Kinnekulle. Husaby Kyrka Frescoes, Odin, Furnishings, Paintings, Carvings.

Odin in Husaby

The Churches of Kinnekulle

A Story of Transitions

Transitions:

1.  Religious

Proseletyzing for a new religion usually requires showing some connection between the old and the new. In that way, the crossover can be touted as voluntary, a needed step where there are no immediate armies of the new religion as backup, to kill the reluctant. The mainland Germanic tribes were subject to the killing approach of Charlemagne:  it took time, but it ultimately worked.  That was not feasible in Norway or Sweden, so the mythological parallel approach took over.  The god sacrificing himself on a tree to achieve a higher goal.  Common theme in many religions.

Odin.  Odin hung on the Tree of Life, the Tree of the Lives, Yggdrasil, for nine days as a sacrifice so he could learn the secrets of the runes.  See http://www.norse-mythology.com/Odin.html 

Early representations of the crucifixion story (Christian) maximize the text that the crucifixion took place on a tree.  See John references, http://bible.cc/acts/10-39.htm, they hung him on a tree.  Use that wording, instead of cross, and the Odin idea of Odin who also hung in a tree, slid right over.  Nothing to worry about here, folks, just keep moving.  Just the same story. So, see the Swedish cross looking like a tree, with the branches nipped off:

Crucifix incorporating Tree of the Lives motif (Odin suggestion), Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle


Yggdrasil. This crucifixion is a fitting representation for this place. The cross as Tree. Tree of Life  Yggdrasil. The tree imagery is also at Forshem Kyrka, http://swedenroadways.blogspot.com/2011/05/forshem-kyrka-interior-old-odin-traces.html The rosette at the foot of the tree-cross is a common medieval motif, like a solar cross symbol, but need to focus more on this particular one to figure out what it is.

2.  Economic

A Treasure. Kinnekulle as biosphere.

Mount Kinnekulle has been a regional crossroads for shifts not just in religion, but in social and cultural change. Kinnekulle moved from  a) as an economic entity, owners and workers, b) to current scientific and flora-fauna and geological interest, and c) to a recreational and hiking center, see http://www5.o.lst.se/projekt/kinnekulle/pdf/kinnekulle_naturskrift_eng.pdf.

Read the vision of a biosphere, see http://vanerkulle.org/vk//images/stories/files//245_BR_NOMINATION_Lake_Vanern_Archipelago_and_Mount_Kinnekulle.pdf

3.  Kinnekulle as base for studying old Churches, how they changed.

Churches here have been enough off the beaten track to allow parts untouched, or easily restored. Find wide shifts in how the stories were told. And see the initial vitality in art and representation, turn to rigid Reformation, and then to relaxing back.

A progression of missionaries, from the 9th Century wooden stave churches, and those works did not last; to St. Sigfrid in the 11th Century, stone works, and those did last.  The stone church era was decorative, full of art, expression, color, pattern, teaching tools on ceilings and on walls.  Then came the Reformation.  The colors were painted over in order to get rid of the distracting nonsense. Think Calvin.  Concealment meant protection, however, and the works could be restored. Remember art class - the idea of horror vacui. Fear of empty spaces.  Fill it all up.  See it again now. Regardless of the angle of your head twisting up to see, there is something facing yo.

Horror Vacui, Frescoes, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, SE

Husaby Kyrka, ceiling frescoes, individualized features, Kinnekulle, SE

Frescoes on vaulting, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, SE, Tree of the lives pattern

Story lessons on the ceiling, frescoes, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle

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Varying poses, themes, angles, ceiling frescoes Husaby Kyrka

The dominance of women in early representations in Scandinavia also reflects the far more active leadership role of women in the culture.  Big Mary, little bishop. Is that so?  Mother earth again. 

Mary, largest figure, contrapuntal pose, pulpit, Kinnekulle, Husaby Kyrka

Teaching tools:  banners to be read, an alphabet to be learned.  Do it in church.

Celestial designs, monks, Husaby Kyrka frescoes

Story words are in the banners, and identifying the figures.

