medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
In the earliest sources, as when Martin of Tours opposes evil with the
signum crucis, we do not actually know whether this was the hand gesture
or the formal display of a material cross (a practice still current in
contemporary literature as a marginally effective vampire deterrent).
--John Howe, Texas Tech University
-----Original Message-----
The sign of the Cross as an apotropaic gesture seems to have been
well-known
in the 6th century (Caesarius of Arles, Martin of Braga).
Bernadette Filotas
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|