In certain cultures and historical periods, the practice of witch immolation attire was prevalent. This attire was specifically designed to be worn by individuals accused of practicing witchcraft before they were burned at the stake as punishment. The purpose of these garments was not only to ensure the physical suffering of the accused but also to serve as a visual representation of their alleged crimes and to incite fear in the minds of the general population. Witch immolation attire often incorporated elements that were believed to be associated with witchcraft, such as pointed hats, dark colors, and symbols of the occult. The clothing itself was usually made from coarse and uncomfortable materials, further adding to the discomfort endured by the accused. The wearing of witch immolation attire served to dehumanize those accused of witchcraft, making them appear more like mythical creatures or embodiments of evil.
An ordinary hand-plucked five-string instrument, bought off a street vendor. The instrument is about as long as Agnimitra's arm. It has a wide base and a thin neck, with a sound hole placed right at the top of the body. It's not exactly a formidable weapon. but the wood it's made of is solid enough that a person could swing it by the neck and it'd work as a makeshift club in a pinch.
PROPERTY INHERITANCE When a man dies, his wife rarely inherits his property, except in some states like West Bengal and Kerala, which have matriarchal set-ups. It focuses upon applying and manipulating poisons to bypass the defenses of agile but physically delicate foes by primarily targeting Physical Resistance instead of Evasion.
The wearing of witch immolation attire served to dehumanize those accused of witchcraft, making them appear more like mythical creatures or embodiments of evil. By donning these garments, the accused were not only subjected to physical pain but also to public humiliation and ostracism. The practice of witch immolation attire was particularly prevalent during the Witch Hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe and colonial America.
Factbox: Smashed bangles and no red sarees, India's widows face colourless life
A widow, who was abandoned by her family, holds an earthen oil lamp while offering prayers on the banks of the river Yamuna as part of Diwali celebrations organised by non-governmental organisation Sulabh International in Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh October 21, 2014. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood/Files
MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - India has the greatest number of widows in the world, but many face abuse, violence, property theft and even enslavement, according to rights campaigners.
The government is expected to offer better protection for the country’s more than 46 million widows in a new policy for women’s empowerment. Ahead of International Widows’ Day on Thursday, here are some facts about widows in India.
*RITUALS: The red sindoor on her forehead and in the parting of her hair, one of the signs of marriage, is wiped clean. In some cases, all her jewellery is removed and her glass bangles are smashed. Other traditions that are becoming less common include shaving the widow’s head and giving her a ritual bath, after which she may be forbidden from wearing colourful sarees, and only allowed to wear white or pale colours.
*DIET: In some communities, widows are made to go on a bland diet devoid of onions, garlic and meat which are believed to excite desire. Sweet food may also be forbidden.
*REMARRIAGE: Widow remarriage was traditionally frowned upon and is still rare in rural areas, even though there are no laws against it.
*SUPERSTITION: Widows are generally considered inauspicious and aren’t allowed to participate in festivals, weddings or other celebratory social occasions.
*STIGMA: Widows sometimes get branded as witches, especially if their husband died young or suddenly. Scores of single and widowed women are killed every year in states including Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa after being branded as witches. Some states have introduced legislation against witch-hunting.
*PROPERTY INHERITANCE: When a man dies, his wife rarely inherits his property, except in some states like West Bengal and Kerala, which have matriarchal set-ups. Many widows are even cast out of the home and forced to live in an outhouse. In some cases, widows are sent to their parents’ house.
*SATI: In the past, widows would jump into their husbands’ funeral pyres. Some did this voluntarily but others were forced. Sati was banned by the British as early as 1829, but the practice continued in some states. A new law was passed in 1988 to criminalise the aiding or glorification of sati after the immolation of Roop Kanwar, an 18-year-old bride, in Rajasthan state.
- Apps
- Newsletters
- Advertise with Us
- Advertising Guidelines
- Cookies
- Terms of Use
- Privacy
- Do Not Sell My Personal Information
During this time, thousands of individuals, primarily women, were accused of witchcraft and faced brutal punishments, including burning at the stake. The wearing of specialized attire was an integral part of these trials and executions, designed to further demonize and vilify the accused. Today, the concept of witch immolation attire is not widely discussed or remembered, as it represents a dark and violent period in history. However, it serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, misinformation, and the persecution of innocent individuals based on unfounded accusations. It is crucial to remember and learn from such historical events to ensure that similar atrocities are not repeated in the future..
Reviews for "Witch Hunts and Immolation Attire: Understanding Persecution and Purgation"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Witch Immolation Attire. The outfit looked great in the pictures, but when I received it, the quality was very poor. The material was cheap and the stitching was already coming undone in some places. Additionally, the fit was completely off. It was too tight in some areas and too loose in others. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this product.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - The Witch Immolation Attire was a complete waste of money. The design looked promising, but when I tried it on, it was extremely uncomfortable. The fabric was scratchy and the seams were irritable against my skin. It also didn't fit well at all. The length was too long, and the waist area was too small, making it impossible to wear for an extended period of time. Save your money and avoid this product.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I bought the Witch Immolation Attire hoping to use it for a costume party, but unfortunately, it was a huge disappointment. The overall design was nice, but the execution was poor. The outfit was poorly made, with loose threads and uneven hems. The sizing was also inconsistent, with the top being too small while the bottoms were too big. I ended up having to make a lot of alterations just to make it wearable. Not worth the price.