The Easter Ban in the Merovingian Kingdoms: Ideal and Reality
In: Medieval EncountersSearch for other papers by Gregory I. Halfond in
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Abstract
In mid-sixth-century Gaul, two episcopal councils issued canons, in 538 and 581/3, respectively, attempting to prohibit interaction between Jews and Christians between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. The canons suggested that Jews, through their obstinate impiety, posed a threat to their Christian neighbors, particularly during that festal season associated with proselytization. While there is not corroborating evidence that the Merovingian-era Easter ban ever was put into effect, it should be understood not simply as an expression of Christian triumphalism, but rather as a sincere effort by the Gallo-Frankish bishops to protect their flocks from the “unbelieving Jews.” In an unintended consequence, the ban assigned far greater power and influence to Gallic Jews than they actually enjoyed.
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The Easter Ban in the Merovingian Kingdoms: Ideal and Reality
In: Medieval EncountersSearch for other papers by Gregory I. Halfond in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
In mid-sixth-century Gaul, two episcopal councils issued canons, in 538 and 581/3, respectively, attempting to prohibit interaction between Jews and Christians between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. The canons suggested that Jews, through their obstinate impiety, posed a threat to their Christian neighbors, particularly during that festal season associated with proselytization. While there is not corroborating evidence that the Merovingian-era Easter ban ever was put into effect, it should be understood not simply as an expression of Christian triumphalism, but rather as a sincere effort by the Gallo-Frankish bishops to protect their flocks from the “unbelieving Jews.” In an unintended consequence, the ban assigned far greater power and influence to Gallic Jews than they actually enjoyed.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 847 | 152 | 24 |
| Full Text Views | 49 | 5 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 134 | 7 | 0 |
