Joanna Rickert-Hall

#OTD April 2, 1976, Linnda Caporael published “Ergotism: The Satan Loosed in Salem?" in Science, suggesting ergotism might explain the behavior of the afflicted in Salem in 1692. Experts thoroughly dismiss the theory but it remains popular to this day due to its regular appearance in popular media.

Debunking the "Moldy Bread" Theory - Salem Witch Museum Many today are aware of the theory that moldy bread caused the strange behavior that triggered the witchcraft panic in Salem in 1692. Known as the “ergot theory” this idea...

Did eating moldy bread cause the #SalemWitchTrials? According to #historians, the answer is a definitive NO! But why then has this remained such a pervasive myth in popular culture? Check out our blog to learn more about the long and frustrating endurance of this debunked theory.

#history #witch

Always!!!!

I know that ❤️ and again I say- sane people know that.

I don’t want anyone hurt

I’m here if you need to reach out.

I am so very sorry. I see it on both sides and hate is never the way to go. I cut off and blocked people who sent me ‘cartoons’. Not funny. I will not feed a hate machine. Please know that sane Cdn people value the same things you do- compassion, care and respect.

Good heavens-what happened?

Totally agreed

Always better to be cautious

I haven’t been to one in years but they are still pretty common here

I will say also that people still mask in congregate settings here, too. Public transportation, grocery stores, etc. even the cashiers, too 😉

Lol I hear you although a lot of people still do that here (not the smoking) but many also wear masks so I guess there’s that 🥴.

I remember playing it as a kid but not where. It definitely was at a church basement setting but not ‘our’ church. Maybe one of my mom’s Catholic friend’s church? It was fun I agree

No bingo at the church I grew up with (mom was prez of the Ladies’ Committee- quilts, dinners, funerals, weddings and world relief stuff, etc). Bingo at Catholic Churches

Everything helps! ❤️🙌

The churches (and other organizations) here actually serve pancake suppers.

Raised Lutheran but some of the churches did ashes on Ash Wednesday (tomorrow). Mardi Gras- Fat Tuesday (use up all the fat before Lent) or Shrove Tuesday. My family observed Shrove Tuesday and Lent. Nowadays it’s about Spring Equinox for me 😉

In Shropshire's rural communities, the first of March was seen as the day that the devil would move house to house, shaking out his big bag of fleas. His goal was to spread discomfort and strife. The best way to prevent an infestation was to shut the windows and doors.

#Shropshire #Folklore

Pubs as folk museums. In our book "Building Magic" @cerihoulbrook.bsky.social & I, explored the history of pubs as the repositories of unusual folkloric objects (particularly mummified cats). Here's a copy of the section - enjoy! (pt1)

pt 2

SALEM WITCH TRIALS CHRONOLOGY - Salem Witch Museum January 1692- Reverend Samuel Parris of Salem Village’s daughter, 9-year-old Elizabeth “Betty” Parris, falls ill, soon followed by his 11-year-old niece, Abigail Williams. Mid-February- After a month ...

On this day, March 1, 1692 the first 3 women accused of Witchcraft in Salem are examined by trial judges. salemwitchmuseum.com/salem-witch-...

It’s always the little stomp with her sock foot that gets me lol

So true lol

Cool idea 🩵

lol of course!!

Apparently. Yikes. At least with textiles you can put them in the freezer for a bit to kill off cocoons/pupae.

Wow that’s brutal!

Damn right! Nothing to see here hooman

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