Fastlagsdjävlar! : Maskerade upptåg på Fastlagen i Sverige och Danmark, från medeltid till 1600-tal

Sammanfattning: During the Middle Ages, the fasting period held significant importance in Scandinavia. Thefast began on Ash Wednesday and lasted for 40 days until Easter, symbolizing Jesus time inthe desert. But before this, occurred a spectacular holiday, a northern equivalent of theeuropean Carnival, Fastlagen. It was a time for wild games and, most notably, masquerades.This paper examines the presence of masked figures and characters during the publicprocessions and performances of the Fastlagen festival in Sweden and Denmark from theMiddle Ages to the 17th century. The study explores how these portrayals fit into popularcultural beliefs and traditions, and what roles they seem to represent during the festivities.The analysis considers these expressions symbolical role and ritual meaning, the part theyplayed and the fears and perceptions they evoked.