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Here’s a bit of dark Easter folklore for your #FolkloreThursday 🐣
Easter time—the dark period between Christ’s death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday—was considered particularly vulnerable to evil.
Here’s a bit of dark Easter folklore for your #FolkloreThursday 🐣
Easter time—the dark period between Christ’s death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday—was considered particularly vulnerable to evil.
It was once believed that on Maundy Thursday in Sweden, witches would come out of hiding and fly stolen brooms or livestock, landing on rooftops and causing all sorts of trouble for the villagers.
The idea of witches riding brooms or beasts during this time originated with beliefs about an early Norse fertility goddess, Freyja, who was thought to ride a chariot pulled by giant cats 
It is believed by some that Swedish clergy stoked fears about skipping Maundy Thursday services with tales of witches on their way to celebrate to celebrate the Witches’ Sabbath, called Blåkulla.
Children began telling stories about being kidnapped by witches and taken to the Devil’s house, who, according to the kids, hosted an impressive feast, demonstrated his harp playing skills, and had “very lovely and delicate Beds.” 🛏
Much like Salem, this had tragic consequences with the horrific executions of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft.
(Image of memorial stone of the Torsåker witch trials from 1675)
(Image of memorial stone of the Torsåker witch trials from 1675)
Throughout the years the Easter Witch has been re-branded. She now brings good fortune to a household by landing on the roof, and leaves a copper pot of coffee behind ☕️
(Images/source: collectorsweekly.com/articles/happy…)
(Images/source: collectorsweekly.com/articles/happy…)
