medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
I hope you will forgive an idle query. My
son, who is studying in Europe, is planning to go to 'carnival' in
Cologne. While telling us, he mentioned Catholic and pagan origins.
I responded with a bit about Lent in the late medieval period but realised that
I don't really know too much about actual origins.
My knowledge goes as far as the rains of Noah's
flood lasting for 40 days, the Jews wandering in the desert for 40 years and
Jesus fasting there for 40 days, replicated by the Church's 40 days of fasting
and abstinence before Holy Week.
Do we know when it all actually began in the
Church; and is he right to suggest a pagan background? Or is the tradition
of a feast before a fast wholly Judeo-Christian in origin?
many thanks,
Rosemary Hayes
Dr RCE Hayes
18 Murrayfield
Drive
Edinburgh
EH12 6EB
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