Theatrical Props, Medieval Pageants & Royal Regalia

These all refer to the same phenomena:

A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a “prop,” is any object held or used on stage by an actor for use in furthering the plot or story line of a theatrical production.

See also: medieval pageant.

A Medieval pageant is a form of procession traditionally associated with both secular and religious rituals, often with a narrative structure. Pageants were an important aspect of Medieval European seasonal festivals, in particular around the celebration of Corpus Christi, which began after the 13th century. This festival reenacted the entire history of the world in processional performance, from Genesis to the Apocalypse, employing hundreds of performers and mobile scenic elements. Plays were performed on mobile stages, called waggons, that traveled through towns so plays could be watched consecutively. Each waggon was sponsored by a guild who wrote, designed, and acted in the plays.

Regalia, Native American dancer

The dance outfits worn in the circle during the Powwow are called regalia or outfits. Though highly decorative, these outfits are never referred to as “costumes”. The term costume denotes artificiality and wear that is donned for an event that is not a part of one’s ongoing life. To the contrary, these Native American outfits are very personal and artistic expressions of the dancers’ lives, feelings, interests, family and spiritual quest. Often elements of the regalia are gifts from elders or treasured people in the dancers’ lives and are honorings to be worn with pride and responsibility. The regalia evolves and changes as the dancer evolves and changes in life. Each season, changes are made depending on the fashion of the time or the personal change in taste. There is no contradiction in blending historic elements with very modern elements, for example interweaving traditional beadwork with Minnie Mouse braid holders.

Regalia in the Abstract

The term can refer to rights, prerogatives and privileges enjoyed exclusively by any sovereign regardless of title (Emperor, Grand Duke, etc.) An example is the right to mint coins, especially with one’s own effigy. In many cases, especially in feudal societies and generally weak states, such rights have in time been eroded by grants to or usurpations by lesser vassals.


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