The witch trials in Massachusetts were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. The trials resulted in the executions of twenty people, the majority of whom were women. The hysteria surrounding the trials was fueled by superstition, religious beliefs, and social tensions within the community. The main idea behind the witch trials was the belief in the existence of witches and the need to eliminate them from society. The Puritan settlers of Massachusetts had a strong belief in the supernatural, and any strange or unexplainable events were often attributed to witchcraft. Additionally, the religious leaders of the time saw the presence of witches as a threat to the religious purity of the community.
Additionally, the religious leaders of the time saw the presence of witches as a threat to the religious purity of the community. The trials began in Salem Village (now Danvers) when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by witches. These girls accused several women of practicing witchcraft, setting off a chain of events that led to the arrests and eventual executions of many individuals.
Portland 2021 Halloween Trick-or-Treat @ Pix Pâtisserie’s Pix-O-Matic | Haunted Catacombs Café, Costume Contest
From our sponsors:
Trick-or-Treat @ Pix-O-Matic
Trick-or-Treating – October 31 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Costume Contest – all day and night October 31
Catacombs Café – open for viewing October 24-31
More info: pixpatisserie.com
Pix Pâtisserie
2225 E Burnside St, Portland
On Halloween evening, the Pix-O-Matic vending machine will hide gourmand candy fun behind 114 of its compartment doors. We’ll have Pix truffles, mini Fantôme cakes, candy ghosts and other made-in-house tasty treats for all ages trick-or-treating. Press the buttons and watch, mesmerized, as desserts and chocolate go round and round in the carousel. When you see one you want, go for it. The vending machine doors will open for free between 6:30PM and 8:30PM on Halloween night . One treat per person, please!
While you are there (and every night starting October 24th) take a peek inside the haunted Catacombs Café, where bon vivants of the afterlife enjoy un plat du jour et un verre du vin. These skeletons can indulge carefree without watching their weight…and they do! Meanwhile, the staff is operating on a “skeleton” crew. Oh mon dieu!
Pix-O-Matic Costume Contest
All Day Long on October 31, 2021
And dress your best for the costume contest! Take your photo with the Pix-O-Matic photo booth all day and night October 31st to show off your costume. Post it on any social media site (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) or just follow us to see if you are the winner. The winner will be announced November 3rd and will receive an autographed Pix Cookbook Combo Pack (1 copy each of Modern French Pastry and Petite Pâtisserie) plus an 8” Pix dessert of their choice.
Released in 1983, Yipes! is a pop-o-matic bubble board game with a classic horror theme - you and some friends must race down a winding staircase inside a haunted castle, and the first one to reach the laboratory so you can become a monster and then try to eat all of your friends. Essentially, Yipes! is a lot like Trouble; only with a Halloween horror theme, monsters, and murder - complete with that wonderful pop-o-matic bubble sound. Plus, with promotional text like "Haunted Castle! Spooky Monsters! Secret Laboratory! Thrills & Chills! Belly Laughs!" on the back of the box, what's not to love, right?
The accused were subjected to intense questioning, physical examinations, and trials in which spectral evidence, or testimony believed to be provided by the spirits of the accused, was allowed. Despite doubts and criticisms of the trials, they continued to gain momentum as more and more people were accused. The hysteria spread throughout the region, with numerous communities holding their own trials and executions. In total, nineteen people were found guilty and hanged, while one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea. The main factors contributing to the witch trials were the strict religious beliefs, the class divisions within the community, and the fear of the unknown. The Puritans lived in a deeply religious society where the Devil was seen as an ever-present threat. The trials provided an outlet for the community to reaffirm their faith and rid themselves of perceived evil. After the trials ended, there was a growing realization that the accusations and executions had been based on flimsy evidence and hysteria. In 1711, the colony passed a bill restoring the rights and good names of those accused and offered financial restitution to their families. The witch trials in Massachusetts serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria, fear, and the consequences of intolerance..
Reviews for "Demonology and Witchcraft in Colonial Massachusetts: The Origins of the Witch Trials"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Witch trials in Massachusetts" to be a rather dull and confusing read. The book was filled with redundant information and lacked a clear and engaging narrative. In addition, the author failed to provide sufficient context for the events and characters involved in the witch trials. As a result, I struggled to connect with the story and felt disconnected throughout. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and well-researched account of the witch trials in Massachusetts.
2. John - 3 stars - While "Witch trials in Massachusetts" provided a comprehensive overview of the historical events, I was disappointed with the author's analysis and interpretation of the witch trials. The book lacked a critical examination of the societal and cultural factors that fueled the hysteria, and instead, focused more on recounting the details of the trials. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and academic, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. Overall, I found the book to be a mediocre retelling of the witch trials, and I would suggest looking for other resources that offer a more nuanced perspective on the subject.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - I was excited to dive into "Witch trials in Massachusetts" as I have always been fascinated by the history of witch trials. However, this book failed to meet my expectations. The author's writing style was dense and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Additionally, there was a lack of primary source material or direct quotes from the individuals involved, which left the book feeling impersonal and detached. I would have appreciated a more balanced exploration of the motivations and beliefs of the accused, as well as a deeper examination of the social and political context in which the trials occurred. Unfortunately, this book fell short in providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the witch trials in Massachusetts.