Description
Book SynopsisThis book is devoted to the religiosity of the medieval Christian masses in Central and Eastern Europe and its relationship with the traditional cultures of that time. Addressing such topics as the common instruction of the three prayers and the Decalogue, "Christian" magic in everyday life, the Marian devotion, and various images of heaven and eternal damnation, the author never loses sight of his main topic: the complex and powerful interaction between medieval folklore and Christianity.
Table of ContentsChristianity in medieval Central and Eastern Europe – Christian influence on traditional folk culture – Folklore and its influence on Christian practices – Instruction in the Christian liturgy – Folk attitudes toward the sacred – Christian attitudes toward the sacred – Attitudes toward the afterlife – Heaven and damnation – Prayer and hymns in church – Preachers – Parochial schools – Magic – Everyday life – Blasphemers
