Laurel

The symbol of the laurel wreath was traditionally given to scholars, artists, athletes and soldiers in Ancient Greece as symbols of excellence. This symbolism is still with us today with the word Baccalaureate or laurel-berry, as a title for people who, for example, have completed a bachelor degree at university.

Laurus nobilis, also known as Bay-Leaves was used in the middle ages as incense and cooking.

Laurels in the SCA

In the SCA, entry into the Order of the Laurel is awarded to those who excel in a particular area of Arts and Sciences, and it's in the job description for them to pass on knowlege to others. These people also judge A&S competitions, pass on recommendations to the Crown as to who future laurels should be, and are examples of courtesy and chivalric conduct. A Laurel may take on an apprentice to train up to 'laurelhood', often in a particular field similar to their own.

Becoming a Laurel (or any type of peer) takes about 10 years of dedicated work, on average.

A Laurel is addressed with the title of Master or Mistress, and bears a symbol of the laurel wreath. Some may also wear a Chain of Fealty if they are in fealty to the Crown.

Masters and Mistresses of the Laurel are granted the privilege of appending the letters "OL" after their name (eg: Caryn von Katzenberg, OL).

Kingdom Specific Information

The Lochac Order of the Laurel have a web page: http://www.sca.org.au/laurels