Vigils

What is a vigil, and why would I want one?  

Well, there are a lot of activities that this word is used for.  

Medievally, a vigil is a long period of time used for prayer and contemplation.  In the SCA, a vigil is usually a time for Peers to talk to a proto-Peer about their life and future, and/or a party celebrating the vigilee.  "Taking a vigil" is also used to mean "not doing the Peerage ceremony at the same time it is offered". 

So, why would you want one?  

First, it gives you a chance to figure things out.  Lots of things, like, how do you feel about being a Peer?  What do you want to wear?  Who do you want to be there during your ceremony?  What does it meant to be a Peer in the SCA?  

Second, a vigil lets you figure out all these things with the help of a lot of awesome people.  Super cool, utterly impressive Peers that you are in awe of will show up at YOUR vigil!   Just to talk to you!  Just to help you figure out what it means to be a Peer!  Whee!!!  Your friends will help you make awesome stuff, and gather for a party, JUST for you!

Which brings us to the third reason:

YOU.GET.TO.HAVE.A.HUGE.PARTY.ALL.FOR.YOU!!!

A party where your mentors, your friends, your apprentice brothers and sisters, will all gather in celebration of how awesome you are. And since it is YOUR party, you get to decide how it will go.  

Which brings us to some options for vigils: 

In An Tir, vigils fall into two general categories:

a "mixed" vigil

OR

a "sequestered" vigil

Though having one that it something in between is also acceptable.

The sequestered vigil is most common. In this case, the vigilee gets a little tent, and inside puts a chair for themselves, and a few chairs for visitors. There is a line, and visitors come into the vigil tent individually or in small groups, to ask questions of the vigilee (and give presents, 'cause presents are awesome, and every new Peer needs things....like, say, pickled rattan!).

http://www.tiaopeng.com/prtl.html

Outside of the vigil tent, there are tables of food, drinks, a social fire with seating (and sometimes singing). Usually at a sequestsered vigil, there is a person with a clipboard. That person keeps track of who is next in line to talk to the vigilee, and calls out names when it is time for a new person to go talk to the vigilee. I should also note that all sitting royalty instantly jump the line and go in to talk to the vigilee immediately. It is a good idea for the line-minder to have a watch, and if non-royal visitors go over 20 minutes, to stick their head in and gently remind everyone that others are waiting.

So, a mixed vigil still has the food, the booze, the fire, the benches, but the vigilee is just...there.

Mixed in with all the regular party attendees. If people have deep questions to ask the vigilee, they just ask them, in the middle of the party. Or if the question is private, the vigilee can withdraw to the edge of the party while being asked/replying. Presents are still awesome. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to each. The first one has a lot more contemplation. The second one a lot more socializing. This is a decision that only you can make, as it is your party. Well, your Laurel may have distinct preferences, and local custom is also strong, but in the end, this is YOUR party, so make the decision based on what YOU want out of your vigil.

I contemplate all the time, and if i want to know the opinion of the big fancy people about Peerage, I'll ask them. I wasn't going to miss my own freaking party! My vigil was held in a drunk-pen, and featured terrible pickles, a cooler of "bait" beer for people viking it, and was exactly perfect. I loved every minute of it.

A quick note: if you find yourself suddenly offered a Peerage, ASK SOMEONE TO HOST YOUR VIGIL. The sooner the better! If you don't have a Laurel that you are apprenticed to, then ask your household. If not them, then ask your friends. If not them, then ask some people who seem to do vigils well. 

Hosting your own vigil is far too much work and should be avoided. You have contemplating (and sewing!) to do!

If you find yourself having to put on a vigil for someone else, then please consult the list below.

Supplies needed list for each "space"

Public space

Large tables for food

Food 

(optional, booze.  This is highly recommended, or the crowd will be annoyed)

Lighting for the food

A public fire, with sufficient firewood

Lots of seating (minimum for 10)

Private space

A small tent, ideally about 10X10 feet. 

Rugs

Wall hangings

Small table

Comfortable chair for the vigilee

Seating for at least 2 visitors at once

Your mug and a plate (and a small pitcher for water (or booze))

Subtle box of tissues (crying, it exists)

A light

Notebook and pen

Basket/bag/container for presents

A banner for the outside

Anything that you wish to contemplate during your vigil (that is the point, right) 

Intermediate space

(this is for the vigil-line organizer person)

Chair

Light

Clipboard, with paper and pens

IF the vigilees WANT this, then the organizer should have a watch, and encourage non-Royals to leave after about 20 minutes

A medium sized table with a notebook for each vigilee, so attendees can leave comments without waiting in line