Cunning folk in Britain
Cunning Folk in Britain
Cunning folk in Britain, also known as wise men and wise women, were practitioners of folk magic and folk medicine in Britain from the Medieval period until the early 20th century. They were known for their knowledge of herbal remedies, charms, spells, and divination.
Pronunciation
Cunning folk: /ˈkʌnɪŋ fəʊk/
Etymology
The term "cunning" comes from the Old English cunnan, meaning "to know". The term "folk" comes from the Old English folc, meaning "people". Thus, "cunning folk" can be interpreted as "knowledgeable people".
Related Terms
History
Cunning folk were often sought for their knowledge of herbal remedies and charms, which were used to treat various ailments and conditions. They were also known for their ability to divine the future and to cast spells to influence events. Despite the association with witchcraft, cunning folk were generally respected members of their communities and their practices were often seen as beneficial rather than malevolent.
Practices
Cunning folk practices varied widely, but generally included the use of herbal remedies, charms, and spells. They were also known for their ability to divine the future, often using methods such as palmistry, astrology, and tarot reading. Some cunning folk were also known to perform exorcisms and to provide protection against witchcraft and the evil eye.
Legacy
The legacy of the cunning folk can be seen in modern practices of folk medicine and folk magic, as well as in the continued belief in and practice of witchcraft in some communities.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cunning folk in Britain
- Wikipedia's article - Cunning folk in Britain
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