Publication details
Obrazy a premeny kultu svätej krvi vo Wilsnacku od stredoveku po súčasnosť
| Title in English | Imagery and transformations of the cult of the Holy Blood of Wilsnack from the Middle Ages until today |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2022 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Acta Musei Nationalis Pragae - Historia |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://publikace.nm.cz/file/d099e590ec771bb484ab5a63503c5679/42957/ACTA%20HISTORIA%2076_2022_1-2_Ballova.pdf |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.37520/amnph.2022.005. |
| Keywords | Germany; Wilsnack; Holy blood; pilgrimage; pilgrim badges; indulgences |
| Description | The following study focuses on the development of the cult of the Holy Blood of Wilsnack in Northern Germany. This cult emerged in the late 14th century and centred on the three bloody hosts that appeared untouched in the ruins of a burned-down church, each supposedly with a drop of blood in its midst. Soon after their appearance, the town of Wilsnack became a significant place of veneration for medieval pilgrims. However, already at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, critics started to voice concerns about the truthfulness of the supposed miracles. The first part of this essay would discuss primary sources that provide supportive as well as critical views of the Wilsnack events. The support of the miracles is evident, especially in the papal letters of indulgences for Wilsnack pilgrims. On the other hand, critical voices came from some theologians, such as Nicholas of Cusa, Jan Hus and others. The essay would also debate the events’ impact on late medieval society. In its second part, the essay will briefly discuss the transformation of the Holy Blood tradition of Wilsnack and how it is presented in contemporary local culture |
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