Draft:Sacred Springs in Thy and Vester Han Herred

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The sacred springs in Thy and Vester Han Herred, located in Thisted County, Denmark, have played a significant role in the religious and cultural history of the region. These springs, once revered for their healing properties, were central to local traditions, folklore, and religious practices. Devoted to saints like St. Thøger and St. Oluf, the springs were believed to possess curative powers and were often the sites of pilgrimages and offerings.

Historical and Ethnographic Sources

The oldest records of the sacred springs in Thisted County date back to manuscripts preserved in the Ny Kongelige Samling (c. 1638–1700) and the Thott Collection (c. 1730). Unpublished sources such as J.V. Nissen-Ramten's Helligkildehandskrift, housed in the National Museum’s 2nd Department, provide valuable ethnographic data from the late 19th century, documenting local customs and the condition of the springs during that period. Other significant sources include Evald Tang Kristensen’s Danske Sagn, Volume 3, and materials from the Danish Folk-lore Archive (Danish Folkemindesamling). These sources provide a rich tapestry of local leg-ends, religious associations, and medicinal uses of the springs.

Notable Sacred Springs

• St. Oluf's Kilde (Vester Hanherred, Hjortdals Parish)

St. Oluf's Kilde, located near Svinkløv, was renowned for its healing properties until its desecration around 1700, after the death of a hermit fish that lived in its waters. The spring remained in use until approximately 1890.

• St. Jørgens Kilde (Vester Hanherred, Kjettrup Parish)

Situated on the eastern side of Husby Hule, St. Jørgen's Kilde was known as a lægekilde (healing spring) around 1700. By the mid-19th century, the spring had diminished, and a new well was constructed.

• St. Bodil’s Spring (Vester Hanherred, Tømmerby Parish)

Associated with St. Botolf (also referred to as St. Bodil), this spring is thought to have been located northeast of the church, although its exact location is uncertain. The histori-cal connection to the church highlights its significance in local religious practices.

• Hellig Kilde (Hillerslev Herred, Rær Parish)

Located near a now-vanished chapel north of the church, this spring is remembered in lo-cal tradition for its association with a "floating chapel," adding a mystical dimension to its significance.

• Graakilde or Vildkjælle (Handborg Herred, Tilsted Parish)

Graakilde, located in a valley south of Tilsted, was once a sacred spring where offerings such as button needles were left. Although not directly tied to known spring rituals, this practice reflects a broader tradition of offering items at sacred sites.

• St. Andreas’ or St. Thøger’s Spring (Hundborg Herred, Jannerup Parish)

Situated west of the church, this spring remained in use for its healing properties until the 19th century. The church, dedicated to St. Andreas, received gifts from sailors seeking protection, illustrating the intertwining of religion and local customs.

• St. Thøger’s Kilde (Hundborg Herred, Nørhaa Parish)

Located approximately 3 kilometers southwest of Nørhaa Church, this spring was cleaned annually up until 1900. It was believed to possess strong healing powers, particularly for children.

• Sejrs Kilde (Refs Herred, Ydby Parish)

Located at Sejrskildegaard, this spring was known for its ability to heal respiratory dis-eases. Legend has it that a giant named Sejer regained his strength after drinking from its waters.

• Hellig Kilde (Refs Herred, Hvidbjærg Parish)

This spring, mentioned in a bishop’s letter from 1360, had fallen into disuse by the mid-19th century. Once revered for its healing properties, it was desecrated and eventually forgotten due to neglect.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The sacred springs of Thisted County were deeply intertwined with local traditions and folklore. Many of these springs were dedicated to St. Thøger, reflecting his strong influence in the region. These springs served both spiritual and practical purposes, offering healing to those who sought it and providing a place for communities to engage with their faith. Springs such as St. Thøger’s Kilde and Sejrs Kilde were believed to possess particularly potent healing properties, attracting visitors from across the region.

Conservation and Legacy

Despite their historical significance, many of the sacred springs in Thy and Vester Han Herred have fallen into disuse or have been desecrated over time. There is an ongoing need for conservation efforts to preserve these remnants of Denmark's spiritual heritage. Protecting the few remaining springs through memorials or other protective measures would ensure that future generations can appreciate their cultural importance. The springs, though no longer in active use, remain a significant element in the broader history of human interaction with natural landscapes.

References

• Dahlsgaard, Marius. Historical Yearbook for Mors, 1920
• Kristensen, Evald Tang. Danske Sagn, Volume 3
• Nissen-Ramten, J. V. Helligkildehandskrift, National Museum’s 2nd Department
• Danish Folklore Archive (Danish Folkemindesamling)
• Thott Collection, Ny Kongelige Samling, ca. 1638–1700