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[Saints as protectors against falling sickness].
Ferdinand Peter Moog1, Axel Karenberg
1Universität zu Köln.
Early Science and Medicine
|March 27, 2004
Summary
Medieval Christians invoked many patron saints for illnesses, but surprisingly few for apoplexy (stroke). This study analyzes the lack of specific stroke patron saints in High Middle Ages Christian Europe.
Area of Science:
- History of Medicine
- Religious Studies
- Medieval History
Context:
- During the High Middle Ages, patron saints were integral to healthcare in Christian Europe.
- Healing practices combined magic, early scientific medicine, and saintly intercession.
- Numerous saints were patrons for various ailments, particularly neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Purpose:
- To investigate the apparent absence of widespread patron saints for apoplexy (stroke) in medieval Christian Europe.
- To analyze the reasons behind this 'negative result' by examining historical sources.
- To explore potential explanations for the lack of specific saintly devotion for stroke victims.
Summary:
- While many patron saints existed for diverse illnesses, especially neurological ones like epilepsy ('falling sickness'), few were associated with apoplexy.
- Medieval sources reveal only two localized stroke patrons: St. Wolfgang and St. Andreas Avellino.
- This scarcity of dedicated patrons for stroke victims is a notable historical finding.
Impact:
- Highlights a gap in the traditional use of patron saints for a significant medieval ailment.
- Suggests potential factors like high stroke mortality rates and lack of pilgrimage commercial interest influenced saintly patronage.
- Offers insights into medieval perceptions of disease and the role of religious figures in health and healing.