The Motif of Mixing Wine and Water in Goliardic Poetry: Genesis and Functions

Abstract

The article analyses the motif of mixing wine and water in goliardic poetry. The research reveals that this motif has no roots in antique literature but dates back to the patristic tradition of symbolic interpretations of mixing wine and water in the Eucharistic cup. This tradition remained relevant throughout the Middle Ages. Moreover, the theological debate about the real presence of Christ in the Holy Gifts has contributed to the formation of the doctrine of concomitance (the presence of Christ in each of the Holy Gifts), which led to the establishment of the practice of giving communion to the laity in only one form (the Body only). It caused great discontent in the congregation. A reflection of these processes, as we believe, can be found in the poems of goliards. We consider the appearance of the motif in the literature of this period to be part of a literary game, parodia sacra, the essence of which consists in the parodic reversal of Church symbols, texts, and customs (in our case, the profane undiluted wine contrasts with the eucharistic diluted wine) and, on the other hand, a reaction to the changes in the Catholic Rite during this period.

Keywords

• goliards
• drinking songs
• parodia sacra
• eucharist