have you heard of renspace? Renspace claims to be a Renaissance social network but you will find groups dealing with all sorts of historic and fantasy topics. Join discussion about books, movies, and even video games.

Signing up is easy and free. Minimal personal information is required and you can be all set up and ready to go in a couple of minutes. You can personalize your profile with pictures and personal text like an ‘about me’ type of thing. You can post blog entries and message back and forth with your friends. Renspace is simple yet extremely dynamic. There is always new discussions going on, new groups being created, and new friends to be made. So if someone is looking for a historical/fantasy social network, Renspace.com would be me recommendation.

Reenactments of many events from all historic eras have been brought about in one way or another. Whether in theaters, films, and even social events(Like Renaissance Faires). Many groups and clubs exist with a sole purpose which is to reenact and keep history alive. Medieval Reenacting is considerably popular world-wide. These reenactments show and teach the audience the lives of historic folk. Wars, knightly games, and ceremonies are often reenacted, some scripted and some with actual competitive purposes.

The Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein, or the Devil’s Nightmare Regiment
This Medieval Reenacting Group are an award-winning historical reenactment unit based in Crownsville, MD. The members of the Devil’s Nightmare Regiment portray the Landsknecht mercenaries and campfollowers of 16th century Europe. The Devil’s Nightmare Regiment has performed at military reenactments and renaissance festivals throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. We are available for historical reenactments and showcases, school programs, civic events, and renaissance festivals. Go to http://www.landsknechts.org/ for more information on this Medieval Reenacting group.

The Ritterhellas
The Ritterhellas are a historical-revival association, which was created on the basis of participation and organization of cultural events reffering to the most important moments of the medieval history from the Crusades to the era of the Knights of Renaissance Europe. The Medieval Reenactment group deals with the resurgences of time period from 1204 until 1530, period where in Greece existed knightly battalions. To find out more about the Ritterhellas visit www.ritter.gr.

Medieval Reenacting can teach us a great deal of history and entertain us at the same time. Going to a Renaissance Faire or a Reenactment Groups next event can be a life changing experience. You never know, you just might decide to join a Medieval Reenactment group yourself!

Want to show off your sword without having to take it out from under your bed or from your closet? Well your in luck. While your not fiddling around with your precious sword it can graciously be displayed on a wall or in a stand. Displaying your sword is a great way to decorated your home or office, but make sure it cannot get into the hands of a careless individual. Ouch!

If you don’t want to bolt anything to your wall, stands are the way to go. They are available in many shapes, colors, and sizes with single or multiple sword holding capabilities. Displaying your sword in a stand is easy and convenient because you can move it around as desired. Here are some of my favorite sword stands:

Displaying your sword on the wall is convenient because it takes up less space and is more safe if you have kids running around. Swords can be hung on walls with special hangers or plaques, or with a homemade fabrication. Here are some examples of wall hangers:

The number of days between now and Christmas is growing slim and the last minute shoppers are starting to emerge. Being an early bird, I already have all the presents nicely packed and ready to be delivered. The good thing about shopping during the holiday season is you know you are saving some money, especially this year with the tough economic situation. Consumers are willing to spend less so stores need to submerge their prices to catch some sales. Let me tell you, this years sales are huge. Most of the items I bought were 60-70% off regular price! Here are some websites’ sale pages to show you just what I mean:

RealmCollections-On Sale
Guess Clothing-On Sale
Bath & Body Works-On Sale

Whether on the store website or actual at the store, you are sure to be bombarded with phrases like ‘Free Shipping’, ‘X% OFF’, or ‘$X.XX Off Purchase’. The percent off or amount saved seems to be a little higher this year and the receding economy may be what we should blame, or thank. Even if you have lowered this years budget, the hefty sales and special offers are sure to let you celebrate this Christmas like in the good old days.

Celtic knots are a variety of knots and stylized graphical representations of knots used for decoration, adopted by the ancient Celts. These knots are most known for their adaptation for use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts like the 8th century Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels. The Art of Celtic Knotwork is probably the most commonly identified kind of Celtic art. Basically it looks like strands of woven or braided strips that bend and weave amongst themselves. The knotwork panel may be made up of a single strip weaving through itself, or any number of strips.

In today’s era of Celtic appreciation, many knotwork designs have been assigned various meanings. Types of Celtic Knotwork symbols include: Dara Celtic knot, Celtic Quaternary knot, and the Celtic Trinity Knot. More symbolic knots and their meanings can be found on this website: Celtic Knots and Celtic Knots Meaning.

The Art of Celtic Knotwork appeared on many ancient Celtic manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. The artwork is also extremely popular today and appears on objects like jewelry and home decorations. Here are some modern pieces of Celtic Knotwork art:

With the massive popularity of Harry Potter it is not surprising lines of costumes were created based off the series. Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. It is a worldwide phenomenon with over 400 million copies sold and translated into 67 languages. The Harry Potter movies are alway box-office hits and the sixth movie, “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, is scheduled to be released in July 2009. Being as popular as it is, it’s no surprise Harry Potter character costumes are always big hit during Halloween and costume parties.

Check Out These Harry Potter Collectibles:

Harry Potter Collectibles come in all shapes and sizes and for a variety of uses. There are Harry Potter Home Decorations, Harry Potter Displays, and even Harry Potter Costumes.

