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In glancing at the superstitions connected with Scottish lochs and springs, we are called upon to scan a chapter of our social history not yet closed. A somewhat scanty amount of information is available to explain the origin and growth of such superstitions, but enough can be had to connect them with archaic nature-worship. In the dark dawn of our annals much confusion existed among our ancestors concerning the outer world, which so strongly appealed to their senses. They had very vague notions regarding the difference between what we now call the Natural and the Supernatural. Indeed all…mehr

Produktbeschreibung
In glancing at the superstitions connected with Scottish lochs and springs, we are called upon to scan a chapter of our social history not yet closed. A somewhat scanty amount of information is available to explain the origin and growth of such superstitions, but enough can be had to connect them with archaic nature-worship. In the dark dawn of our annals much confusion existed among our ancestors concerning the outer world, which so strongly appealed to their senses. They had very vague notions regarding the difference between what we now call the Natural and the Supernatural. Indeed all nature was to them supernatural. They looked on sun, moon, and star, on mountain and forest, on river, lake, and sea as the abodes of divinities, or even as divinities themselves. These divinities, they thought, could either help or hurt man, and ought therefore to be propitiated. Hence sprang certain customs which have survived to our own time. Men knocked at the gate of Nature, but were not admitted within. From the unknown recesses there came to them only tones of mystery.
Autorenporträt
James M. Mackinlay, an insightful scholar with a profound interest in Scottish folklore, made significant contributions to the field through his seminal work, 'Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs' (1893). While the precise dates of his birth and death remain elusive in historical records, Mackinlay's reputation is solidified by his meticulous exploration of the myths, customs, and traditions surrounding Scotland's abundant natural water features. His book is not merely a collection of tales; it is a comprehensive study, exploring the intertwining of paganism, Christianity, and local superstitions in the context of the natural environment of Scotland. Mackinlay's academic style is reflective of the late 19th-century Scottish intellectual milieu, marked by a methodical approach to folklore studies. He skillfully weaves anthropology, history, and etymology into his analyses, providing rich texture to the understanding of Scottish cultural heritage. Though 'Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs' remains his most acclaimed work, it is a testament to his passion and dedication to preserving the storied legacy of Scotland's lochs and springs. Mackinlay's literary style, with its engaging narrative and scholarly dedication, continues to be a valued source for folklorists, historians, and enthusiasts of Scottish tradition.