Based on historical context, the fiddle was referred to as "The Devil's Instrument."
The Fiddle: Nicknamed "The Devil's Instrument"
During the 19th century, some religious leaders pejoratively labeled the fiddle “The Devil's Instrument.” This striking moniker wasn't due to anything inherently evil about the instrument itself, but rather the settings in which it was commonly played.
Why the Fiddle Earned This Label
The primary reason the fiddle acquired this notorious nickname stemmed from its association with social gatherings that were sometimes viewed with suspicion or disapproval by certain religious authorities.
- Popular Gathering Instrument: The fiddle was a central instrument at many lively social events.
- Associated Events: These included:
- Weddings
- Dances
- General gatherings where people congregated.
- Context of Merriment: Such events often involved food, drink, and general merriment – activities that some religious leaders may have considered worldly or leading to excess.
Essentially, the fiddle was linked to secular fun and potentially unrestrained behavior, leading some to associate it with forces opposed to strict religious doctrine.
Instrument vs. Association
It's important to understand that the instrument itself wasn't seen as evil. Instead, it was the context of its use – fueling lively, sometimes raucous, social functions – that led to this negative association by certain groups during that specific historical period. The fiddle's portability and suitability for playing dance tunes made it ubiquitous at precisely the kinds of gatherings that some religious figures sought to discourage.
| Instrument | Historical Nickname | Period | Reason for Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fiddle | "The Devil's Instrument" | 19th Century | Played at weddings, dances, and lively gatherings. |
This nickname highlights the historical tension between certain religious views and popular secular entertainment, with the fiddle becoming a symbol in this cultural clash.
