Witchcraft & Superstition BY: Celine, Christine, Florence, Joshua

task Research on: Witchcraft and popular superstition in the Elizabethan / Stuart England

Introduction Elizabethans have several beliefs in superstitions. Some of these superstitions include beliefs in witches, ghosts, destiny, and the foretelling of the future.

Why did Shakespeare write “Macbeth”? The play was written by Shakespeare for the king at the time, since he was a big believer of witches and the supernatural.

What is Witchcraft? What is Superstition? A person, especially women, who uses magic to do things. What is Superstition? A belief or action that is not based on a reason or evidence. E.G. people believe that “it is unlucky to walk under a ladder”.

Superstition -1 It is considered as bad luck if you mention “MACBETH” by name inside a theatre. So people call the play “Macbee” or “The Scottish Play” Also, people call the “Macbeth" characters “Mr. and Mrs. M” or “The Scottish King (Queen)”.

Superstition-2 An eclipse was seen as an omen of evil. Saying “God bless you” following a sneeze (Elizabethans believed that the devil could enter your body when you open your mouth to sneeze) the blessing warded the devil. An eclipse was seen as an omen of evil. It was unlucky for a black cat to cross your path (black is the colour associated with evil magic and a cat was strongly associated with a witch’s familiar.)

Why do people believe in evil? The origins of many superstitions are based on trust in magic or chance. Ignorance & fear of the unknown resulted in the Elizabethan superstitions and force of nature or god resulted in the belief of superstitions during this era. When something was not explainable, they would relate that problem to supernatural.

Witchcraft - Witches Old people Groups of three Dirty broken clothes They are seen as worse than rebels, “the most notorious traitor”. They are not just political traitors, but spirituals as well. They serve demons, for they are summoned by the devil and predict apparitions Have many animals (cat, owls, toads) The animals are possessed by evil spirits

Who were Considered Witches? Women who made herbal remedies Midwives Those who owned black cats Targets of witchcraft accusations were: * Old * Poor * Unprotected * Widows * Unmarried * Wise Women

What happened to women who were accused to be witches? It inspired violent behavior Those accused had to succumb to trial by drowning If she drowned, she was falsely accused; if she survived, she was a witch & had to be killed Another way was to tie them to stake and burn them alive 16000 women were killed during this time It was called ‘Burning Times’ in Europe Torture was often used to gain a confession from the accused

Facts During the period, witches were believed to have been in a pact with Satan and were capable of inflicting harm upon their enemies. A witch would also have a mark that identified her as a witch e.g. 3rd nipples & tails were a popular choice. Witches also had familiars, an animal of some kind which could be Satan in animal form These procedures were used to undermine the independence of women.

In the play, Macbeth, superstitions are put into the play with: Ghosts: 1.) Banquo’s ghosts with the Kings 2.) A ghost might’ve even possessed Lady Macbeth when she went crazy and seen blood on her hands. Witches: Three which they led Macbeth to his death The devil: The Devil possessed the Witches Apparitions: The foretelling of Macbeth’s future Destiny: The future told by the witches but not entirely true

Reference http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=17239 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbeth#Witchcraft_and_evil http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/schools/springfield/eliz/shaktragedies.html http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/Defymcbeth/Super2.html http://www.slashdoc.com/documents/76422