Tickling spirits

[Alexander Herbert]

FR, 
    Leonid Heretz might argue that it has to do with the fickleness of humanity or the fallibility of humanity in relation to the "dual" faith idea; as a sort of humbler in the name of laughter and temptation (A spirit, and perhaps even a devil, being responsible for human laughter instead of remorse or piety). 

   I feel like Robert Darnton's example of french folklore might lead us somewhere else - to a social understanding (or misunderstanding) of tickling. It does cause a increased heartbeat, and could lead to a shortness of breath (as your student pointed out). Perhaps tickling was frowned upon in certain societies because it causes vulnerability (I might speculate that early American Puritans, for example, might refrain from tickling because it crosses boundaries). I think it would be totally valid to think of it in either a spiritual (Heretz) or social (Darton) understanding… 

Alexander Herbert :)
Indiana University
(and formally) Wheaton College 
On Oct 10, 2013, at 5:00 PM, Francoise Rosset <frosset at WHEATONMA.EDU> wrote:

> 
> 
> Добрый день, SEELANGers.
> 
> During a discussion of a chapter from Ivanits's _Russian Folk Belief_, 
> a student asked me about the spirits who could tickle one to death.
> He wondered where that came from, or what the significance is.
> I was stumped. Never thought about it, I guess I just accepted that they
> *could* do it.
> 
> As it happens, the student next to him is very ticklish.
> She let us know that for her, being tickled is well beyond unpleasant, and
> that she reacts by getting semi-hysterical, having trouble breathing, and
> feeling like she's about to drown. That does put a different complexion on
> tickling, but it didn't answer the question.
> 
> Thoughts? ideas? Answers?
> 
> Thank you all,
> -FR
> 
> 
> -- 
> Françoise Rosset
> Chair, Russian and Russian Studies
> Wheaton College, Norton MA 02766
> office:     508-286-3696
> FAX #:     508-286-3640
> frosset at wheatonma.edu
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