[A Glagolitic prayer against gout from the early 19th century]. / Glagouska molitva protiv "gute" s pocetka 19. stoueca.

In the article a prayer against gout from the early 19th century is analysed, which reflects the surviving medieval theurgical view of healing. It also sheds light on a less known sphere of Croatian Glagolitic texts, i.e. on texts with medical content written in Glagolitic script in Croatian lands.

Views on sexuality in croatian medieval sources.

We analyzed attitudes towards sexuality during the medieval period in Croatia. For that purpose we investigated numerous medical and literary texts, statutes, and specific natural philosophical work entitled "Lucidar". Contrary to medical books, which had a low impact on the broader community, literary texts were important in spreading messages on sexuality, as well as in shaping medieval mentality and creating sexual taboos. Consequently, a specific perspective and culture influenced rules and practices for community protection, as well as various levels of social systems. Within the three large groups of sources, we selected those typical both in their content (ideas) and forms, and representative in shaping attitudes toward sexuality on our territory. The first group of sources (examples from literary genres) were identified as an important vehicle in transferring messages of morality, moral obligation and sexuality in general. Deeply rooted in Christianity they became a pattern according to which the way of life and value were measured, a specific view toward sexuality was shaped, and notions of stigma and taboo articulated.

[Poverty, illness, prayer--thoughts on contemplating the votive painting of St. Notburga]. / Armut, Krankheit, Gebet--Gedanken bei der Betrachtung eines Votivbildes der heiligen Notburga.

A votive painting in the chapel of St. Donatus in Pavlovec (northern Croatia) from the 18th century depicts St Notburga of Eben with two paupers, a shepherd and an invalid. Although generally venerated as patron-saint of peasants and maids, Notburga seems to have captured the imagination of the anonymous painter as the helper of the poor and underprivileged. The vicious circle of poverty and disease is evoked by this painting, as well as the popular belief in divine assistance by supplication to patron saints.