Pennsylvania German witchcraft refers to the folk beliefs and practices associated with witchcraft among the Pennsylvania German community in the early colonial period of Pennsylvania. This community, also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, consisted of German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries. Witchcraft was seen as a real and tangible threat to the Pennsylvania German community, and they believed in the existence of witches who could cause harm to their neighbors and livestock. The belief in witchcraft was deeply rooted in the religious and cultural background of the Pennsylvania German community, which was predominantly Protestant and believed in the supernatural. Pennsylvania German witchcraft was characterized by a variety of practices and beliefs. One common belief was the idea that witches could shape-shift into animals and were often believed to take the form of cats, dogs, or birds.
And while Salem is the poster child for hysteria, what happened in Pennsylvania offers a different view.
Her research has led her to the conclusion that people at the margins of society were often the scapegoat for those in the inner ring of power, especially during times of deep division, fear, and crisis. They, along with other speakers, have ensured through their traditional lifestyles, and minimal contact with the outside world the survival of this unique language for centuries.
One common belief was the idea that witches could shape-shift into animals and were often believed to take the form of cats, dogs, or birds. This belief extended to the concept of "familiars," animal companions that aided witches in their malevolent deeds. Protective measures against witchcraft were also prevalent in the Pennsylvania German community.
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.
Unlike the colony of Pennsylvania, which was established as a safe place for Quakers, the scene in colonial Massachusetts was much different. The villagers in Salem were in constant conflict with the Puritan minister. Land between Crum and Ridley Creeks along the Delaware River, once believed to be home to the witch of Delco, is now a thriving industrial area. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Common practices included the use of charms and talismans, such as "hex signs" that were painted on barns or hung in houses to ward off evil spirits. These hex signs often featured intricate patterns and symbols, believed to have protective powers against witches. Another common practice was "powwowing," a form of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania German community. Powwowing involved the use of prayers, spells, and folk remedies to heal ailments and counteract the harmful effects of witchcraft. Powwowers, also known as brauchers, were individuals believed to possess supernatural abilities and were sought out for their healing powers. The fear of witchcraft in the Pennsylvania German community was so strong that witch trials occurred in the early colonial period. One notable case was the trial of the Hex Hollow witch, which took place in the late 1920s. This trial involved the accusation and subsequent conviction of Nelson Rehmeyer, a powwower who was accused of using witchcraft against his neighbors. The trial highlighted the enduring belief in witchcraft and its impact on the Pennsylvania German community. Today, Pennsylvania German witchcraft continues to be of historical and cultural importance. The practices and beliefs associated with Pennsylvania German witchcraft have been preserved and celebrated as part of the community's folklore and heritage. Hex signs and other symbols of protection against witchcraft have become iconic representations of Pennsylvania German culture and are often seen in art, crafts, and decorations. In conclusion, Pennsylvania German witchcraft was a significant aspect of the early colonial period in Pennsylvania. The belief in witches and the practices associated with protecting oneself against witchcraft were deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of the Pennsylvania German community. Today, this legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered as part of the community's unique folklore and heritage..
Reviews for "Hexerei Powwow: Examining the Rituals and Incantations of Pennsylvania German Witches"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft" to be confusing and hard to follow. The author jumped from one topic to another without providing any clear transitions. The book lacked a cohesive structure, making it difficult to comprehend the information being presented. Additionally, I felt that the author relied too heavily on speculation and personal anecdotes, rather than providing solid evidence or research. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a well-researched and organized exploration of the subject.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing style was dry and dull, making it hard to stay engaged with the material. The author's arguments and claims were often unsupported and lacked any substantial evidence. It felt like reading someone's random thoughts and opinions, rather than an authoritative examination of the topic. I was left with more questions than answers and felt unsatisfied after finishing the book. If you're looking for a comprehensive and well-written exploration of Pennsylvania German witchcraft, look elsewhere.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked depth and failed to provide a thorough exploration of the subject matter. The author seemed more interested in sharing personal anecdotes and opinions rather than delving into the historical and cultural aspects of Pennsylvania German witchcraft. I was left wanting more substantial information and analysis. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
4. Robert - 1 star - I found "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft" to be a frustrating read. The author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to understand. The book lacked clear explanations and often used jargon without providing proper definitions. It felt as though the author assumed the reader was already familiar with the topic, leaving me feeling lost and confused. Additionally, the lack of visual aids or illustrations made it challenging to visualize the concepts being presented. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to those looking for an accessible and clear exploration of Pennsylvania German witchcraft.
5. Jessica - 2 stars - I was expecting "Pennsylvania German Witchcraft" to provide a comprehensive look into the history and practices of Pennsylvania German witchcraft, but unfortunately, it fell short. The book lacked depth and failed to provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic. The author seemed to focus more on personal experiences and anecdotes rather than providing readers with a solid foundation of knowledge. Additionally, the writing style was dry and difficult to engage with, making it hard to stay interested throughout. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others seeking a thorough exploration of Pennsylvania German witchcraft.