The furnishings are said to be the oldest in Sweden.  

Carved bench, turned post style, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle. 

Turned post style apparently dates from the 12-13th Centuries, but we are not sure of the date of this particular bench.  The Bishop's Chair, however, has been dated.

Bishop's Chair, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle

This may be the oldest furnishing in Sweden.  We are supposed to note the Romanesque arcading at the base of this chair, and the style of "turned post" seating, see the Grove Encyclopedia, the Husaby Bishop's Chair at  http://books.google.com/books?id=jGsVHV098K0C&pg=PA215&lpg=PA215&dq=sweden+bishop%27s+chair+medieval&source=bl&ots=kQFUD9hRCV&sig=Jv9EaCwy_4RZfOvDYxe62wi151w&hl=en&ei=Oin2TYqOJq6u0AGZ35zPBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=sweden%20bishop%27s%20chair%20medieval&f=falseSee the crucifixion at the top right.   Two women at the base, a modest representation in blue-black-white.  the cross is a mainland European-type cross here:  not with the tree motif.

Crucifixion scene, burial  Husaby Kyrka, year unreadable.

And for the event:  a humble, pained figure.  It looks like an Elf Cross at the feet, an indigenous representation, equal sided, in a circle, a talisman against mischief of the Elves.  Looking at the photo now, is that Bat shapes?  Love it.

Someone later must have protested that the symbolism of the Tree, which evoked Odin and made people feel more at home with this new religion probably, had to be superseded.  In came this crucifix:  jarring.  Who put this here?  Greek columns, Baroque alien.  Even looks show-off.

Look again at the photograph above, of the Bishop's chair, and the enlargement of the crucifixion.

The figures are in the same poses.  But the plain one is more moving than this technicolor plastic.  A brochure online for the furnishings and details of the church would be so helpful.

Crucifix, Husaby Kyrka, Marys at the base

Kinnekulle, Husaby Kyrka in Stone. Rune Stones. Memorial slabs. Pre-Christian Lily Stone,

Husaby:  Baptism of a King 1008

Kyrka Photograph 1928

Husaby in the 21st Century

Dignitaries in stone

Husaby then and now:  Compare two photographs of Husaby Kyrka,  in 1928, from relatives' return visitl and in 2010.

Husaby Kyrka in 1928

 And Husaby Kyrka now. 

Husaby Kyrka 2010

The main change from then to now is the ivy climbing up the side tower' and the side tree that grew big.


1.  The setting:  Kinnekulle.

The Kinnekulle area is worth an in-depth trip to Sweden in itself.

Find the detailed brochure here at http://www.gotene.se/download/18.2edd891311d671f43228000282764/080522_welcome_to_gotene_and_kinnekulle_webb_gotene.pdf.  History, Husaby Kyrka, botanicals. Also see descriptions of many, many churches; and a fine photo of Husaby Kalle, the spring where King Olof is said to have been baptized, just outside the church here.

There is a ruin of the Bishop's palace also at Husaby, undergoing restoration. It dated from 1480. Find videos at http://wn.com/Olof_Skotkonung and click to more. There is a walkabout video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dj0uiiulTg&feature=player_embedded  Those films say that the church was built in the 11th century.


2.  Husaby Kyrka in stone:

Story stones.  Picture stones.  This is a fine example of a prechristian lily stone, named for its vine-tree pattern, see description of the Tree of Life at  http://www.luckyfishart.com/vitrofli.html  A Lily Stone is a later name, stemming (ahem) from the later fleur-de-lys, repeated.

For Viking and other prechristian patterns, helpful in looking at old stones, shields, scroll past the introduction at this site, http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/vikheraldry.shtml, and see the chart of recurrent themes. There is the "fylfot" - a pattern like a swastika no longer allowed in heraldry because of that similarity. Later heraldry is at the end.

The heart shape also recurs, in Scandinavian designs in particular.  Its origins were serious - Yggdrasil, we understand.  The Tree of the Lives, the Tree of Life; and not just the shape of the heart as in body and love -- 

Tree of Life, "Lily Stone" pattern, prechristian, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, Sweden


Husaby Kyrka is an active parish.

