Dear Folks,
I can't specifically address the sinfulness of odor, but can point out the
considerable number of sources dealing with the 'odor of sanctity'. I have
recently been looking into the canonization record of Thomas Aquinas,
whose arm was kept as a relic at San Severino. It is reported that a
certain canon had doubted the saint's miracles, was duly punished, and
repented. The sweet odor left by Thomas' relics remained with him, since
his cloak had brushed the relic, and this smell remained a kind of
therapeutic aid for the rest of his life. On the other hand, there is a
stench given off in the presence of the devil and his minions. Christina
of Stommeln, for example, was surrounded by such malodorousness, but that
might simly be the 'stercora' which the Devil insisted on flinging at both
her and all who entered her room, as reported by Peter of Dacia.
Michael Goodich
On Tue, 19 Nov 1996, Francois Quiviger wrote:
> Dear medievists,
>
> There is no such thing as studying the 16th century to realize the
> continuous influence of the Middle Ages, especially in the field of
> religion. I am currently studying the sense of smell in the 16th century
> and came accross texts which seem to imply that smell was the least
> censored or moralised of all the five senses. Furthermore, although sins
> can be commited through smell, it seems to have been the only sense
> through which one could not reach the state of mortal sin.
>
> I wonder if someone could indicate me one or several texts where I could
> find clear confirmation or refutation of these views.
>
> With many thanks in advance.
>
>
> Francois Quiviger.
>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|