medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
This question immediately reminded me of the words of this carol, set most
recently by Richard Rodney Bennet but also known as a folk carol. The words
are originally in Scots, and are by the Wedderburn brothers, printed in the
collection usually known as 'Gude and Godlie Ballattis'-- an early attempt
to make sure the Devil didn't have all the best tunes. I think the verses
usually sung now are only part of the original poem/ballad. 'Balulalow' is
of course a standard lullaby-chorus, presumably representing the nurse's
chant as she rocks the cradle.
It isn't quite the same thing as Fr Sunder's experience, but it seems to me
to be coming from the same direction.
Pat
O my dear heart, young Jesu sweet,
prepare thy cradle in my spreit, [spirit]
and I shall rock thee in my heart,
and nevermore from thee depart.
Balulalow.
But I shall praise thee evermore,
with songes sweet unto thy gloir. [glory]
The knees of my heart shall I bow,
and sing that right Balulalow.
Balulalow
James, John and Robert Wedderburn, 1567 (Gude and Godlie Ballatis)
> Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:07:31 +0200
> From: Meri Heinonen <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: mystical marriage
>
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
> Dear list members,
>
> I am working with the text of a German priest, Friedrich Sunder who
> describes his mystical marriage with baby-Jesus with the terms of
> bedding. According to him the mother of Jesus prepared a bed in which
> Jesus laid himself and then Mary united the soul with him. Sunder
> further describes the kissing and enjoyment of soul and Jesus and refers
> to the wedding feast in general.
> It seems that he utilises the marriage customs of German law that
> considered the bedding (concubitus) as an essential part of marriage.
>
> My question is, does any of you know further examples of bedding and
> mystical marriage. Are there other stories that would describe the union
> of soul and God with this type of at the same time 'legal and sexual
> terms'?
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