Medieval Dresses for Festival Fun

Women normally wear medieval dresses when they attend Renaissance Festivals, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the USA where there is a growing desire to learn more about history in a practical rather than academic way.

The Renaissance period of Europe lasted from the mid fourteenth to the mid sixteen centuries, and was an age of enlightenment and the rebirth of mankind from the darkness of the beginning of the second millennium into an age when the arts, science, reason and Christianity held sway over ignorance and dogma. However, after two hundred years of enlightenment, the Church decided ‘enough’ and, beginning with the intolerance of Savonarola and the Medicis in the 1490s and ending with the Inquisition in the 1540s, the Renaissance period was over.

However, this period in European history is commemorated by Renaissance and Medieval Faires and festivals, which is one reason for the growing popularity of medieval dresses. People want not only to attend these faires, but also to dress according to the proper historical period when they attend them. In fact some Renaissance festivals demand it! The original American Renaissance Festival was held in California in 1963, and you can now find one every month in Florida, and many others besides.



If you are interested in learning more about life in medieval times go to Historical Weapons Store to read insightful articles, purchase fantasty costumes and find out key festival dates near you.