Hi Viz rules the World

Interested to find this BBC website article on Hi Viz. I'm intrigued by the idea that it's not attractive or trendy, and would disagree.


Here at the Beaker Folk, hi-viz (or hi-vis, if you're odd) is the liturgical wear of choice - not just for the worship leaders, but for all participants. The reason becomes clear when you consider the amount of time we spend out of doors in the dark, waiting for sunrise or watching the moon or whatever. In low light levels, it just gives us a fighting chance of not bashing into each other. In the same way that steel toe-capped boots protect you when people tread on your feet - although not so much if you accidentally kick someone in the shins.


Also, of course, when using old-fashioned torches, candles or tea lights, the use of the appropriate hi-viz for the season can add a certain touch of beauty to the ceremonial. The site of 50 or so Beaker People, glowing in the headlights of cars at the Looking over the M1 Bridge ceremony can be truly lovely. Albeit last time we caused a serious traffic jam as drivers slowed down, convinced we were the Bedfordshire constabulary.


It's also fantastically helpful at making cyclists visible either in the dark (through the reflective strips) or sunlight (through the fluorescent fabric). It's not particularly hard-wearing but then the vests retail for about £3 so we're not complaining. And thanks to the deal I did a few years ago when a safety equipment shop went bust, the Beaker Bazaar is practically guaranteed never to run out.

Liturgical Fashion

This morning while sulking in the Library and listening to my collection of “Smiths” music, I was pondering again Canon Phil Ritchie’s comments on the fashionable ways of wearing dog collars. And reflecting that, in the Beaker Folk, these issues tend not to apply.

I am very fond of donning my Archdruid’s pointy hat, but this is strictly for important ceremonial occasions. I would never dream of wearing it in public – not because I want to be some kind of “stealth” Archdruid, but because small boys have a habit of pelting it with stones or, according to the weather conditions, snowballs.

Likewise, being the traditionalist that I am, I would prefer to restrict the wearing of the Beaker hi-viz to liturgical purposes only. I note from the Bad Vestments site that some Anglican and Catholic priests and bishops are just a short step from wearing hi-viz themselves at some services, which is why I emphasise the distinctiveness of Beaker liturgical wear. In particular, I’ve had many heated discussions with Burton, as I’ve tried to persuade him not to wear his reflective waistcoat for cycling.  I just feel it is debasing the specialness of the liturgy. Honest.

Steel toe-capped safety shoes are our traditional footwear, but I see no reason why we should always reject the fruits of progress. Kevlar toe-capped shoes are lighter weight and actually stronger. While they are considerably safer and less encumbering to liturgical dance during our annual “Celebration of Strong Electromagnets” festival.

So overall I see no place in Beaker liturgical clothing for fashion or embellishment.  It’s hardworking, reliable and reverent. There are those who say I should declare the specialness of my Archdruidical status – for those I may meet in the street, or wherever, for whom a glimpse of an Archdruid may call them to confession of some covert sin or for spiritual advice and wisdom.  And to those I will point out the motif on my special Archdruid’s Sweatshirt, with its simple and yet discreet identification of my status  - “I’m the Archdruid – don’t mess”.

Fog

OK, I'm going out on a limb here and making an exception.  Clearly we try at all times to preserve the distinction between our spiritual and real lives.  I mean, goodness knows the consequences if we start letting one overlap with the other.  Our beliefs, such as we are, might impact on what we do.  And then where we be?  Iran, probably, or an Amish community.  But sometimes these things have to happen.  And I guess, if I were in one of those moods, I could probably portray it in a positive light.  You know - something about an "integrated personality", some blurb or another about "shalom" and, very definitely, a tipping of the hat towards the concept of "wholeness".

So, despite all misgivings, I'm going to have to do it. 

When walking down the roads in all this fog, Beaker People are allowed - if they really are concerned for their own safety, and not just for frivolous reasons or as a fashion statement.  Beaker People are allowed - not instructed, not encouraged, I wouldn't want to go too far - to wear their hi-viz vests.

There, I've said it.  I know that we are talking about sacred and ceremonial wear.  I know I am in danger of profaning the holy.  But sometimes, you've got to accept it, people's physical well being is nearly as important as adherence to ritual standards.

So go into the world, slightly more visible than normal, and on your souls may there be mercy.

The Beaker Collection

By popular demand, why not try one of our wide range of hi-viz clothing suitable for freezing in a car park at 4am while watching the sun rise? 

For those unable to make it to Husborne Crawley, why not find you hi-viz and other Personal Protective Equipment here - at the home of power tools.  Buy lots for free delivery!

With a hi-viz fleece under your hi-viz bomber jacket, you will be warm and visible in all weather conditions and phases of the moon.