Japanese Garden Social

Konnichiwa!  … The Barony of Buckland Cross invites you to renew your spirit after the long pandemic and join them for a Japanese Themed Garden Social and Picnic in the tranquil Wildflower Gardens of the Churchville Nature Center, a 65-acre nature preserve in lower Bucks County, Pa.

All activities will take place outside in the gardens and will feature:

A Formal Japanese Tea Ceremony in the garden gazebo performed by Baron Aurddeilen-ap-Robet, which will include a history of the Tea Ceremony, a discussion of the various utensils used in the ceremony, and a chance to sample several different Asian Teas and Sweet Treats.

A Discussion led by Lady Arsinoe Dragonette on the differences between Modern and Period Japanese clothing.  Obi (belt sash) tying will be demonstrated for both men and women.  It is not as easy as it sounds, and there are hundreds of ways they can be properly tied.

A Re-Creation of the 8th Century Japanese multi-player Court Game of Kai-awase for all to participate.  This game is uniquely tied to Japanese Culture and is still played today.

A Hands-on Demonstration of the Japanese fiber art of Kumihimo braiding.

The social will conclude with a Saki Ceremony.  Plum wine will also be available if you prefer.  Please note that this is a County Park Facility, and the consumption of alcohol is being permitted during this ceremony only.  A small sample of Saki or Plum wine will be provided to each participant.

As this is intended to be a picnic, we ask that all participants bring their own lunch and feast gear.  Beverages such as Water, Tea, and Coffee will be available on the garden patio. 

To fully immerse yourself in the Japanese experience we encourage you to bring a flat pillow to sit or kneel upon, and for those participating in the Tea Ceremony we suggest bringing your own Asian style ceramic teacup or small bowl.  However, there will be cups available if you do not have one.  Please note that there are many wooden benches spread out through the gardens and there will be additional chairs and tables set up on the garden patio.  The Tea Ceremony will also have benches available for those who prefer not to sit or kneel on the ground.  If you have a Japanese Tatami Mat or Picnic Blanket and would like to bring it to sit upon, please do.

Japanese garb is encouraged, but NOT required.  So please do not let that discourage you from attending.  Any garb from any SCA period is perfectly fine.  There will be indoor areas available for changing into and out of garb

For more information about the Churchville Nature Center, please visit their website:  https://www.churchvillenaturecenter.org

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Important Covid information from East Kingdom

Due to kingdom requirements, attendees must preregister, and this particular event is capped at 24. 
The recent changes to the East Kingdom restrictions mean that as an outdoor event, masks will not be required.  There is an exception for people gathered under a pavilion or pop-up surrounded by three or four walls.  As the number of walls restrict airflow within the structure masks are required. 

Do not attend an in-person activity if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html [cdc.gov] ).  If you develop symptoms after attending an in-person activity, you must notify the person in charge of the activity as soon as possible.

If you have an underlying condition which increases your risk, strongly consider your own health and safety before attending an in-person activity (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html [cdc.gov] ).

The East Kingdom requires that all attendees at all in-person gatherings also show proof of either full vaccination against COVID-19 or a medically supervised negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event. 
Proof of vaccination or a negative test shall not be required for children under 12.  Attendees aged 18 or older will have to show government-issued ID matching test results or vaccination proof to gain entry to the event.  Children aged 12-17 will need to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event.

Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events.  By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks.  You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.

Health Acknowledgement
By attending this event, you are confirming that you (as well as any minors that you are parent or guardian for): 
➢ Are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov, including but not limited to: 
• Fever or chills
• Dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of sense of taste or smell;
➢ Have not been near someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within the last 14 days without following CDC guidance for self-quarantine;
➢ Agree to follow all COVID safety restrictions imposed by the SCA, the event site, and/or local, state, provincial, or federal government or health authorities.

Site Opens: 11am
Site Closes: 5pm