One of the most memorable events in history; The Salem Witch Trials lasted from June of 1692 to May of 1693. The fact that witches are perceived as “bad” may very well have started during these gruesome trials. It’s unclear as to how these trials started in the first place, though there are some leading events that led up to it such as a recent smallpox epidemic and the threat of attack from Native Americans. Although nobody knows the exact cause of the mass hysteria involving witches, we can take a look at what exactly went down during the late 1600s.

The witchcraft hysteria began around the time when two young girls, Elizabeth Parris (age 9) and Abigail Williams (age 11), began having unexpected fits in January of 1692. Elizabeth and Abigail claimed to have been possessed by dark magic and accused a Native American slave, Tituba, of having cursed them. She confessed to having practiced dark magic. It didn’t stop there, however. Tituba accused two other women of being witches: Sarah Goode and Sarah Osborne. The slave told stories of rituals and animal familiars (Spirit guides often taking the form of dogs, cats, birds, toads, etc.) which only led to more suspicions. 

These accusations led to nine executions. Those nine included Bridget Bishop (age 60), Rebecca Nurse (age 71), Sarah Goode (age 46), Elizabeth Howe (late 50s), Susannah Martin (age 70), Sarah Wildes (age 65), George Burroughs (early 40s), George Jacobs Sr. (early 70s), and Martha Carrier (age 38). Some of these accusations were wild. A young girl had claimed that her neighbor’s dog tried to bewitch her. This was because of the fact that dogs were associated with the devil. The girl accused the dog because it “looked at her weird.” Once killed, she began experiencing doubt that the dog hadn’t done anything wrong.

Children were even imprisoned for experiencing “strange behavior.” These behaviors could involve sicknesses. Some children even got into fortune telling, which was very suspicious in the eyes of the villagers. Because everyone was hysterical, they didn’t stop to see reason and they threw most of these people behind bars for nothing. Dorothy Good (age 4) was the youngest person imprisoned in jail. She was never executed, but her trauma was so bad that she experienced mental health issues for the rest of her life. Many other children were imprisoned just by association. Thomas and Sarah Carrier (ages 10 & 7) were children of Martha Carrier, who was one of the executed. Abigail Johnson’s (age 11) mother and sister were accused and confessed. Margaret Toothaker (age 10), cousin of Sarah and Thomas, had an older sister that was accused. Dorothy and Abigail Faulkner (ages 10 & 8) were cousins of Abigail Johnson, while their mother was accused and confessed. Johanna Tyler (age 11) had a mother that confessed as well. So it is clear, by these children, that people were thrown in prison just because they were related to people who were accused. During these trials, many people confessed out of fear, thinking that maybe it would be easier to give them what they wanted.

So what makes someone a witch? Well, during the Salem Witch Trials, there were many aspects that would make someone a witch. The first of which was the fact that the accused had materials in their homes that were used for spells, such as specific herbs. The second was if the accused were female, the judges would search their bodies for the “witch’s mark”. Even having greater-than-average strength could make someone a witch. If the accused had had prior conflicts or have participated in bad acts, this could mean they were practicing dark magic. The final way to tell if someone was a witch was if the afflicted girls, Elizabeth and Abigail, were to touch the accused they would become calm, meaning that this person was a witch.

Torture was a very common way of getting people to confess. This would even cause people to blurt out names of other people they thought could be witches, which led to more torment and pain. The 19 victims were hanged at Proctor’s Ledge at the base of Gallows Hill. There’s a memorial dedicated to all 19 people where it all happened. There’s even a memorial made by Maggie Smith and James Cutler to remember all those who have been accused.

Witches are one of many beliefs and superstitions. The diversity of Apex High School allows for many different beliefs, whether it’s religious or superstitious. Aside from witches, some people believe in the unlucky number 13, four leaf clovers bringing luck, opening an umbrella inside bringing bad luck, and even knocking on wood to ward off bad luck. Ask a friend. Maybe someone has a belief that’s totally wild or even interesting. Get their side on things and try to understand why. Why do they believe in that? Where does that belief come from? You may be surprised.

The Salem Witch Trials were tragic events that caused a lot of trauma for those who were accused. It is sad to think that children as young as four were being thrown in jail because people thought they practiced witchcraft. That is why we should remember the accused and the fallen. We should try to sympathize with the unlucky and the heartbroken. Even though they are long gone, they will always be remembered thanks to the Proctor’s Ledge Memorial.