Take the 2-minute tour ×

In Sweden during the 18th and 19th century each parish had a "Husförhörslängd", a book tallying the people in the parish keeping track of how well they knew their biblical history, and if they had taken their communion.

Very often in these books I find that some people have a marking of three small rings in a triangle. See enclosed picture.

What does this marking mean?

Example of three rings marking

share|improve this question
It might have to do with the Trinity. –  American Luke Nov 4 '12 at 18:35
@Luke Possible: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shield_of_the_Trinity –  JustinY Nov 4 '12 at 21:46
@Luke though it appears on some and not others, so even if it does symbolize the Trinity it probably has more meaning such as "they completed these sacraments" or something –  JustinY Nov 4 '12 at 21:48
What do the headings mean? –  American Luke Nov 4 '12 at 21:48
Is it correct that Omstandigheter in the heading means "circumstances", making this column a general collection of other relevant information? –  Fortiter Nov 5 '12 at 0:12
show 1 more comment

1 Answer

up vote 21 down vote accepted

I happened on the answer:


Turns out it means the person has been vaccinated against smallpox, either by vaccine, or by "protective pox", which I think means cowpox.

share|improve this answer
Good question; great answer. Thank you Lennart –  GeneJ Nov 4 '12 at 23:14
So does the + (for Smittkoppor) indicate that the person died of smallpox or that they survived the disease? –  Fortiter Nov 5 '12 at 0:18
@Fortiter: That they survived, at least in the cases I've seen. –  Lennart Regebro Nov 5 '12 at 7:05
add comment

Your Answer


