Born with a Caul
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Born with a Caul
A child born with a caul - i.e. delivered with the membranes intact : the caul has great value in popular belief
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4355236
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10191805
Belief Born Child Birth Delivered Intact Membranes
EDITORS COMMENTS
Born with a Caul: A Rare and Significant Event in 17th Century Childbirth This image depicts a newborn baby, swaddled in soft fabrics and cradled in the hands of a midwife, as she carefully lifts the child's veiled head to reveal the intact membranes, or 'caul,' that still cover the infant's face. In popular belief during the 17th century, a child born with a caul, known as a 'caulbearer' or 'cauled child,' was considered a rare and significant event, often associated with good fortune, protection, and even prophetic abilities. The caul, or amniotic sac, is the membrane that surrounds and protects the developing fetus in the womb during pregnancy. In some cases, the caul remains intact during childbirth, allowing the infant to be born with it still covering their head. This phenomenon was believed to be a sign of divine intervention or the favor of the gods, and such children were often treated with great reverence and care. The belief in the supernatural powers of caulbearers can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that the goddess Venus or Aphrodite protected infants born with a caul. In medieval Europe, caulbearers were often considered to have the ability to heal illnesses, predict the future, and even control the elements. This fascinating photograph, taken from the Mary Evans Prints Online archive, offers a glimpse into the rich history and folklore surrounding the birth of a child with a caul. The image captures the wonder and awe that such an event would have elicited in the 17th century, and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of popular belief and the mysteries of human life.
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