Finding the right present can be hard at times. If you know someone who is a history or fantasy fanatic, the right present might just be a click away. Medieval Christmas gifts make unique and creative presents and can be found for people of all ages. Sword and weapon collectors are sure to always be pleased with more items to add to their respective collections. Medieval and Renaissance Faire goers are sure to be delighted with new historic vestments to add to their wardrobe. Medieval Christmas gifts can be found in all shapes and sizes. Find decorations and displays, jewelry, weaponry, armor, and much much more. Here are some of my favorite Medieval Christmas Gift Ideas:

Traditional Celtic Necklace
Traditional Celtic Necklace is sterling silver dream of elaborate Celtic knot work suspended between delicate chains. Our Celtic silver necklace is finished with a large emerald green or amethyst purple tear drop pendant that sparkles and gleams. Celtic knots twist together to form a lacy triangle with the gemstone pendant dangling from the lowest point.

Medieval Ranger Sword
Some say that within their own closed society the new recruit was called by the name of the sword he received, until it was again handed down and a new ranger gained the name. Fully tempered, high carbon steel. Parts are steel and the grip is cast metal covered with leather. A 10″ utility knife is included that rides on the side of the sword’s scabbard, which is also included. Battle ready for your quest.

Miniature Medieval Suit of Armor
This Medieval Knight with Stone Base is a truly stunning piece and will make an excellent gift. The knight stands 25″ tall. A great addition to your medieval collection. The knight is cast of polyresin and hand painted to a painstaking detail.

A classical Christmas for me consists of many common traditions including: decorating my house and Christmas tree, shopping for and giving presents, family get-togethers, singing carols, attending special masses, and of course, feasting. When I think about it, I notice that my family has been following the same customs to celebrate Christmas since I could last remember. Was the holiday season always celebrated this way? To get a taste of a historic Christmas, let us take a step back and see how a Medieval Christmas was celebrated.

The celebration of Christmas during the Middle Ages was something that was at first isolated but grew more and more popular. More commonly was the Epiphany celebrated, which is when the event of the Wise Men bringing baby Jesus gifts is memorialized. Christmas became a time of prayer and socialization. Many of the traditions we observe today can be traced from the medieval Christmas.

Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and trees were seen during a Medieval Christmas as symbols and as decorations. Trees were decorated and kept outdoors, usually with apples. Not until later in the era did decorations like paper flower appear on a Medieval Christmas tree.

Similar to today, Christmas during the Medieval Era was accommodated with a large feast. Rich and poor dined on a variety of meats, poultries, and desserts. The main dish consisted of a great boar’s head garnished with rosemary and bay and brought out with its mouth propped open on an apple or an orange. Goose was eaten by middle-class and poorer families. Mince pies and plum porridge, the early version of plum pudding, were favorite deserts. Entertainment included dressing up and taking part in dances or plays and of course, caroling.

So as you now know, many of the traditions I (or even you) celebrate were created during the Medieval Christmas.

With the holidays around the corner shoppers everywhere are searching for the perfect gift, or at least one the receiver won’t want to return. Ever think about buying someone a sword as a gift? This type of present can be seen as either perfect or as an utterly useless wall hanger. When thinking about buying someone a sword as a gift you have to analyze their hobbies and interests. Collectors of historical pieces and replicas are common candidates, as well as those interested in history. Someone in love with King Arthur is sure to appreciate an Excalibur Sword. Or a Samurai fanatic will drool over a Samurai Sword present. Giving a sword as a gift to the right person will be seen as thoughtful as you are taking into account and considering their personal interest.

There are also many books, movies, and video games from which swords have been produced and replicated. Some popular examples are: The Lord of the Rings, 300, Pirates of the Caribbean, along with much more. Giving a sword from any of these as a gift will be surely acknowledged. Just make sure the person really is a fan of the movie/book/video game. As you can see, swords can actually make really thoughtful(and unique) presents.When doing your own holiday shopping maybe you should add something else to your list.

Looking to redecorate a single room or even your entire home? Choosing to go with a medieval touch while decorating is becoming more and more trendy. Placing tyrannizing suits of armor by entrance-ways and hanging up majestic Gothic chandeliers are predominant ideas, but we have to ask ourselves, can we really afford those pricey novelties? While redecorating my room I decided to go with the medieval theme. While doing this I found some neat types of items that not only satisfied my vision of my room but also were generous to my wallet.

Can’t afford those pricey historic paintings and artworks to decorate your walls? No Problem! Medieval Banners , Flags , and Tapestries are a great way to fill up empty wall space. You can find many themes including dragons, castles, and knights. These artworks are eye catching and are a bargain compared to some alternative wall decor.

Medieval Figurines are simple yet showy decoration ideas that will add the historic touch to any tabletop or furniture surface. Place a knight here and there or go all out and create your own miniature medieval battle scene! These table toppers can get a little pricey depending on size and material but most are sure to fit right into your budget. Upon entering my room, you would see Medieval Figurines in all shapes and sizes, ranging from classical knights to magnificent dragons, atop every furniture and table surface.

Another group of great medieval theme decor are Decorative Swords and Weaponry. Nothing brings out the castle look like an indoor armory! An Excalibur Sword hanging on a plaque will be a certain eye-catcher. Again, these items may be more affordable than you think.

So now that you have some ideas down, get started on giving that room or even your entire home a fresh medieval look! I never regret going with the medieval theme when redecorating my room and the compliments still come pouring in.