The Salem witch hysteria, which took place in 1784, is known as one of the darkest chapters in American history. During this time, a wave of hysteria spread throughout the town of Salem, Massachusetts, resulting in the execution of 20 people accused of practicing witchcraft. The hysteria began when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by witches and accused several women in the town of bewitching them. These accusations fueled a fire of fear and paranoia among the townspeople, leading to a wide-scale witch hunt. Most of the accused were women, particularly those who didn't conform to the standards of the Puritan society. These women were often seen as social outcasts, leading to their easy targeting as witches.
Click below to read all about it! Or pick up my book The Hour of Meeting Evil Spirits and keep it on your coffee table to wow all of your guests with your knowledge of mononoke and magic!
Inugami were treated like family members by inugami-mochi families, and most of the time would quickly run out to do their master s bidding any time their master wanted something. The head was then baked or dried and enshrined in a bowl, after which the spirit could be used as a kind of fetish by a wicked sorcerer, doing whatever he or she commanded for the rest of time.
These women were often seen as social outcasts, leading to their easy targeting as witches. However, some men and children were also accused, suggesting that no one was safe from the witch hunt. The accused were subjected to a series of trials, including examinations and interrogations.
A-Yokai-A-Day: Ichijama
We’ve spent a lot of “wizard week” looking at the tools of the trade—paper dolls, stray dolls, familiar spirits—as well as the main man himself, Abe no Seimei. Now that you know all about what Japan’s sorcerers use, it’s time we turned our attention towards the dark spells themselves! Today we’re going to look at a fun curse from Okinawa.
Before we do that, I should point out a few fun examples of black magic that has been featured on yokai.com during previous A-Yokai-A-Days: Kanashibari, or sleep paralysis which can be caused by ghosts, yokai, and nasty, jealous spellcasters. Inugami, the quintessential example of a shikigami. Tanuki tsuki and kitsune tsuki, or possession of humans by wild animals, often at the direction of an angry spellcaster. Hitobashira, the gruesome entombment of a living human as part of a ritual to protect a building. And of course ushi no koku mairi, or the shrine visit at the hour of the ox—the most terrifying curse of all!
Today’s curse is a little less well-known. It comes from Okinawa, which while part of Japan, retains a unique history and folklore all of its own. Ryukyu was invaded and vassalized by Japan—specifically the Shimazu clan—in 1609. Because onmyodo was developed in Japan hundreds of years prior and was so strongly connected to the imperial court, it didn’t really make its way to the island kingdom. However, Okinawa did develop its own set of spells, charms, and curses. And one of the nastiest of these curses was the ichijama.
Click below to read all about it! Or pick up my book The Hour of Meeting Evil Spirits and keep it on your coffee table to wow all of your guests with your knowledge of mononoke and magic!
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Behavior : Inugami have much in common with other familiars, such as shikigami and kitsune-tsuki. Inugami are more commonly used in areas where foxes are not found, such as major population centers. There is even evidence of an ancient tradition of Inugami worship stretching from Western Japan down to Okinawa. Powerful sorcerers were said to be able to create these spirits through monstrous ceremonies and use them to all sorts of nefarious deeds. Inugami serve their masters loyally, performing tasks just like a faithful dog. They are loyal to one person or one family only, and unless seriously mistreated they remain loyal forever; these spirits can be passed down from generation to generation like an heirloom.
One common practice during these trials was the "witch cake" test, where the accused's urine would be mixed with rye meal and fed to a dog. If the dog exhibited any signs of bewitchment, it was considered proof of the accused's guilt. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, many of those accused were found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. The trials were filled with mass hysteria and fueled by superstition and fear. It wasn't until prominent figures, such as Governor Sir William Phipps, intervened and put a stop to the trials that the hysteria finally subsided. The Salem witch hysteria of 1784 holds a significant place in American history as a cautionary tale of the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of unchecked fear. It serves as a reminder of the importance of rationality and justice in the face of societal turmoil..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Beliefs and Superstition in 1784 Salem: An Examination of the Cultural Climate"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Salem witch hysteria in 1784". As someone who has always been fascinated by the Salem witch trials, I expected a gripping and historically accurate account of the events. However, I found the book to be poorly researched and lacking in detail. The characters felt flat and uninspiring, and the plot was slow-moving and unconvincing. Overall, I did not find this book enjoyable or informative and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Salem witch hysteria in 1784" was a complete waste of my time. The writing style was dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, I found the author's portrayal of the characters to be shallow and unrealistic. The book seemed more concerned with shock value than with providing an accurate depiction of the historical events. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the Salem witch trials.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Salem witch hysteria in 1784", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The storytelling was disjointed and confusing, making it difficult to follow the plot. The historical accuracy was also questionable, with many significant events and details being glossed over or completely misrepresented. I would have loved to learn more about the individuals involved in the Salem witch trials, but the characters in this book felt one-dimensional and lacking in depth. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity and would not recommend it to others.