Husaby Kyrka: an active parish, Kinnekulle SE

With so many churches in one area (St. Sigfrid, for example, is said to have converted 12 major local figures and started as many churches in the 11th Century, plus the King and all the King's men0.  Snap the church sign to stay afloat.

Floor level burial slabs.  Many have little heads in the corners.  Early angels?

Burial slabs, Husaby Kyrka interior, Kinnekulle SE

Jesus and, we think, the two Marys. There is an emphasis on the female followers-disciples-connections that was early eradicated in lower Europe.  And, in later years, these were also shunted aside in favor of depicting male saints. See the Old Uppsala post, where the pulpit is surrounded with female saint carvings.  Go to the New Uppsala and they are male, mostly.  Notably so if you go from one church to the later one.

Jesus and the Two Marys, we think, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, Sweden

Dancing with the Stars! Those early representations of the Marys and Jesus are active, seem to move in front of your eyes.  Feel the point counterpoint, almost with fingers snapping, a saintly boogie. Can't wait to have you join in.  A real invitation to participate. Wonderful

Then look what happens when the institutional church entrenches, Reformation and all.  No more life. Stylistic, conformist, rigid, patterns, no fun. Zero imagination. Men.  Hunnh.

These are early pastors of the church, or perhaps a pastor and a patron?

Husaby Kyrka, stone relief slab

There is a Chalice at the top, but neither figure carries a Bishop's crook. Down the side of the stone slab are pictured a number of gentlemen in fine capes.  Small in size, like a pattern. The figure on the left is more stylish: he holds a book and wears pantaloons and toed-out boots; and beside him, the praying figure wears a long robe.

Husaby Kyrka, 17th C. clothing detail, stone relief, Kinnekulle SE

Even the feet look painful.  

At first we thought these might be part of Saint Sigfrid's Swedish Dozen, see http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=4632&grupo=Daily%20Saints&canal=Uncle%20Eddie%92s,  

The Swedish Dozen were twelve substantial citizens converted by Saint Sigfrid in the 1100'sm as well as the King Olof Skotkonnung and His Men.  But the costumes here are later.

Pastor(s) designation, Husaby Kyrka, stone relief 1638, Kinnekulle Sweden

Peer closer, and find the word "pastor" and :Huusby" and date 1683.  Two pastors?

The frescoes had been painted over, and then restored in the 20th Century.  Were they covered because the colors were too vibrant, the figures showed life?  The Reformation was in Sweden as well. Bring on the austerity.

At least the stone mason had a sense of individuality  Each of the small figures on the side border is different.

Stone piety, border, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, Sweden

Frescoes, Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle, SE

 The interior is not bright, so colors retain their vibrancy.  Note the pattern on the arches, like tree branches.  This is a common theme from the Tree of Life, a way of connecting the prechristian beliefs in the tree of life, Tree of the Lives, with later Christian theology brought in.

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FN 1  Photograph from Anna Osterlund Widing and Philip Widing's return in 1928. 

Kinnekulle resident, Anna Matilda Osterlund, parishioner, Husaby, we think (need documentation)

Anna Osterlund "Home" - Kinnekulle (Hallekis?_

Anna Osterlund at home in Kinnekulle (Hallekis village??), we think

Label your pictures, people. Here, fair use thumbnail shows Hallekis on the Lake, and the Kinnekulle area with its warren of roads, towns, trails. See it at http://www.hallekis.com/arkiv1/kk-karta.htm

"Home." 1929 Kinnekulle, Husaby; Granna, Boxholm, Ekeby,

Preservation

Looks-back through a camera's eye.

