Why do people have designs on their medieval clothes?
The designs are heraldry and they’re worn to tell other people who you are, what you do, or who you’re affiliated with. Most people in the SCA have personal design (called a ‘device’ or ‘arms’ depending on their rank) which they often use to mark themselves and their property. Heraldry got started as a way to tell who was under all that armor and went from there. Many SCA members have banners bearing their design, as well as using it on chairs, chests, small children, pets and other property. Besides the heraldry for marking people, there are other designs which mark of offices. Some officers, such as heralds and hospitaliers, display their designs at fighter practice so people can find them easily. In addition, each branch of the SCA has its own device, some of which you’ll see displayed at fighter practice. Finally, there are designs used to identify affiliation with households, warbands and similar groups. These are called badges and unlike personal devices and arms, they can be dis
