Accidents and other "great hazards" in the light of the Book of Miracles od Our Lady of Święta Góra (16th-18th c.)

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyze the book of miracles and graces connected with the picture of Our Lady of Święta Góra from the sanctuary in Gostyń (Prospekt Wesoły, Miłosiernych Oczu, Przenayświętszey Maryi, [...] z Gory S. Gostynskiey…, Poznań 1726 [The joyful prospect of the merciful eyes of the Holiest Mary […] of Święta Góra in Gostyń…]). The author systematizes accidents listed in the book from the 16th to the 18th c., finding that the most numerous records concern drownings (cf. table 2). The article also describes the book itself, its structure and the number of events recorded (table 1). The analysis shows that boys and men were more frequently involved in accidents than girls and women. Children had accidents more frequently than adults (table 3), which can be explained by their exploratory inclinations, curiosity and adults’ insufficient care. Men had accidents mostly due to bravado, fights, defending victims of assaults, and sometimes masculine diversions’ and alcohol abuse. Cures that were applied in the analyzed cases included various liquors and dressings. Assistance given to drowning persons was described in greater detail; the author of the book mentions that they were tumbled on a barrel or put in various positions, which was supposed to help remove water from the respiratory tract. The injured were helped not only by unskilled witnesses but also by barbers. Thanks to the records from Prospekt… it was possible to address some family and social issues. The book is a valuable source leading to refl ections on family ties, sensitivity to others’ needs, indifference to tragedies. Furthermore, the book mentions some criminal cases, mostly assaults and fights. Victims of violence were usually men, often unconnected with the aggressors. The author also draws some preliminary conclusions about the area over which Our Lady of Święta Góra was venarated. Most of the pilgrimages recorded in the book were quite short (up to 30 km); they were usually intended to give thanks for graces or to ask for rescue. Prayers for rescue were usually said immediately when the accident happened, which seems natural in extreme circumstances. Votive offers were mentioned sporadically. The article also touches the topic of toys and children’s pastimes, and the views on the characteristics of childhood and young age. The records suggest that those had not changed since the Middle Ages: children were considered flighty and mindless while youngsters apt to mischief.