The Order of Existence

The way of thinking that lay behind thepopular culture of the pre- modern era, and behind theday- to- day routine of living and working, belonged toa great extent to an agrarian world. Not only did itdetermine the belief and the actions of the ruralpopulation, but even life in urban and aristocraticspheres was based on it.

The fact that man was given only limitedtools to influence the course of events was in keepingwith the religious conception of the world. This world-view determined how nature was viewed: the person-ification of seasons and months or the manner inwhich stars were depicted was not contradictory toChristian teaching and imagery. Year and day, life andwork: all rested" in the hands of God".

Our existence on earth was thought to be areflection of the divine order, and the teachings of theBible were omnipresent in everyday life. Starting withthe first parents, Adam and Eve, parables and motifsfor people's entire lives were provided. As was true ofChristian dogma and the lives of the saints, theirportrayal aimed at a pious life in accordance with theGospel.

Clock Stand with Chronos

Home industrial product

Grödner Valley, South Tyrol, late 18th century

Myth