The Curse of Lizzie Borden Lizzie Borden is a name that has become synonymous with murder, mystery, and a dark curse that seems to have followed her throughout history. The story of Lizzie Borden has captivated the public for over a century, and her alleged crimes continue to generate intrigue and speculation. Lizzie Borden gained notoriety in 1892 when her father and stepmother were brutally murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie, who lived with her parents, was the primary suspect in the case. However, she was acquitted of the murders due to lack of evidence. Despite her acquittal, a dark cloud seemed to follow Lizzie for the rest of her days.
Despite her acquittal, a dark cloud seemed to follow Lizzie for the rest of her days. The curse of Lizzie Borden became apparent when tragedy struck those close to her. Her sister, Emma, who had a strained relationship with Lizzie, cut ties with her after the trial.
The eight sacred Celtic holidays of the year
There are eight special sacred days, holidays, and festivals in Ireland that date back to the old Celtic world.
Christianity adopted many of their feast days to match the old Celtic traditions - learn about them below:
St Brigid's Day - Imbolc
St. Brigid's Day - Imbolc.
The year's first sacred holiday, the feast day of Saint Brigid, is celebrated on February 1, marking the beginning of Spring.
The Bogha Bríde or Brigid's Day Cross is the symbol of the day. Traditionally, reeds or straw are collected from the fields and crafted into a cross. St. Brigid is Ireland’s first native saint, the most celebrated Irish female saint, and was the Abbess of one of the first convents in Ireland.
Read more
- The enduring traditions of St. Brigid's Day
St. Patrick's Day - Spring Equinox
The most well known and widely celebrated of all the Celtic traditional holidays. Photo source: Tourism Ireland.
Around the globe, Irish people and those of Irish descent celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17, which is one of Ireland's biggest holidays.
The special holiday is devoted to the patron saint of Ireland. The religious day is marked by a special mass for the feast and traditionally everyone wears green. This is considered the middle of the Spring season and is also referred to as the Spring Equinox.
Celebrate everything Irish this March with IrishCentral's global community.
May Day - Bealtaine
Celebrate May Day at Uisneach Fire Festival.
May Day, the 1st of May, is a Holy Day in Ireland that marks the start of the summer season.
Centuries ago, bonfires were lit to welcome the arrival of summer. In Ireland, depending on what day the holiday falls on, the feast is marked by a public holiday.
In towns around the country, May Day fairs are held where farmers and traders all gather in towns to sell their wares.
Read more
- Ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine begins May 1
Midsummer - Summer solstice
Summer Solstice at Hill of Tara.
The summer solstice is marked in parts of Ireland by bonfires on the side of the road. It is usually celebrated on June 23, the longest day of the year. In rural Ireland communities gather and for their local bonfire and celebrate the longest day of the year with song and dance.
Read more
- How to celebrate the Summer Solstice the Irish way
Lughnasa
In ancient times this sacred day marked the beginning of harvest on August 1. It honored the Celtic God of Lugh.
In Gaelic folklore, it was the time for hand-fastings or trial marriages that would last a year and a day, which could then be renewed. Many celebrate the holiday today with reunions, bonfires, and dancing.
Read more
- Lughnasa recipes, rituals, traditions and symbols for the ancient Celtic festival
Autumnal/Fall Equinox
Apple orchard in Armagh during the harvest. Image: Tourism Ireland.
Similar to the St. Patrick's Day festival, the Autumn/Fall Equinox celebrates when night and day are of equal duration and usually falls in the middle of Fall, around September 21.
The symbol of the sacred day is the cornucopia as all the harvest is collected and the stocks for winter is hoped to be plentiful.
Read more
- Welcoming the autumnal equinox at one of Ireland’s most magical ancient sites
Summer Solstice at Hill of Tara.
Emma lived her life in isolation until her death in 1927. Some believe that the curse of Lizzie Borden caused the fracture in their relationship and the subsequent estrangement. Lizzie Borden's curse also seemed to affect those who lived in her former home. After the murders, the house became a source of speculation and intrigue, with rumors of paranormal activity and hauntings. Owners of the house reported strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena. The house has since become a popular destination for ghost hunters and tourists alike, further perpetuating the curse of Lizzie Borden. The curse continued to haunt Lizzie even after her death in 1927. Many believe that her gravesite is cursed, with reports of strange occurrences and eerie phenomena. Visitors to her gravesite have reported feelings of unease and an overwhelming sense of dread. Some claim to have seen Lizzie's ghost wandering the cemetery grounds, perpetuating the belief in the curse. The curse of Lizzie Borden has become a part of American folklore, with countless books, movies, and documentaries delving into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murders and the subsequent curse. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the story of Lizzie Borden and the alleged curse that followed her serves as a chilling reminder of the power of human fascination with the macabre and the enduring impact of dark historical events. In conclusion, the curse of Lizzie Borden continues to captivate and mystify both believers and skeptics alike. While the truth behind the alleged curse may never be known, the story of Lizzie Borden and the dark cloud that seemed to follow her serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the power of tragedy and the human fascination with the unknown..
Reviews for "Lizzie Borden's Innocence: Reopening the Case"
1. John - 2 stars
"The Curse of Lizzie Borden was a disappointing film that failed to live up to its potential. The acting felt forced and lacking in chemistry, and the plot was predictable and cliché. The attempt at creating suspense fell flat, as the jump scares were poorly executed and failed to elicit any real fear in the audience. Overall, it was a forgettable horror film that left me feeling unsatisfied."
2. Sarah - 1 star
"I don't understand the hype around The Curse of Lizzie Borden. The story was poorly developed, with no real depth or originality. The characters were unlikable and their actions often felt unrealistic. The pacing was slow and it took too long for anything remotely interesting to happen. Additionally, the special effects were subpar and didn't add anything to the overall viewing experience. Save your time and money, this one's a dud."
3. Michelle - 2 stars
"I had high hopes for The Curse of Lizzie Borden, but unfortunately, it fell short. The plot had potential, but the execution was poor. The film relied too heavily on jump scares and failed to build any genuine suspense. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it difficult to invest in the characters' fates. The ending was also predictable and offered no real surprises. Overall, it was a mediocre horror film that failed to leave a lasting impression."
4. Michael - 2.5 stars
"The Curse of Lizzie Borden tried to be a chilling and atmospheric horror film, but ultimately missed the mark. The pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing plot developments. The scares felt cheap and relied heavily on loud noises and sudden movements, rather than genuine tension. The characters were poorly written and lacked depth, making it hard to empathize with their struggles. While the film had potential, it ultimately failed to deliver a truly terrifying experience."