“For love” – Brought Before the Law Cover Image

„Szerelemből” – a törvény elé
“For love” – Brought Before the Law

Author(s): Gyöngy Kovács Kiss
Subject(s): Gender history, 16th Century
Published by: Korunk Baráti Társaság
Keywords: Kolozsvár – Cluj; Renaissance; feasts; musicians; prostitutes; fornication; law

Summary/Abstract: Indoor and outdoor feasts have become increasingly frequent with the spread of the Renaissance way of life in 16th century Kolozsvár – Cluj. These were held at trade fairs, in taverns, and also in private houses, etc. Among their regular participants, we can find the male musicians called “fiddlers” and the women “meretrices” or “fiddler wives”. The study presents criminal lawsuits against prostitutes on the basis of the recorded testimonies, some of them prosecuted not only for fornication, but also for practicing witchcraft.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 14-19
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Hungarian