Wiccan Holiday for Easter: Easter is an important holiday in the Wiccan tradition. It is a time when practitioners celebrate the arrival of spring and the rebirth of the natural world. In Wicca, this holiday is known as Ostara, which is named after an ancient Germanic goddess of spring. Ostara marks the vernal equinox, when day and night are equal in length. It is a time of balance, where light starts to overcome darkness. Wiccans believe that Ostara is a time of fertility, growth, and renewal.
Revisiting the Sites of the Salem Witch Trials
Salem’s “Witch House” with actors dressed in Puritan clothing for colonial reenactments, 1949.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Written By: Alexa Jade Frankelis
LIFE Photographer Nina Leen’s wide breadth of work ranged from fashion to documentary to animal portraiture. With an expansive portfolio, it comes as no surprise that she did not shy away from the macabre. For example, Leen had some of this work featured in a spread for an October 1957 issue of LIFE that covered America’s most famous ghost stories.
Years before her ghostly 1957 series—and over 250 years after the Salem Witch-trials of 1692—Leen visited Salem, Massachusetts to reexamine the horrific events in Salem. For the September 26, 1949 LIFE issue, Leen and the author Marion L. Starkey visited historic sites where the witch trials took place. They followed the narrative of Starkey’s new book at the time, The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials.
Author, Marion L. Starkey, holding a cat, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
Tree at the top of Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
In her book, Starkey recounts the trials from a modern psychological perspective, coming to the conclusion that “boredom, drudgery, and fear of Hell” among the teenage accusers were to blame for the nineteen executions that resulted from the trials.
Leen and Starkey particularly followed the story of the seventy-one year old victim, Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged at Gallows Hill with four others on July 19, 1692. In the above image, Leen captures the ominous tree, protruding from the landscape on a gray New England day. In the 1940s, this is where historians believed the executions took place. More recent research has determined that the hangings actually took place at Proctor’s Ledge, which is located between modern-day Proctor Street and Pope Street in Salem, Massachusetts.
Salem’s “Witch House” with actors dressed in Puritan clothing for colonial reenactments, 1949.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Descendant of witchcraft accuser Ann Putnam, holding a flower, 1949. Putnam was Nurse’s original accuser. She later recounted her accusations against Nurse in 1706.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Sewing pins that were used as “evidence” in Nurse’s trial. During the witch-trials, it was reported that they were used by “witches” to torture their victims.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Another victim of the witch trials was Tituba, an enslaved woman that worked for the Reverend Samuel Parris’ household. The image below is a sign that marks the site of “…where the young girls congregated to hear weird stories told by Tituba The West Indian Servant”.
Plaque establishing the site of the Reverend Samuel Parris’ home.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
Blurred exposure of a woman sitting by the window, 1949.
(Photo by Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)
The grave site of John Hathorne, 1949. Hathorne was the magistrate of Salem in the 1600s and a leading judge in the witch-trails.
(Nina Leen/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)
Salem witch photos
Join Christian Day, Brian Cain, and the Witches of Salem with guests Dragon Ritual Drummers as Witches and mortals alike gather from around the globe for a night of magic, music, powerful rituals, and prizes at the world’s most magical Halloween party! Join us as in days of old when fires burned on every hilltop and Witches gathered to feast, rejoice, and cast spells for the new year!!
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Wiccans believe that Ostara is a time of fertility, growth, and renewal. Just like nature awakens from its winter slumber, Wiccans also seek to bring new life to their spiritual practices during this holiday. During Ostara, Wiccans perform rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing season.
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The chill winds of Autumn whisper to Witches and welcome strangers alike who journey to Salem from around the globe to summon the spirits at Halloween. From time out of mind, Witches have used this sacred holiday to honor the dead, divine hidden secrets, and celebrate magic!
This may include lighting candles, decorating eggs, and feasting on foods associated with spring. Many Wiccans also engage in outdoor activities, such as gardening or taking walks in nature, to connect with the energy of the season. One common symbol of Ostara is the egg. It represents the potential for new beginnings and the cycle of life. Wiccans often dye eggs in vibrant colors and use them in rituals and spells. The egg is seen as a powerful talisman that holds the energy of rebirth and transformation. Another significant symbol is the hare or rabbit. These animals are associated with fertility and abundance. Wiccans may include images of hares or rabbits in their rituals and decorate their altars with figures or artwork depicting these animals. Overall, Ostara is a joyful and celebratory holiday for Wiccans. It is a time to welcome the spring season and embrace the new possibilities it brings. By honoring the cycles of nature, Wiccans strive to deepen their spiritual connection and bring balance and harmony into their lives..
Reviews for "Understanding the Wiccan Wheel of the Year: Easter as a Gateway to Summer"
1. John - 1/5 rating - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan holiday for Easter". I went into it with an open mind, hoping to learn more about Wiccan beliefs and traditions. However, the film lacked depth and failed to provide any substantial information. The acting was also subpar, with wooden performances that made it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, I found the film to be shallow and unengaging, and it did not meet my expectations at all.
2. Sarah - 2/5 rating - "Wiccan holiday for Easter" fell short for me. While I appreciate the attempt to shed light on different religious traditions, the film seemed to lack focus. The storyline was confusing and often felt disjointed, making it hard to follow and stay engaged. Additionally, the production value was not up to par, with noticeable technical flaws and poor editing. I respect the effort put into making this film, but unfortunately, it failed to capture my attention and interest.
3. David - 2/5 rating - I was really hoping to enjoy "Wiccan holiday for Easter", but it simply didn't resonate with me. The pacing was slow, and the script felt amateurish. The characters lacked depth, and their motivations were unclear, making it hard to empathize with them. Furthermore, the film lacked a clear message or takeaway, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, it had potential but failed to deliver an engaging and cohesive story.