Main Need To Know Information :
The Familiars On Witches In The Sixteenth And Seventeenth Centurys.
The Punishments.
And Basic Info
Thanks.
2007-03-26 06:25:22 · 5 answers · asked by RaCHii3 --x 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
A lot of it may depend on where and when you are talking about. By reading "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller some of these things are discussed.
A witch was normally 'found out' by someone mentioning their names. If they denied being a witch, that was one of the proofs that they were a witch. Also, witches could not say the Lord's Prayer perfectly, they did not know the 10 Commandments, and they didn't attend church often. Joan of Arc was executed, among other things, for dressing like a man, wearing pants.
When there were witnesses against a witch, they would claim how a person was seen flying, with or without a broomstick, or they had sent their spirits out to tempt or attack good citizens of the town. If a man had a fantasy or dream about a woman, it wasn't because he was lustful, but because the woman had sent out her spirit to tempt him to evil thoughts.
In addition, a witch normally had an unnatural growth on their bodies that neither bled nor caused pain when pierced with a needle. This was called a witch's teat. Sometimes witches were thrown into a pond or lake. If they floated, if the water being holy rejected them, then this was a sign of witchcraft. If they sunk, then it was proof they weren't but often they drowned even though they were innocent.
Ironically, once a person confessed to being a witch and named who influenced them or recruited them to do the devil's work they were then "in the hands of God" and out of the court's jurisdiction. The sure way to avoid being hanged was by admittied it and confessing it. The problem was, of course, for a good Christian, they had to always tell the truth (do not bear false witness). So if they lied that they were a witch, when they weren't, they'd save their lives but lose their souls.
Were there witches for real? Most excuted were women who were perfectly innocent. However, there is some evidence in diaries from the time where women claimed to be witches. So, the decision is up to you.
2007-03-26 06:43:01 · answer #1 · answered by John B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had read that many mid-wives and medicine women were accused of being the witches, because of their healing abilities (basically knowing medicinal herbs) plus this was an outside the home occupation for women - and sometimes the men did not like this.
2007-03-26 06:33:43 · answer #2 · answered by lillilou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they were thought a witch, sometimes they would be burnt at the stake. Also, many people thought that witch's floated. They would sometimes put them in a lake. If they floated or could swim, they were accused of being a witch and killed. If they drowned, they were innocent, but were dead. Pretty much being accused of being a witch meant death.
2007-03-26 06:38:24 · answer #3 · answered by alexareed10 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you read the crucible. It's really good. I know if someone was accused of being a witch they would be taken in front of a council and they would have to prove their innocence.
2007-03-26 06:33:22 · answer #4 · answered by Dinah M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Wikipidiea, awsome info there. Just write down key words in the search box.
2007-03-26 06:43:26 · answer #5 · answered by someone 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