The magic of ordinary things is often overlooked. We become so accustomed to the familiar that we forget to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day. But if we take a moment to stop and observe, we will discover that there is magic in even the most ordinary of things. For example, take a flower. On the surface, it may seem like just a simple plant. But when we look closer, we can see the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that make each flower unique.
The touch test worked on the idea that victims of sorcery would have a special reaction to physical contact with their evildoer. In cases where a possessed person fell into spells or fits, the suspected witch would be brought into the room and asked to lay a hand on them. A non-reaction signaled innocence, but if the victim came out of their fit, it was seen as proof that the suspect had placed them under a spell.
The brew failed to work, and Tituba s supposed knowledge of spells and folk remedies was later used as evidence against her when she was accused of being a witch. Medieval wisdom held that witches were incapable of speaking scripture aloud, so accused sorcerers were made to recite selections from the Bible usually the Lord s Prayer without making mistakes or omissions.
But when we look closer, we can see the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that make each flower unique. We can marvel at its delicate petals and the way it unfurls and grows towards the sun. And we can appreciate the sweet scent that fills the air when a flower is in bloom.
The Witch Trials That America Forgot
A 19th-century illustration of the founding of the colony of New Haven (in later Connecticut) by puritan preacher John Davenport, 1638.
ullstein bild / Getty Images October 31, 2016 10:00 AM EDTO wing to its brief but intense history as a place where people were accused of and punished for witchcraft, Salem, Mass.—a.k.a. “Witch City”—becomes a major venue for Halloween activity and anticipation each October. However, by the time Salem’s witch trials started in 1692, Connecticut—the only colonial American place other than Salem with a significant track record of witch trials and executions—was already winding down its half-century of persecution.
In 1647—five years after Connecticut made witchcraft a crime punishable by death—Hartford saw the first witch-related execution in colonial America when Alse Young was sent to the gallows. As no records of her trial survive, details of her case are sketchy. There is speculation that she was deemed responsible for an epidemic in a nearby community.
Life was typically bleak for these colonial settlers. When they weren’t busy contending with defiant natives, there was hunger, cold and the frequent fatal epidemic. Someone was to blame for all this. In the prevailing Puritan ethos, the presence of Satan was a daily reality, and he could appear in myriad ways, witchcraft among them. These colonials subscribed to a literal reading of Exodus 22:18, with its instruction that, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Those persons who didn’t conform—in lifestyle, appearance, or demeanor—to the rigid Puritan mores were at increased risk of being accused.
Between 1647 and 1697, about three dozen people (the exact number is disputed, as many court records have been lost) were charged with witchcraft in Connecticut. Eleven were executed, all by hanging. Nine of the 11 were women. The two men executed were hanged along with their wives. Of those who weren’t executed, some fled their community; others were banished.
Connecticut’s second executed witch, Mary Johnson, was sent to the gallows in 1648 after having been detained and tortured for years, according to ConnecticutHistory.org. Under duress, she admitted to “familiarity with the Devil” and “uncleanness with men and devils,” thereby providing the first recorded confession of witchcraft in the American colonies.
When Connecticut’s witch purges began, just a single witness was needed to mount a trial and conviction. If one had a vindictive enemy or someone who stood to gain financially from one’s downfall, then a witchcraft prosecution could result. It didn’t take much, except for a bit of imagination. Elizabeth Reis’ book Damned Women: Sinners and Witches in Puritan New England relates how one accused Connecticut woman allegedly bewitched her neighbor’s oxen and “caused beer to jump out of a barrel.” As ridiculous as these accusations now sound, the consequences could be deadly serious.
As would later be the case in Salem, women were disproportionately targeted and could even be blamed for a man’s misdeeds or recklessness. In one case, after a man accidentally shot and killed another man, Lydia Gilbert, of Windsor, Conn., was convicted and sentenced to death for causing the incident through her witchcraft.
Connecticut witch-hunting reached its peak in 1662 with the Hartford Witch Panic, which saw three witches executed within several weeks’ time. No witch-related executions took place after 1662, according to Connecticut’s Office of Legislative Research. By this time, testimony from multiple witnesses was required in order to obtain a witchcraft conviction. Also, authority figures, including Connecticut’s colonial governor John Winthrop the Younger had begun to question the value of the “evidence” in these witch trials, as well as the possible agendas of the witnesses.
