Sinn für Gespenster

Overview & Synopsis

In Late Medieval Europe, apparitions were often interpreted as manifestations of restless souls from purgatory, seeking the help of the bereaved. Induced by a complex set of theological re-interpretations, Protestant authorities, however, considered it impossible for the souls of the dead to wander the earth and to haunt the living as ghosts. Apparitions of spirits were rather understood as the works of the devil - and on a broader level - as divine temptations and punishments of sin. Additionally, Reformed authorities prohibited all kinds of interactions with these entities. Yet, lived experiences were more complex than that. More often than not, everyday interpretations of and dealings with spirits deviated from the theological stance, causing diverse social and legal issues up until the 18th century. Assessing an extensive body of primary sources from the Swiss archives, this dissertation seeks to shine a light on the tensions between theology and lived experiences.