Summary...
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1. The Origin of the Witches' Sabbath |
The Witches' Sabbath, this term evokes images of secret nocturnal gatherings, occult rituals, and mysterious figures dancing under the moon. Also called the Witches' Ball, it inspires both fear and fascination. However, I want to clarify that this article should be taken with some perspective because the information available today was potentially created to justify the witch hunts. So let's dive together into this legendary celebration.
1. The Origin of the Witches' Sabbath
The origins of the Witches' Sabbath date back to medieval beliefs in Europe, a time when magic and witchcraft were often seen through the lens of religion and superstition. The term "sabbath" itself is derived from the Hebrew shabbath, meaning "rest," but its use in the context of witchcraft has a much darker connotation. These sabbaths were described in texts of the time as gatherings of people accused of witchcraft who renounced Christianity and pledged allegiance to the devil.
The first notable mention of the sabbath comes from the writings of the Inquisition, where testimonies from witches claimed participation in these gatherings. These accounts were widely used to justify persecutions during the witch hunts, especially in Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries.
2. The Tools of the Sabbath
The instruments used during the sabbaths and the symbols associated with these gatherings clearly refer to witchcraft:
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The broom: the image of witches flying on brooms is one of the most iconic. The broom, an everyday object, was believed to be used for applying magical ointments that allowed witches to "fly" to the sabbath.
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The cauldrons: cauldrons were used for preparing potions and magical decoctions. This symbol of transformation is central in witch mythology, representing the ability to turn natural substances into enchantments.
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The familiars: often, witches were accompanied by familiars, spirits or demons taking the form of animals (cats, dogs, frogs, or crows). These familiars were helpers in the practice of magic and also served as protective companions.
3. The Course of the Sabbath
The rare writings describe scenes of intense ritual activity, where the norms of medieval Christian society were not only overturned but openly flouted. The accounts of these nocturnal gatherings are saturated with symbols of rebellion against religious order and communion with dark forces.
These gatherings included several key ritual elements:
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Renunciations of faith: one of the most blasphemous acts reported during the sabbaths was the renunciation of Christianity. Participants were said to swear allegiance to the devil, often by giving him a kiss, sometimes depicted as being given on the devil’s anus, an ultimate act of defiance against Christian norms.
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Pacts with the devil: newcomers were often described as signing a pact with the devil, sometimes written with their own blood. This pact was a contract where the witch or wizard promised their soul in exchange for supernatural powers.
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Witchcraft and curses: the sabbaths were also occasions to concoct spells and curses against enemies, practice divinations, and other forms of magic condemned by the Church as heretical.
4. Goya's Painting
Francisco Goya, one of the most renowned painters of the 18th century, explored the theme of the Witches' Sabbath in several of his works, notably in his famous painting The Witches' Sabbath (also known as El Aquelarre or The Great Goat). This work is part of the series of Black Paintings that Goya created toward the end of his life, painted directly on the walls of his house, the Quinta del Sordo, in Madrid.
Goya depicts a nocturnal gathering of dark figures, dominated by an imposing figure of a goat, representing the devil. The witches, mostly women of various ages, prostrate themselves or present children as sacrifices to this central figure. The scene is dramatically lit, highlighting the expressions of fear and worship on the participants' faces. The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, evoking a sense of terror and mystery.
The painting is full of symbolism. The goat, traditionally associated with the devil in Christian culture, here represents darkness and evil. The witches, by offering children, seem to perpetuate fertility or sacrifice rites, recurring themes in legends surrounding the sabbaths. Goya criticizes not only the rural superstitions of his time but also the manipulation of fear by the Church and the State.
This is the explanation of the Witches' Sabbath, which was a propaganda weapon but ultimately reused today for organizing certain sabbaths, as a counterpoint to oppression.
[bloctwist]