In fact, many of the accused after 1662 were acquitted—and some were even awarded damages for having been slandered.
In 1668, Katharine Harrison, of Wethersfield, Conn., was found guilty of witchcraft. But the court refused to impose the death sentence, despite “the popular clamor for an execution,” as told by R.G. Tomlinson’s book Witchcraft Trials of Connecticut. By then, methods of interrogation that involved hot irons and boiling water were deemed “diabolical.”
In 1692 – the same year that the Salem witch trials began – Fairfield, Conn., saw an outbreak of witchcraft accusations. But none resulted in execution. Though witchcraft would technically remain a capital crime in Connecticut until the 18th century, the courts there were growing skeptical and weary of witchcraft trials. Too many of them, it seemed, were the result of personal feuds.
Even an unsolicited confession was no longer sufficient. When a Connecticut man, Hugh Crotia, claimed that he had made a pact with the Devil and practiced black magic against his fellow citizens, the court formally declared him an “Ignoramus” in 1693 and set him free, on the condition that he pay his jail expenses.
And yet, even as the Connecticut legal system entered a comparative age of enlightenment, Salem was descending into a lethal hysteria—20 witches executed in less than four months.
The records of Salem’s trials were better preserved, and the lethal intensity and degree of witch-hunting there was unmatched anywhere else in the New World. Plus, with the help of cultural touchstones like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and the vibrant Salem tourism industry, the Massachusetts city would remain synonymous with its witches—forever upstaging the more protracted witch trials of Connecticut.
More Must-Reads From TIME- The Families of Israelis Held Hostage By Hamas Speak Out
- A Photographer Captures Grief in Gaza
- Bed Bugs Aren't Just a Problem in Paris. Here's Why
- One Year Later, Where's the Adderall?
- For Many, India's Coal Damage Is Done
- The Human Toll of Poland’s Strict Abortion Laws
- The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at [email protected].
Or consider the magic of a sunrise or sunset. Every day, the sun rises and sets, and yet each one is different and breathtakingly beautiful. The colors fill the sky in a dazzling display, painting a picture that cannot be replicated. The way the light reflects off the clouds and casts a glow on the world below is nothing short of enchanting. Even something as simple as a cup of tea can hold magic. The warmth it brings on a cold day, the comforting aroma that fills the room, and the soothing feeling as we take a sip can all transport us to a place of relaxation and contentment. It becomes a moment of respite from the chaos of the world, a small act of self-care that can bring joy and peace. The magic of ordinary things is not limited to nature or everyday objects. It can also be found in the relationships we have with others. The laughter and shared moments with loved ones, the conversations that spark ideas and connection, and the support and comfort we receive can all create a sense of magic in our lives. These ordinary interactions and connections have the power to uplift and inspire us. In a world that often seems hectic and chaotic, it is easy to overlook the magic that exists in the ordinary. But if we open our eyes and our hearts, we can rediscover the awe and wonder that surrounds us. The magic of ordinary things is always there, waiting to be appreciated and treasured. All we have to do is take a moment to recognize it..
Reviews for "The Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Objects"
- Jane - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "The Magic of Ordinary Things" to be quite dull and uninteresting. The storyline lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. I expected a magical and enchanting read, but instead, it felt mundane and predictable. The writing style was also lackluster, failing to capture my attention or evoke any emotions. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book.
- Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - "The Magic of Ordinary Things" was a complete letdown. The concept seemed promising, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot meandered without purpose. I struggled to connect with the characters, none of whom had any interesting or unique qualities. The author's attempt at creating a magical world within everyday objects felt forced and unconvincing. I was left feeling bored and frustrated by the lackluster narrative.
- Emily - 3 out of 5 stars - "The Magic of Ordinary Things" had the potential to be a captivating story, but it ultimately fell short. While the writing was decent and the idea behind the book was intriguing, the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations. The pacing felt uneven, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to form a connection with them. Overall, it was an okay read, but nothing particularly memorable or engaging.