Elizabethan Superstitions

By: Etienne Thibault Russell Yu Period 2

Outline
Superstitions Background Origin of Superstitions Superstitions and Witches Witchcraft Superstitions Superstitions Macbeth Superstitions

Superstitions Background

Superstitions also dealt with chants, omens, names, and numbers. Elizabethans viewed the world as a delicate balance of good and evil spirits in the world.

Superstitions Background Cont.

The balance was suppose to go beyond the spiritual world and also have affects on the laws of the natural world. The Elizabethans believed that making things more attractive would also make them healthier. The beliefs are now called sympathetic magic.

Origin of Superstitions

Dates back to traditional times Took part of the beliefs of their conquerors Believed in magical properties of animals and of herbs Believed in magic

Origin of Superstitions Cont.

New superstition on witches Belief in close alignment of real and spiritual world Belief that factors not part of an event could affect its out come Superstitions spread from fear and ignorance

Superstitions and Witches

Some superstitions during the Elizabethan era came forth due to belief in witchcraft and witches. Women during the Elizabethan period were accused most of being witches. There were 270 witch trials of those trials 247 of the trials were women and only 23 were men.

Superstition and Witches Cont.

People blamed unexplainable things on witchcraft and witches like the bubonic plague. People who were accused of witchcraft were old, poor single, and wise women, and widows who kept pets or familiars Familiars are an evil spirit in the form of an animal that witches used to cast spells and conduct other witch-like things.

Witchcraft Superstitions

Witches were able to fly which explained how they could travel far distances quickly, a broomstick was then added to this because it is what women usually had around there household. A witch was also seen as a old women or ugly women (without any man to protect her against witch accusations made against her.)

Witchcraft Superstitions Cont.

Witches were also believed to live alone in an isolated area like a house in the woods. Witches were known to keep animals that were there familiars. Animals such as cats, frogs, pigs, ravens, goats, wolves, goose, crows, bats, and mice. Witches also created magic potions over a cauldron.

Superstitions

Saying "God Bless You" following a sneeze Elizabethans believed that the devil could enter your body when you opened your mouth to sneeze - the blessing warded off the Devil An eclipse was seen as an omen of evil

Superstitions Cont.

It was unlucky for a black cat to cross your path ( Black is the color associated with evil magic and a cat was strongly associated with a witch's familiar The 'seventh son of a seventh son' was believed to possess supernatural powers

Superstitions Cont.

It was unlucky to keep the feather of a peacock ( the eye-shape on the feathers of peacocks were seen as the 'Evileye') Pin bay leaves to your pillow on the Eve of St Valentine, one at each corner and one in the middle and you will then dream of your future husband

Superstitions Cont.

Touch wood to guard against bad luck. This Celtic superstition dates back to the Dark Ages when it was believed that a tree possessed magical powers Not to walk under ladders - considered bad luck as ladders are associated with the gallows and executions

Superstitions Cont.

Shoes on a table - If you put shoes on a table it was very bad luck inviting an imminent death Spilling Salt or pepper Seen as bad luck - the cost of these spices were extremely expensive during the Elizabethan era

Macbeth Superstitions

The superstition is that any acting company who performs the play will be cursed with bad luck. Also if there is any quoting of the play or just the name Macbeth being said anywhere in the theatre will lose a person acquainted with the stage nearly all his or her theatrical friends. Belief in witches was common in Shakespeare's time. Witches were major characters in Macbeth

Macbeth Superstitions Cont.

This Superstition began in the old days where stock companies knowing that they werent going to break even decided to put on a crowd favorite; Macbeth. Macbeth often marked the end of the company and would frequently foreshadow a companys end. The fear of Macbeth was a fear of bad business or putting a whole company unemployed.

Bibliography

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Bibliography Cont.

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Bibliography Cont.

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