Witch birthmarks, also known as occult birthmarks or witch's marks, are traditionally believed to be markings on a person's body that indicate their association with witchcraft or the occult. These birthmarks were historically associated with witch trials and the persecution of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. In many cultures, birthmarks were seen as a physical manifestation of a person's connection to supernatural forces or abilities. Witch birthmarks were often thought to be a sign of a person's pact with the devil or their involvement in arcane practices. The shape, location, and color of the birthmark were believed to hold clues about a person's magical abilities or their role within a coven. Witch birthmarks could take various forms, including moles, freckles, or patches of discolored skin.
5 Interesting Myths About Birthmarks You Didn't Know
We know that some birthmarks are formed at birth, some develop birthmarks only after birth. Some start small and grow big, while some disappear after some time.
We also know that birthmarks can be effectively removed via medical treatments, as explained by Dr Loo last week here: Patient Mailbox: How to Remove a Birthmark on the Face
But did you know that in many cultures, birthmarks have interesting myths tied to them? Some patients in the clinic also shared their stories and what they have heard about birthmarks with us, and many of these stories are really interesting indeed.
Dr Loo Keng Shien is a Consultant Aesthetic Physician with a special interest in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. She has highly certified qualifications from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, and in Practical Dermatology from Cardiff University. She currently practices at Peter Ch'ng Clinic Skin & Laser Specialist in Desa Park City.
Witch birthmarks could take various forms, including moles, freckles, or patches of discolored skin. Some common types of witch birthmarks included crescent shapes, pentagrams, or other geometric patterns. These marks were often seen as indicators of a person's innate powers or the source of their magical abilities.
1. Food and birthmarks
This is one of the more common birthmark myth, that birthmarks on babies during birth are a reflection of either their mothers' food consumption or food craving when pregnant.
"If you eat many strawberries during your pregnancy, your baby may be born with a strawberry mark." - infantile haemangioma birthmark myth
These are said to be reflected in the shape and colour of the birthmark. For example, an infantile haemangioma, which is a bright red lump made up of a group of blood vessels that grow together, is often said to be a reflection of the baby's mother eating strawberries during pregnancy.
Likewise, port wine stain birthmarks are said to be a reflection of wine and grape consumption, while cafe au lait birthmarks reflect coffee or chocolate consumption.
Some also say that the part of body where the mother scratches while craving for a food will be where the birthmark of her baby be!
During the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, witch birthmarks played a significant role in identifying individuals as witches. Accused individuals would be examined for any unusual birthmarks, which were seen as proof of their involvement in witchcraft. This examination often involved invasive and painful methods, such as pricking or branding the birthmark to see if it was insensitive to pain. However, it is important to note that the belief in witch birthmarks as a sign of witchcraft or the occult is purely based on superstition and has no scientific basis. Birthmarks are a common occurrence and are typically caused by an excess of pigment in the skin or blood vessels close to the surface. They have no relation to a person's character, abilities, or any involvement in witchcraft. In modern times, the belief in witch birthmarks has largely faded away, and birthmarks are seen as natural variations in a person's skin rather than indicators of supernatural or magical connections. Although the historical association between witchcraft and birthmarks may be intriguing from a cultural or historical perspective, it is important to recognize that such beliefs are rooted in ignorance, prejudice, and the fear of the unknown..
Reviews for "The power and symbolism of witch birthmarks"
1. John - 2 stars:
I was really looking forward to reading "Witch Birthmarks" as I am a fan of fantasy novels. However, I found it to be quite disappointing. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, leaving me bored and uninterested. The writing style was also inconsistent, making it challenging to follow the story at times. Overall, I would not recommend "Witch Birthmarks" to others.
2. Sarah - 2.5 stars:
I was intrigued by the concept of "Witch Birthmarks" but ultimately felt let down by the execution. The pacing was slow, and I found it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, I felt that the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters were also underdeveloped, and their motivations often felt forced. While I appreciate the author's attempt at creating a unique magical world, the end result fell short for me.
3. David - 1 star:
" Witch Birthmarks" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was amateurish, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. The dialogue was stiff and unconvincing, making the interactions between characters feel forced and unnatural. The plot was poorly executed, and the twists and turns felt contrived. I was left feeling disappointed and frustrated. I would strongly advise against reading "Witch Birthmarks" if you're looking for a well-written and engaging fantasy novel.