Language:
English
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Temenos; Studies in Comparative Religion
Angaben zur Quelle:
25 (1989) 7-32
Keywords:
Blood accusation History
;
Christianity and antisemitism History
;
Anti-Jewish propaganda History
Abstract:
Examines the phenomenon of the blood libel, which has persisted from the 12th century up to the present day. Discusses various cases of ritual murder, in particular in Norwich (1144), several cases in Spain (15th century), and in Rinn, Austria (1462). The legend was also nurtured in Nazi Germany. Points out that, in the 19th century, research on folklore was used to "prove" the veracity of ritual murders. Gives various reasons why the legend arose and was sustained, due to psychological rather than historical motives - e.g. the Christian need for a Jewish scapegoat, and the psychological process of "projective inversion" whereby Christians accuse the Jews of carrying out a murder which they themselves have perpetrated. Points out that it was the gentiles, not Jews, who killed their Savior and who use his blood in their rituals (i.e. in the Eucharist).
Note:
Appeared also in "The Blood Libel Legend; a Casebook in Anti-Semitic Folklore" (1991) 336-376.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
Permalink
