In Slovene culture the prevailing image of children and childhood is an idealised one, meant to symbolise innocence,
the state prior to sin, or in other words an ›Eden-like‹ state, which in various traditions is symbolised by the return to an
embryonic state. Idealised childhood is intended as a symbol of simplicity and spontaneity, but at the same time is one of
lack of development (childhood years) and vulnerability (childhood illnesses), so that it can mean childishness, immaturity or
lack of seriousness. Children are supposed to be above all spontaneous, calm, collected, with no concealed plan or hidden
thoughts; but children also live through war, can become refugees or go hungry. A similar dichotomy can be found in
other traditions, in which childhood is conceived of as the heavenly kingdom or the state before the acquisition of knowledge.
This means that the acquisition of understanding is seen as something negative. The idea of childhood is a constant
in evangelical teachings, as in these words from the Gospel according to St Matthew: »Except ye be converted, and become
as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.« Similarly in St Luke; »Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom
of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.« In Christian tradition angels are often shown as children, which
is a sign of innocence and purity. In man’s psychological development child-like or childish behaviour is also a sign of regression.
In all these instances there is present a characteristic conception of children and childhood that is far from the truth.
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