Class Descriptions

Medieval Funeral Processions by Katerina Unru

What things were done to ward off evil spirits during a funeral procession? Come to class and find out! I will share with you the things I learned during Sir Jean du Malchance mock medieval funeral procession and will bring items so you can see, hear, and smell a bit of history (public wailers may or may not be included, volunteers will be accepted).

Saints of the Northumbrian Golden Age by Eadgyth of Skerjastrond

Covering the major Northumbrian Saints from St. Paulinus' conversion of King Edwin in 627 through at least the death of the Venerable Bede in 735, although I may extend through Alciun of York (d. 804)

Heresy Myths vs Reality by Bohemond of Salisbury

“Heresy is a widely misunderstood concept in medieval religion. What is heresy and what isn’t heresy? Why was it a concern in later Medieval Europe?”

Medieval Relics and Reliquaries by Mistress Radegund of Tour

Discover the variety and degree of medieval relics and the wide array of containers for them. From the Roman catacombs to the Majesty of St. Foy, stories of miracles and sacred theft (furta sacra) abound.

Saints and Not So Much: Reading Primary Sources about Julian of Norwich and Margery Kemp

bySibillia d'Orange

Saints were less formalized in the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. So how does one become a local or popular saint? Margery Kempe, author of the first autobiography in English, was a mystic and pilgrim during the 14th century. Her autobiography has a lot to teach about the medieval markings of Sainthood (in women) and a valuable lesson in critical historical reading.

Opus Dei: The Divine Office by Walpurga Am Eulenrode

Historical overview of the observance of the daily prayer through the lens of the Benedictine monastic tradition and its lasting influence on the Western civilization.

Ecclesiastical Embroidery by Amytis de la Fontaine (HL)

Overview and discussion of what I know/ have learned about ecclesiastical Embroidery. Opus Angelicum, Or nue, goldwork. Information from personal research from England and European Travel and Classes.

Medieval Fasts and Feast Days by THL Sarra Romney

This will be a discussion of medieval fast and feast days related to religious calendar

The Loss of Female Soul During the Norman Period by Haleda Utter Berg

St Anselm had a difficult concept of the female role in the church and court. This session will examine the effect of his letters and the anonymous quote that women have no soul had on lay and religious women in the 12th century and beyond.

Christian Choral Works from around Europe by Jararvellir Choir (coordinator Liz of Jararvellir)

The Jararvellir choir will be presenting and performing a number of Christian choral songs from a variety of composers from around Europe. We'll discuss the composer's background, with a focus on their motivations and what makes this piece particularly interesting.

Medieval necromancy by Magister Edwin atte Bridge

What was it? Who did it? What was it used for? Why do some scholars consider it a religious rather than a magical practice?

Magical Medicine: Religion, Superstition, Magic, and Medicine During the Middle Ages by Margaret fitzWilliam of Kent, Magistra

Modern medicine is mostly science-based. Medieval medicine, both before and after the Arabic Renaissance, was...not. This class is a brief overview of the many and varied beliefs and practices (prayer, folklore, superstition, sympathetic magic, etc.) under the umbrella of medieval medical practice.

Tarot Tea Time by Baron Akiyama Kazuhiko

Have a spot of tea and learn about tarot in an informal setting.

Witchcraft: Myths vs Reality by Bohemond of Salisbury

“Although people associate fear of witches with medieval society, in fact there was relatively little such fear until the later 15th century. This class will explore medieval and early modern ideas about witchcraft and how witchcraft accusations operated.”

Medieval Forms of Divination Meisterin Evelein Jantz

Join us as we discuss the different forms on divination in the Middle Ages.

Medieval Concepts of Prayer by Abot Johan von Metten OL

An overview of pre- reformation prayer and practice.

My village was converted to Christianity and I didn't even get a lousy t-shirt

Haleda Utter Berg

This class will look at the adoption of Christianity in Scandinavian society and attempt to measure the impact that had on ordinary villagers: time concept, religious observances, and moral code.

Daily life in the monasteries of early ChinaDúgū Jìnán

This class aims to present how the monastic life differed for the Buddhist and Taoist monks and nuns in early medieval China. We will cover every aspect of daily life, from hygiene and clothing to rites, prayers and sexuality.

Scents and faith – olfactory journey through religious rites and private devotion by Dúgū Jìnán

This class offers an introduction to fragrances used in religious rites and private devotion in three major religions, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. There will be a rare opportunity to smell incense, oils and fragrant prayer beads reconstructed from extant recipes and archaeological samples. Please be aware that this class exposes participants to fragrances. The detailed list of ingredients for each fragrance will be available on site.

Literary Safe Spaces for Magic by Emilee Howland, PHD

This class will use the contemporary idea of a safe space to discuss how medieval Arthurian romances created a safe space for creators and audiences to engage in explorations of the magical.