Popular culture and the context of the Witchcraze in South Germany Flashcards
(5 cards)
What was the religious context in south Germany at the time ?
Religiously divided
Protestants wanted festivals abolished as it was a distraction from the church - even Catholics deplored it
Most festivals were reformed but not abolished
What were some of the reforms initiated that attempted to purify the church ?
Weddings subject to certain rules to emphasise sacred nature
Feast of fools banned and parties not allowed on church grounds
Laity cant dress up as clergy
Church members cant go to the festivals
What was the impact of the counter reformation ?
In the second half of the 16th century , the church began to regain territory led by prince bishops and the Jesiuts
Anti protestant - Prots thought the catholics were in a league with the devil
Catholic faith became an important part of prince bishopfric and used it to cement control
What happened with the withdrawal of the elite ?
Due to economic changes and popular culture changes resulted in the elites abandoning traditional cultures
Gulf opened between nobility , clergy and middle classes . Clergy didnt come from the same social background as peasantry but were more educated
Nobility adopted more refined manners
