Historical reenactment
Historical reenactment is a hobby in which participants recreate some aspects of a historical event or period. It may be a narrowly-defined time period, let alone a specific war or other event. Or it may be more broadly defined.While activities that might be mistaken for "reenactment" are not new, there were tournaments in the Middle Ages which would have Roman or other earlier themes, and the Victorians recreated medieval furnishings, such as tapestries. Historical reenactment as a serious pursuit of practical historical interest beyond mere "wash-and-wear wizardry" (re-inventing history as an entertainment to suit contemporary convenience or sensibilities) seems to be an invention of the 20th century.
The term living history describes attempts to bring history to life, either for an audience, or for the participants themselves.
The primary distinction between reenactment and a period dramatic performance is the degree of immersion and the amount of improvisation.
See also: Reconstruction archaeology.
Wikipedia Articles Regarding Specific Historical Reenactment Groups
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