medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
From: "George R. Hoelzeman" <[log in to unmask]>
> Pigeons were dropped out of holes in Medieval German churches on Pentecost
to represent the descent of the Holy Spirit.
"dropped out of holes" presumably in the vaults.
a great many vault summits (what's the techie word for those? not keystones,
but....) in Gothic buildings had circular holes where the ribs came together,
presumably used to lower light fixtures.
usually decorated with rather simple foliate forms, they sometimes had more
elaborate sculpture, such as Trinities, which, perforce, included a Dove.
however, i should think that if one "dropped" a pigeon through one of these
holes, unless well trained, it would simply fly away.
unless, of course, it was dead, in which case it would, indeed, fall nicely.
however, it is just possible that that might not be quite the effect desired,
at the moment of the Transubstantiation.
anyway, Discerning Believers --even in Germany-- might be able to tell the
difference between pigeons and doves.
> I'd like to meet the liturgist who thought that one up.
you're probably a millennium or so too late to do that, George.
the thought is appreciated, however.
c
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