Strange

Kirk papers reveal charmed cows

by brownbare | July 20, 2008 at 06:51 am

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Kirk papers reveal charmed cows Responsible animal husbandry is practised on today's farms

Kirk session records have revealed examples of Highlanders using so-called good and bad magic on cattle.

Dr Karen Cullen, of higher education institute UHI, trawled the papers in her research for a lecture - Charmed Cows and Contentious Neighbours.

She found one minister who "dressed up" practical advice on better hygiene as a charm to allay a parishioner's fears.

The practice of charming to either protect or harm livestock was used during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dr Cullen, programme leader of UHI's undergraduate honours Scottish history degree, will deliver her public lecture in Inverness on Monday.

Aberdeen Angus beef has always tasted a cut above the rest. Some say its the fresh air, some say its the lush grass however could we have all been wrong. Maybe a key to delicious meat is a good dose of Witchcraft! Nice to see a querky story when we have had one of the most depressing news months in quite a while. Sorry to all the vegetarians by the way, however I am sure they charmed their crops whilst they were at it!