Frogs in Miniature Coffins
Well, hey there, beloved reader of the Hoodoo Almanac! And congratulations for going down this toad hole about frogs buried in little coffins in churches in Finland. I mean seriously, who knew there was such a thing? But this is exactly why I became an anthropologist. The treasures we stumble upon in research is never ending. And I am more than happy to share what I find with you.
This article explores the discovery and significance of miniature coffins containing frogs found in Finnish churches, examining their role in folk magic and the relationship between folk religion and official Christianity.
The article, titled "Frogs in Miniature Coffins from Churches in Finland" by Sonja Hukantaival, explores the phenomenon of miniature wooden coffins containing frogs found in churches in Finland. These coffins, discovered during renovations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were initially mentioned by ethnologist U. T. Sirelius in 1906, who linked them to fishing magic aimed at stealing luck from other fishermen. The paper provides a comprehensive view by gathering information on actual finds and studying folklore related to these practices.
The document discusses the dynamic relationship between folk religion and official Christianity, focusing on the use of magic and witchcraft. It explains that the miniature coffins were part of rituals to counteract witchcraft, punish witches, or protect against misfortune. The coffins were often buried in churchyards or other significant locations, utilizing the otherworldly power of the dead (väki) to achieve the desired effects.
The paper presents detailed accounts of coffin finds from various churches, including Kuopio Cathedral, Tuusniemi Church, Kiihtelysvaara Church, Pielavesi Old Church, Nilsiä Old Church, Heinävesi Old Church, Turku Cathedral, and Bringetofta Church in Sweden. It also reviews folklore evidence, showing that the practices involving miniature coffins were widespread in Eastern Finnish and Karelian cultures.
The document concludes that these rituals were a form of sympathetic magic, where an animal or object was transformed to represent a witch or victim, and the effect was transferred through burial. The practices were a syncretic blend of folk religion and Christian elements, illustrating the significance of counter-witchcraft in early modern Europe.
Yes, this is an academic paper which means you need to put your thinking cap on. But that is the goal of Hoodoo Almanac's Literary Treasure Hunt. We are fighting back against the powers that be that are determined to dumb down society. Not on our watch. If you have any questions about the article, feel free to post them in the comments and I will help you find answers and gain better understanding.
Download the article Frogs in Miniature Coffins in Finland.
The original was found on the MIRATOR website.
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