superstitions of the elizabethan era

Superstitions of the Elizabethan Era

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Witches

7TH SON

BLACK CATS

KNOCK ON WOOD

works cited

• Elizabethan Superstitions, www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-superstitions.htm.
• Dhwty. “The Legendary Powers of a Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.” Ancient Origins, Ancient Origins, 3 Dec. 2019, www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/legendary-powers-seventh-son-seventh-son-002794.
• “Where Did Black Cats Get Their Bad Rep?” Ethos Veterinary Health, 7 Aug. 2019, www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/where-did-black-cats-get-their-bad-rep/.
• Syufy, Franny. “Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats.” The Spruce Pets, www.thesprucepets.com/black-cat-folklore-554444.
• Andrews, Evan. “Why Do People Knock on Wood for Luck?” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 29 Aug. 2016, www.history.com/news/why-do-people-knock-on-wood-for-luck#:~:text=One%20common%20explanation%20traces%20the,a%20stroke%20of%20good%20luck.

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Witches

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Witches and Witchcraft

During the intellectual era & the era of the Renaissance, the English persecution of Elizabethan era witches was introduced as a means of cleansing them from the world. Despite the mass public executions of witches, the belief in spiritual practices like witchcraft was actually sparked. Individuals most usually accused of being an Elizabethan witch tended to be old, poor, unprotected, single women or w-

-idows. At times, they kept pets, referred to as their "familiars." Witches were blamed for numerous things, including the Black Death. They were almost always faulted for anything unfortunate to happen to a population. Of the 270 Elizabethan witch trials, there were 247 women and 23 men executed. Superstitions that commonly followed witches were that they could fly using broomsticks as it was the most common household item for women to use, that witches' "familiars" were evil spirits they used to do malevolent deeds, and that witches brewed potions over cauldrons. If one were to be accused of witchcraft, the punishment in England was hanging. However, in France and Spain, the punishment was to be burned at the stake. Another less severe punishment for witches in England was pillory.

The Seventh Son of the Seventh Son

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Witches

7TH SON

BLACK CATS

KNOCK ON WOOD

• there is an ancient Argentinean belief that the seventh son will turn into "el lobison"-a werewolf.

The number seven has been a prevalent number in many cultures, often given magical or very spiritual properties. For example, in christianity God was said to have created the world in seven days. In Greek mythology, there were seven sisters called the Pleiades. Another example is the seven deadly sins. There is a European superstition that tells of a seventh son of a seventh son preceeded by six brothers having supernatual powers. Such a child was prophesised to be able to heal diseases. Irish folklore says this child would also be able to tell the future. The effects of this phenomenon are not always benign, however. In South American countries the child would be fated to transform into a werewolf. This tale, originating in Paraguay, says the god of death known as the "Luison" is responsible for the curse.

Black Cats

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Witches

7TH SON

BLACK CATS

KNOCK ON WOOD

In the Elizabethan era and the height of witch persecution in Europe, black cats were closely associated with witchcraft. It was said that witches could tr-

-ansform into black cats to lurk in the shadows and secretly cast spells on people. This superstition originated when a black cat was seen running into a house where a witch allegedly resided. People also thought witches sent their black cats out as spies because they roamed at night. Throughout the early 13th century and during thr salem witch trials, black cats were executed along with the witches who they belonged to.

Knock on Wood

Frequently, when people say they are glad something hasn't happened, they will knock on wood. This is an old Celtic superstition stemming from the belief that spirits and gods resided in trees. This superstition gained popularity during Europe's pagan days. Paganism took root in Europe pre-christianity and has been growing rapidly since the 1950s.

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Witches

7TH SON

BLACK CATS

KNOCK ON WOOD

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