Folk belief tradition and Christian upbringing in the 19th century

Authors

• Kaarina Koski Helsingin yliopisto

Abstract

The article explores the role of Finnish folk belief tradition in conveying Christian values beside the Lutheran Church. The research material consists of archived folk belief narratives, as well as reminiscences about ecclesiastical life and children’s education in the late 19th century. Acknowledging that early modern popular world view included elements in contradiction with Christian ideals, this text brings forth traditions in accordance with it, contextualizing them with church historical data concerning the ecclesiastical law and discipline. Especially the question of working on holy days is analyzed. In folk legends, Christian norms are defended by nature spirits as well as by the devil or God. Furthermore, folk tradition preserves old norms and practices not required by the Church any more. The emphasis is not only on being a good Christian but on obeying local social norms.