Dear Graham,
I don't know if this would interest you - it may prove to be too indirect
for what you are seeking. But, the story of Thomas a Becket is a popular
topic on Swedish baptismal fonts...relating perhaps to the idea of
"Baptism of Blood" - as many other types or rather stories of martyrdom do.
St.Augustine makes a reference to this in CONTRA LITTERAS PETILIANI
"martures habendi sunt, quia suc sanguine baptisantur...si autem non
baptizantur sanguine suo, nisi qui occiduntur propter justitiam; quia
ipsorum est regnum coelorum" Patr.lat.XLIII col.276.
Scenes from his martyrdom are sometimes seen in conjunction with
"Massacre of the Innocents" as on the Lyngsjo font in Skane,
Sweden.c.1200.which further emphasizes the idea of "baptism of Blood."
Harriet Sonne
University of Toronto/
University of Copenhagen.
On Thu, 26 Sep 1996, G.R. Jones wrote:
> Dear Listmembers
>
> I am looking for links, established or possible, between the cults of Thomas a
> Becket and John the Baptist.
>
> So far I am aware of their conjunction as two of the three summer fire
> festivals in late medieval Britain, and of the appearance of Thomas as a
> supporter (with Peter) on examples of the popular alabaster tablet image
> showing St John's Head on Salome's platter.
>
> Is there anything I have missed - such as Thomas having a particular devotion
> towards the Baptist. Any hints gratefully received.
>
> Graham Jones
>
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> University of Leicester
> Department of English Local History
> Marc Fitch House
> 5 Salisbury Road
> Leicester LE1 7QR
>
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