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 Arts and Sciences, and pass on knowledge to others. These people may also judge Arts and Sciences competitions, make recommendations to the Crown on who should be admitted to their Order, and are expected to be examples of courtesy and chivalrous conduct. A Laurel may take apprentices and train them to a high standard, often in a field similar to their own area of expertise.

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

A Laurel is addressed with the title of Master or Mistress, and may use the symbol of a laurel wreath. Some Laurels who have sworn fealty to the Crown also wear a Chain of Fealty .

Masters and Mistresses of the Laurel may append their names with the letters "OL" (e.g. Caryn von Katzenberg, OL).

The head of the SCA College of Arms is known as Laurel King/Queen of Arms but this title is unrelated to the Order of the Laurel.

Kingdom Specific Information

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