Art, obsession, and identity
Although a "witch" is primarily associated with a woman, men too have been branded as witches, or rather as "warlocks".
Sources: (Britannica) (Mental Floss) (History)
See also: Why is witchcraft on the rise?
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a papal bull entitled 'Summis desiderantes affectibus', where he acknowledged the presence of witches throughout the world.
The Malleus Maleficarum, usually translated as Hammer of Witches, is the best-known and most important treatise on witchcraft. It was published in 1487.
The most famous innocent "witch" was French heroine and Roman Catholic saint, Joan of Arc (1412 - 1431). Branded a witch, liar, and blasphemer, she was burned at the stake aged just 19 in a public square. Twenty-five years later, in 1456, she was declared innocent by Pope Callixtus III.
People could be convicted of witchcraft on the flimsiest of evidence. For example, if an individual ended up in another person's dream, that was enough to accuse them of trying to steal the mind of the sleeper.
It has since been proven that many of the herbs used by so-called witches do in fact have medicinal properties. Sage, for example, helps relieve colic and regulates proper digestion, among other health benefits.
While the traditional image of the witch is that of a warty, hook-nosed old crone with a pointy hat riding a broomstick, there are other witches that practice white magic, are possessed of healing powers, and are considered do-gooders.
Of uncertain origin, the closest word to witch is the old English wicce, which means "female magician, or sorceress".
According to tradition, the way to encounter a witch on Halloween is to wear similar robes upside down and then walk backward. Carry out this ritual at midnight and you'll meet a witch.
The Day of the Witches, otherwise known as Halloween, has its origins in ancient Celtic pagan celebrations. The date coincides with the beginning of Samhain, a festival that marked the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. The occasion was also associated with the dead.
Contrary to popular belief, widespread torture never took place during the Inquisition. However, those accused of heresy were spared no mercy and were cruelly tormented into confessing acts of witchcraft.
The inquisitors would first strip those accused of witchcraft to look for any moles, warts, or birthmarks that would surely indicate an association with devil worship and black magic.
The first collective trial of people accused of witchcraft took place in 1428 in the Swiss city of Valais.
Witch hunts were carried out enthusiastically and one of the most infamous prosecutions was the Salem Witch Trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Around 150 people were rounded up after being accused of witchcraft by two ill girls. Eventually, 18 townsfolk were put to death.
Those unfortunate enough to possess the so-called characteristics of a witch were instantly condemned to a fiery and painful end, usually in full public view. It is estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 people were killed like this during this period in history.
However, some historians suggest this figure could be as high as 200,000 as many of the accused were torched away from the public arena.
Second only to Christmas as the biggest revenue-generating holiday in the USA, Halloween for the Americans is big business with huge amounts of money being spent on masks, candy, costumes, and parties every year.
Despite their reputation, some "witches" managed to garner a modicum of respect within their communities- They concocted and sold herbal medicines and potions to the local population as remedies against sickness, disease, and the evil eye.
If you were accused of being a witch a few centuries ago you could expect to be persecuted, tortured, and burned at the stake. Heresy and black magic were simply not tolerated. But many of those who met a fiery end were totally innocent and died purely because of their religious beliefs.
Here are 30 interesting facts and anomalies about witches and witchcraft that will have you spellbound. Click through the gallery to get started.
Curious facts about witchcraft that will keep you spellbound
The spooky cauldron of witchcraft
LIFESTYLE Supernatural
If you were accused of being a witch a few centuries ago you could expect to be persecuted, tortured, and burned at the stake. Heresy and black magic were simply not tolerated. But many of those who met a fiery end were totally innocent and died purely because of their religious beliefs.
Here are 30 interesting facts and anomalies about witches and witchcraft that will have you spellbound. Click through the gallery to get started.