woad

Subject: woad
From: belter
Date: 28 Apr 97 - 03:32 PM

I just read the lyrics to woad in the data base. I'd like to point out that woad is a mild narcotic. This being the case, the tradition of a plying it in decrative paturns that just hapen to intersect all the points at wich vains and arteries are near the surface of the skin may have contributed greatly to the celts reputation for being biserk warriors. I have this info on the athourity of a sca squire who is very good at telling antidotes about drunken parties, and makeing them sound interesting. So you can take that for what its worth.

Subject: RE: woad
From: Bert Hansell
Date: 28 Apr 97 - 03:47 PM

Thank you sharing that, I guess that is why they went into battle naked. Woad is one of my favourite songs. I guess by the clothes mentioned that it dates from around the turn of the century. Does anyone have a date or an author?

Bert.

Subject: RE: woad
From: Bo Vandenberg or SIGURD
Date: 29 Apr 97 - 10:54 AM

Hi Belter this Is Sigurd.

I think the SCA custom of drawing pretty designs in Woad is not the dominant use in Celtic history. My understanding is that they generally lathered it on in quantity making whole regions of their body blue, witness our impression of Picts.

The SCA practice of drawing pretty designs may have gone on as well but its likely that Woad was applied as a body mud, which would have enhanced its euphoric qualities. That plus some sort of battle ritual would be a powerful morale booster.

The other thing that the Welsh would have going for them is that they didnt import woad in tiny dishes they had it in quantity. Quantity would increase its affects. In small doses Woad is not, repeat not, dangerous or euphoric. Even if it is genuine, in the quantities used in the SCA it might as well be body paint.

bo - Sigurd