medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
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I assume this to be a medieval custom, but one which is (or was, as
recently as of the death of Pope John XXII) done to determine if the
pope is alive or dead. Some one (I think it was the Cardinal Camerlengo,
but I won't swear to it) "knocked" on the pope's skull, with a small
golden hammer, and said "Angelo Roncalli, are you alive or are you
dead." And receiving no reply, pronounced the pope to be dead.
Now, of course, we know about medical methods to determine if some one
is alive. But, old usages do not willingly fall into desuetude,
especially if there is a history behind them, and more especially if the
history of that usage has to do with making something solemnized and
official.
Terrill
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Marjorie Greene wrote:
> I hope that anyone who responds to this query will do so on list since
> I also am very interested in this issue. Thanks.
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