Pennsylvania German witchcraft refers to a specific form of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch, a cultural group of German descendants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th centuries. This form of witchcraft emerged as a blend of Germanic folklore and Christian beliefs, incorporating elements of rituals, charms, and spellcasting. Pennsylvania German witchcraft was deeply rooted in the beliefs and practices brought over from Germany by the early settlers. Central to these beliefs was the concept of the "powwow" or "brauche," which referred to the knowledge and power to heal ailments, ward off evil, and cast spells. Powwowers, or brauchers, were individuals who possessed these abilities and were trusted members of the community. The Pennsylvania Dutch believed in the power of words, symbols, and rituals to manipulate supernatural forces.
It might seem logical to think that this might be due to a simple mistranslation or a butchering of the word Deutsch (German) by the English-speaking Pennsylvanians. However, the real explanation apparently lies in the original use of the word "Dutch" in the English language.
Furthermore, the religious nature of the Pennsylvania Dutch has sustained these beliefs up to the present day more so among any other people in America. It might seem logical to think that this might be due to a simple mistranslation or a butchering of the word Deutsch German by the English-speaking Pennsylvanians.
The Pennsylvania Dutch believed in the power of words, symbols, and rituals to manipulate supernatural forces. Powwowers would use specific charms, known as "hex signs," to protect against harm or bring good luck. These colorful signs, painted on barns or displayed in homes, were thought to ward off evil spirits and misfortune.
A Look Back in History: Practice of witchcraft among PA Dutch rarely accurately portrayed to public
Submitted photo There were two copies discovered, one in English and the earlier one in German, along with other PA Dutch occult culture paraphernalia.
Show Caption PUBLISHED: August 1, 2018 at 6:41 p.m. | UPDATED: August 22, 2021 at 3:16 a.m.The occult practice of witchcraft among the Pennsylvania Dutch, despite its longevity, has rarely been accurately presented to the public. There is, undoubtedly, no other field of folklore where the Pennsylvania Dutch folkways have been more misunderstood, than in the practice of Hexerei. From the earliest years of the 18th Century to the present day, Hexerei has remained an underground belief and practice, and only in the last 40 years has enough evidence been collected to present detailed study.
Pennsylvania Dutch witchcraft has been traced to Europe, and is typical to that which was popular in medieval times, but its persistence among the “Dutch” in America is due in part to the publishing of various occult books and the efforts of several people to make a living from believers in it. In almost every community, existing side by side with the practice of Braucherei was the cautious belief in Hexerei. The most astonishing fact though about black and white magic among the PA Dutch is that it did exist prevalently, and that it actually worked. Cases upon cases are recorded from all parts of the PA Dutch Country where the powers of black and white magic have been successful. It is this success more than anything that has kept these two supernatural forces alive in the culture even in today’s world.
In parts of the Dutch Country today though, Powwow and Hex Doctors are non-existent who once derived a livelihood from performing services for the believers of these arts, and are more hobbyists, but effective no less. However, it is much more possible to find a percentage of these Germanic people who will be alarmed over the mentioning of the “cursed” 6th and 7th Books of Moses. The subject of witchcraft is a sensational one in any civilized culture but among the Pennsylvania Dutch its once commonplaceness and unchallenged realism have been so interwoven in the culture, there are still some older folk in the backcountry prone to believe that Hexerei (witchcraft) is a normal phenomenon. In almost every phase of Pennsylvania Dutch folkways, there is recorded influence of this ancient art, from incantations to exorcising a witch from a butter churn to the more romantic, love potion.
Furthermore, the religious nature of the Pennsylvania Dutch has sustained these beliefs up to the present day more so among any other people in America. One folk practice most confused with Hexerei is Braucherei or Powwowing. The art of Powwowing is a form of faith healing practiced popularly by laymen in the culture who derived their power from God. Although most Powwowing is performed for domestic ills, occasionally, a Powwow doctor will break the spell over a verhext (bewitched) person. The hex (either man or woman) that casted the spell is usually a neighbor in a community who wishes to make trouble for another neighbor for a variety of reasons.
Within the culture, there are various occult books which constitute a body of knowledge for those wishing to practice the art. One such book is the infamous, “6th and 7th Books of Moses,” so powerful that mere possession of it will bring the owner good fortune. The most circulated book in this field, however, was John George Hohman’s “The Long Lost Friend” printed in Reading as early as 1820. Next in popularity to this volume was the three-volume book compiled by Albertus Magnus titled “Egyptian Secrets” printed in Allentown in 1869. As witchcraft is not one of the more pleasant subjects, and since much of it is kept secret, it is not very frequent that one encounters any reference to Hexerei in a conversation.
They typically featured intricate geometric patterns, stars, hearts, and other symbols believed to have magical properties. Pennsylvania German witchcraft also involved the use of written charms and verbal incantations to heal ailments. Powwowers would write or recite a charm, often using Christian prayers or biblical verses, to invoke divine intervention and remedy illness or injury. These charms were often passed down within families or learned from experienced powwowers, ensuring the transmission of this magical knowledge. Another important aspect of Pennsylvania German witchcraft was the belief in witchcraft as the cause of misfortune or illness. Powwowers were called upon to not only heal but also to counteract and protect against the effects of witchcraft. They would use divination methods, such as omen interpretation or dream analysis, to identify the source of the problem and then prescribe the appropriate charm or ritual to counteract it. Over time, Pennsylvania German witchcraft has evolved and adapted to changes in society. While its importance has diminished with the rise of modern medicine and the decline of rural folk traditions, it still holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Various books and publications have been written on the subject, aiming to preserve and document this unique form of folk magic. In conclusion, Pennsylvania German witchcraft is a distinctive form of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It incorporates elements of Germanic folklore, Christian beliefs, and rituals to heal, protect, and counteract witchcraft. While its prominence has waned over time, it remains an important cultural tradition within the Pennsylvania Dutch community..
Reviews for "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft: Legends and Tales"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars - "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft didn't live up to its premise. I was expecting a gripping tale of dark magic and folklore, but instead, I found myself bored and uninterested. The storyline was confusing and lacked depth, while the characters felt one-dimensional and unrelatable. The writing style was also inconsistent, with choppy pacing and lackluster descriptions. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating witchcraft read."
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - "I found Pennsylvania German Witchcraft to be an absolute slog to get through. The plot felt disjointed and poorly executed, leaving me confused and frustrated. The characters were flat and lacked any compelling development. Additionally, the writing seemed amateurish, with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and ultimately felt like I wasted my time reading it."
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft had an interesting concept, but unfortunately, it fell short in its execution. The pacing was incredibly slow, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt forced. The writing itself was heavy-handed, with excessive exposition and little room for imagination. While there were moments of potential, overall, this book left me disappointed and wanting more."