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LadyHugs -> RE: CastleRealm2: Ancient Houses of Training (12/24/2007 11:19:14 AM)
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Dear BitaTruble, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Interesting original post. I've read a good many responses, opinions, comments and thoughts on the matter.
I'm afraid I am a bit behind in the computer world and thought I would make some comments based upon my observations to perhaps add a differing aspect/perspective.
Ancient as a word, has many meanings from being very old to prehistoric. I do feel 'ancient' myself and antique is perhaps the majority of the furnishings in the house I live in. Secret is another word that people grab and run with, to which might be just another term as discreet. I realize that there are many "Houses of [incert]" about and though some scoff at the idea, the thought and or its existance --some do exist for the reasons only for those who have used such. No different than a titled tribe, group, club and or organization. In biblical references, about the birth of Jesus, we hear the reference to Joseph, from the House of David...to which he had to be taxed. Egypt's historical artifacts do document these events and that is document enough for most. Another word that often gets taken and run off in all kinds of directions and also scoffed at, is the use of "formal" in conjunction with training, etc. When you look into 'formal' it is described as 'official' as well as 'recognized' training, strict training, proper, prescribed training --it does not 'add' the qualifiers such as ... by the military, academies and this or that. Most formal dinners come from many years of tradition, serving common sense and a sense of change while keeping tradition or family tradition, culture and or ceremonies alive and to appreciate. And, these are often shared by those who appreciate the efforts in doing so.
The terms of a quotation that in summary 'man's house is his castle'--these quotes are rooted:
My house to me is like my castle [Ma meason est à moy come mon castle]~Sir William Stanford, Les Ples del Coron (1567)
Our law calleth a man's house, his castle, meaning that he may defend himself therein~William Lanbarde, Eirenarcha, (1588)
The house of every man is to him his Castle and Fortresse, as well for his defence against injury and violence, as for his repose.~Sir Edward Coke, Semayne's Case (1605)
For a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium [and each man's home is his safest refuge].~Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634), English judge and lawyer, Institutes of the Laws, ch. 73 (1644)
Now one of the most essential branches of English liberty, is the freedom of one's house. A man's house is his castle; and while he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle....~James Otis, U.S. Patriot (1725-1783), Argument against the writs of assistance, Boston, MA, 1761.
As far as the scene goes, the desire to be discreet has been a quest for many in an ever increasing 'lack of privacy' issues. I do know a well known "House" to which only invited individuals are aware of it's presence in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.
There have been a few others who labeled their home as "House this or that;" as to thwart those who like to crash parties and or guard their privacy. In addition, when you have several men called "William" it was often naming 'House this" or "House that" that made a distinction of who's house was the host for the party. As far as secret groups and such--I think there are many who are close to the vest as far as where their homes are and their practices are not public. It could be considered secret as its not publicly known.
There are groups/organization to which I have been privy to, that have us (in a general sense) swear to not discuss outside the walls what had happened over the period of time together. A lot of private things go on and only those who were there to share it--would understand; to include protocol, rituals, ceremonies, training and the like. What is important, is what we know to be true and not be so upset as to be unsettled by those with disbelief. Until they experience these things themselves do they understand, that not everything is for public consumption.
As far as history goes--D/s and BDSM are new terms. What we define as D/s, M/s, BDSM today would be under the terminology of debauchery. There had been an extensive study by Max Fischer to whom documented rather well; that debauchery has been around for a long time from orgies, animal sex, Lesbian and Gay sex, spanking clubs for men and women, dominatrix in a drawing in 1922, the paintings of Aristotle and his Mistress Phyllis, who has Phyllis on his back and she is riding him like a pony, whip, reins and him on all fours that go back into the 1700's. There are documentations where the "Hell Fire Club" was in England, held in the ruins of an abby to where it was alleged Ben Franklin attended and orgies, S&M took place as well as role-play. I would think a bit of this would have come back to the US.
There must be another mention as well. Like LadyLupineNYC said so well, there are those who have roots to nobility and the like. It is so sad that so many people have to scoff about people who have some pride in their family heritage, traditions and such. It makes for good conversation indeed as LadyLupineNYC stated. Unfortunately, those who do not understand, have an open mind, faith in other's credibility and or insecure--have to attack people's heritage/family ties. I've had to listen to people's snickers and snide remarks often when talking about my ancestory/heritage as well. Some old nobility families die out. Doesn't mean they didn't exist at one time. It isn't my job to convince, defend and the like; against those who doubt such things. I am sure I don't need to stand on my relative's bones to be who and or what I am. I am me--because I am.
My personal thoughts are; just because there are no public documents of proof on the Internet, that does not mean something does not exist and or 'did' exist. It would be just as if we (in general terms) said there was no BDSM overseas. There is--even though some may never have physically experienced this personally.
We are on trial every day/night we interact within the 'community.'
This is where reputations should be--in the moment. Let personal history be a sense of reference and or good stories and the consistancy of good sense be our credibility.
As with everything -- there will be those who lie and twist, manipulate and copy another's life as their own --Sad, but true.
Just some thoughts.
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
Lady Hugs
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