Emendatio and effectus in Frankish Prayer Traditions

Abstract

The effectiveness of worship and prayer was a principle concern of the Franks and took a central position in their interpretation and design of the Christian religion. The Carolingians in particular are known for the way they accentuated a correct practice of worship, including a linguistically correct expression of ritual texts, in order to further the effectiveness of the Eucharistic liturgy and of prayer. The concern with a correct ritual-linguistic practice is embedded in the Carolingian programme of reform with a focus on correctio in a broader social sense. In the present article, I will focus on the Franks’ attitude towards sacred language and address the question, to what extent their concern with the effectiveness of the religious ritual is visible in their liturgical books. Since the Carolingians were not the first to focus on the effectus of liturgical prayer, I will draw a longer line, starting in the early eighth century and comparing a liturgical book from this period with a source dated to the period of Charlemagne’s reign.