[Dutch praying letters] Lot of ± 150 'danks- en biddagsbrieven'

Issued by the States of Holland and Westvriesland in The Hague and dated continuously between 26 August 1673 and 30 July 1794. In good condition, frayed at the edges.

State and church were deeply connected in the Dutch Republic of the 17th and 18th centuries and it was not uncommon for the state to request the church to hold biddagen, praying days, in celebration of great fortune or in an attempt to avert disaster. These praying letters offer insight into these requests and the events deemed important enough for a day of leisure and religious activity.