Heiligenverehrung nach Luther. Die heilige Birgitta im nachreformatorischen Schweden und im Ostseeraum.

Abstract

Though Sweden’s public perception – both at home and abroad – is that of a strongly Lutheran country, the role that Birgitta of Sweden (1303–1373) plays in modern Swedish historical awareness cannot be overstated. At the same time, Birgitta’s presence is also evident all over the Baltic Sea region – Birgitta being the patron saint of the Order of the Birgittines, which was re-established in historical Birgittine places in the 20th century throughout Scandinavia as well as in post-Communist Poland and Estonia. Birgitta is also referred to as the “Patron Saint of Europe”, and she is one of the most thoroughly researched female personalities of medieval Scandinavia. This essay focuses primarily on Birgitta’s adoption in 16th – 18th century Sweden, and secondly on the re-newed interest in Birgitta and her order in present day Sweden. This essay also discusses the medieval spreading of the Order in the Baltic and its re-establishment in modern times.