This book is a social history of the ritual and custom of churching, a liturgical rite of purification after childbirth performed on a woman's first visit to church after giving birth. The book describes the development of the rite from its original meaning as a response to blood pollution to its redefinition as a rite that honoured marriage.

Autorentext
PAULA RIEDER is Assistant Professor at University of Nebraska, USA.

Inhalt
Introduction Cum Lumine et Oblatione: The Origins of Churching in France Ob Honorem Sacramenti Matrimonii: The Redefinition of Churching Quia Pollutae et Peccatrices Erant: Clerical Views of Churching Salvam Fac Famulam Tuam, Domine: The Liturgical Ritual of Churching Si Vero Mulier Gravi Infirmitate: The Ritual of Churching for Ill Mothers Toute Bonne Femme Doit Touzjours Rendre Graces à Dieu: Churching as a Women's Rite Pour le Jour de la Feste des Dites Relevailles: Churching, Honor, and Social Order Epilogue and Conclusions Bibliography