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Vantage Points: Alluring Fairy Tales from a Feminine Perspective
Historically, folklore, myths, and fairy tales were recorded by such luminaries as The Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Andersen, meaning most of the tales we know today are presented almost exclusively from a male perspective. But what if they weren’t? … Continue reading Vantage Points: Alluring Fairy Tales from a Feminine Perspective
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Folklore and Humanity – A Review of Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
Have you ever noticed that when you’re walking the lanes of a Renaissance or medieval faire, there is a distinct love of all things connected to the United Kingdom? A generalization, to be sure, but Renfest enthusiasts are often devoted … Continue reading Folklore and Humanity – A Review of Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
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A Corset Story
Of course, we’ve all seen women walking the lanes at the Renaissance festival in gorgeous court gowns, shimmery fairy costumes, and simpler merchant-class dresses. But perhaps there is no more ubiquitous clothing item at the RenFaire than the corset. Curvy, … Continue reading A Corset Story
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Hildegarde von Bingen: The OG Badass Medieval Abbess
In our era of truly impressive women who lead and serve (still a ways to go, but progress is happening!), we don’t always know about the trailblazers who were cutting a wide swath of feminine power. Meet Hildegarde von Bingen, … Continue reading Hildegarde von Bingen: The OG Badass Medieval Abbess
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Featured Artist: Magnolia Strange
Sometimes, we encounter a spirit so radiant with joy that it seems to just seep through the body’s pores to shimmer in the air and light upon anyone lucky enough to be in that spirit’s path. Magnolia Strange is one … Continue reading Featured Artist: Magnolia Strange
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Pamela Colman Smith: The Pixie of the Tarot
Many Renaissance festival goers have sat across a draped table with a reader and listened while this gifted individual shared insights from a tarot deck. Likely, the deck was illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; her deck is probably the most … Continue reading Pamela Colman Smith: The Pixie of the Tarot
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Loving a Feminine Hero’s Journey: a Review of “The Ten Thousand Doors of January”
Even the safest circumstances can feel binding. In Alix E Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January, a young woman living as the ward of a 19th-century tycoon crafted in the mold of a Vanderbilt or a Rockefeller discovers that … Continue reading Loving a Feminine Hero’s Journey: a Review of “The Ten Thousand Doors of January”
Is “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Actually About Renfaires?
HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrived on our screens under the weight of Westeros. But instead of dragons and dynasties, it offered something more humble— and strangely familiar. If you’ve ever spent a weekend at a Renaissance faire, … Continue reading Is “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Actually About Renfaires?
Playing the Fool (A Roguish History)
Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever. – Charles Lamb Today, our usual interaction with the concept of a fool is centered on what my daughter calls … Continue reading Playing the Fool (A Roguish History)
A Woman’s Place? On Her Horse.
As we wrap International Women’s Month, LadyFaire invites you to meet women of past and present who use power both great and small, fierce and gentle, to effect change in the worlds in which they. In 2026, with our charged … Continue reading A Woman’s Place? On Her Horse.
Stillness, Sorrow, Shakespeare: The Gift of “Hamnet”
Much ado has been swirling around Hamnet; released in December by Amblin Entertainment, the film has eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Directing, and more. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, directed by Chloe Zhao, and starring Jessie … Continue reading Stillness, Sorrow, Shakespeare: The Gift of “Hamnet”
Wowing Lady Whistledown: Crafting a Bridgerton-Themed Party
“Dearest Gentle Reader, Are you ready to host the soirée of the season? Well, look no further! Here, you will find a guide to hosting a party that will surely be heralded as the most splendid event the Ton has … Continue reading Wowing Lady Whistledown: Crafting a Bridgerton-Themed Party
The Renaissance of Chocolate
Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day if you prefer the company of friends) is upon us and with that the perennial custom of gifting chocolates of every shape, size, filling, and flavor to our cherished friends, and loved ones. Chocolate has … Continue reading The Renaissance of Chocolate
Beyond Cupid’s Arrow: Women in Archery
As I stood on the field of competition at Sherwood Forest Faire in 2016, I grasped my bow with a sweaty palm and shook from the nerves. I had shot a few times in front of an audience previously, but … Continue reading Beyond Cupid’s Arrow: Women in Archery
Spice Up Your Winter Cooking!
The holidays are past, and with them, all the delicious festive meals and treats we all love to celebrate. You may have found yourself running out of creative cooking ideas for the cold weather. Warm, creamy beef stews or a … Continue reading Spice Up Your Winter Cooking!
Give Me That Old Time Religion
Upon one’s first visit to a Renaissance Festival, one might wander into a book stall and be surprised at the selection of books. Fantasy novels are snugged alongside books about pagan faith and mysticism. It’s a far cry from the … Continue reading Give Me That Old Time Religion
Celtic Yule Cakes
The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere typically takes place on December 21. While the solstice is now considered the official beginning of the winter season, for many ancient faiths, it marked the beginning of the slow return of the … Continue reading Celtic Yule Cakes