Kajsa Johannesdotter 1829-1933 and Anders Petr Olausson 1836-1878 -- Kajsa then apparently lived at Kinnekulle, attended Husaby Church, and raised the five children there:  John August, Sophie, Frank, Lenus, Anna Matilda (here), Selma Elizabet, Carolina, Otto William, and Josephine.  Anna and her husband, Philip Widing from Boxholm, returned twice to visit after everybody came to the US on both sides -- Philadelphia for many Widings, Chicago and elsewhere for the Kajsa-Petr children, who seem to have taken a new name, Osterlund, at some point.  In Sweden or here?

We can't tell the 1929 photos from the (is it 1933??) so we call them all 1929-1933.  Nothing is firm. Identifications come from the backs of the pictures so far.

"Home" --Anna Osterlund Widing on the left, photo 1929-33 and ?

Home for Anna Matilda Osterlund Widing would be at Kinnekulle, which village?

Anna Widing 1929-32, center, windy

The vertical wooden slats for structures are common. Does that keep out cold better than horizontals?

Was this a reunion trip?  Folks went sightseeing.

Alvastra Cloister is the ruin of a Cistercian Monastery founded by the French in 1143. It is in Ostergotlund. We did not get there, but this is a photo from relatives from the area, back in 1929-1932 or so. See ://www.raa.se/cms/en/places_to_visit/our_historical_sites/alvastra_monestary.html/

Alvastra Closter 1929 or 1932, ruin

Family -- ID as we go.  On the back, this one says, "Take good care of this. It is the only one we have."

Done.

William Widing, my husband's grandfather, one of four Widing sons, second from left, back row; Anna Matilda Osterlund Widing, his wife, front row, with tea. 

Boxholm, family photo, 1929 or 1932. Back 2d from left, Philip Widing; front, 3d from left, Anna Widing

The little boy front right looks like this one below, at the big hedge.

Boy at hedge, Sweden 1929-1933. Boxholm? Kinnekulle?

More sightseeing.

Brahe Slott, or Brahehus Slott or Castle, dates from the mid-1600's.  It is near Jonkoping, Granna, and served as a suitable lodging for noted guests, distance special envoys, and the like.  See ://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/57498/slideshow_of_brahehus_slott_ruins_in.html/ We did not get there, but this is a family photo from 1929-33.

Brahe Slott (castle) 1929, near Granna, Sweden

That would be the big lake Vanern at the base of the cliff there, I think.

Philip Widing, husband of Anna, and his cousins from Granna; wife Anna Widing in front

Maybe Josephine here, Aunt Josie, sister of Anna, daughter of Kajsa Johannesdotter, Sweden 1929-1932

Ekeby Kyrka, Boxholm Municipality, Sweden

There are several churches called "Ekeby" - see ://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ekeby_kyrka:  at Gotland, Narke, Skane, Uppland, Ostergotland.  The Ekeby Kyrka at the Linkoping Diocese seems closest to Boxholm at Boxholm Municipality, West Yorkshire, about a mile south of Mjolby and a mile N-NW of Boxholm, and 5 km NW of Stralsnas, that from various sites. We did not know of it at the time so just have to go back.

"Mellosa" on back, Sweden. Anna Osterlund Widing, and is that Farfar, or grandfather?

Farfar's Kors, Grandfather's cross, Ekeby Kyrka? Hans Widing?

We looked in lots of church years for Widings, and found none -- are they here, at Ekeby? We hear now of an early Hans Widing. Is he buried at Ekeby. 

Farmor (Grandmother) and "Misdie" or Miadia? Sweden 1929-1932.  Anna is back row, middle. 

An Osterlund daughter, immigrated, Canton, Ohio

The back reads something like "har ai ja i min bakjard taget farliden sommar var just pershig att bart Wilma Kahre Canton Ohio."

Husaby Kyrka, Kinnekulle area, Kajsa Johannesdotter's Church? Sweden. Osterlunds?

Lee and Family group

Who is Lee?  Front says "Lee and family. At this end: Darlene in arms, Allrin, Irene, Bobby and Frank (over).  Back says: "This was taken four years ago.  The last time we were all together.  The couple not marked are Lil's brother and his wife.  The couples are Frank and Lil, Oscar and Leona, Bill Marie and Dona Belle."