Salem Witch Trials
Throughout the seventeenth century, there were many trials due to suspicions of witchcraft . Many people accused others of witchcraft because of hatred, or the townspeople wanted to rid the town of the unfortunately accused. Other accusations would be because of strange behavior, such as blasphemous screaming, convulsive seizures, trance-like states and mysterious spells. Within a short time, several other Salem girls began to demonstrate similar behavior. The physicians could not determine any physical cause for the symptoms. They concluded that this dreadful influence was of Satan. To follow up these prosecutions, the town held trials. The Royal Governor, the prosecutors, the accused, and many prospectors would attend the trial . Several tests would be performed before the trial. Some of these are the floating test, a test where the midwives would check the "witch’ for any black marks on the body, and the Lord’s Prayer Test. During the sink or swim test, the suspect would be curled up in a non-breathable position with rocks tied to their ankles. If the victim sunk, it would obviously die, and the midwives would know it was not a witch, yet if the victim floated, there would be a trial held. After that test, an examination would be run. The midwives of the village would strip the accused of their clothing and examine them for any unusual marks. Grace Sherwood was tested for these marks, and the midwives found black marks in private areas of her body. The spots were pricked and did not bleed; therefore, it surely had to be a mark of the Devil. If all accusations were proved accurate at the trial, and the convicted witch denied the charges, then a last and final test would be run right there in front of the people. The Lord's Prayer. It would be said by the "witch," and if he/she stumbled or could not say it without shrieking, then there was only a matter of time before the hanging on Gallows Hill. This event in history contributed greatly towards prejudice now and then, and even in the future. Many people died through this event, and even many who were innocent. Now, all we can hope is that those wrongly convicted are in a happier place.