I've been thinking of you all day after listening to the news. You've got some unlikely bedfellows today. Still, madness reigns. Yes, please let's make a plan to see each other when next I come to Oakland. I would love that even though I can be shy.
Anonymous: Here's what was called "trial by water," an ancient practice that evidently predated the Salem witch trial by water (the sink/float outcome that you described):
"Witch swimming derived from the “trial by water,” an ancient practice where suspected criminals and sorcerers were thrown into rushing rivers to allow a higher power to decide their fate. This custom was banned in many European counties in the Middle Ages, only to reemerge in the 17th century as a witch experiment, and it persisted in some locales well into the 18th century. For example, in 1710, the swimming test was used as evidence against a Hungarian woman named Dorko Boda, who was later beaten and burned at the stake as a witch."
Agreed.
ReplyDeleteHope Henry is feeling better.
Swim away from there. Sending love. Maybe a lifeboat.
ReplyDeleteSurf on out. Catch a wave.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you all day after listening to the news. You've got some unlikely bedfellows today. Still, madness reigns. Yes, please let's make a plan to see each other when next I come to Oakland. I would love that even though I can be shy.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: Here's what was called "trial by water," an ancient practice that evidently predated the Salem witch trial by water (the sink/float outcome that you described):
ReplyDelete"Witch swimming derived from the “trial by water,” an ancient practice where suspected criminals and sorcerers were thrown into rushing rivers to allow a higher power to decide their fate. This custom was banned in many European counties in the Middle Ages, only to reemerge in the 17th century as a witch experiment, and it persisted in some locales well into the 18th century. For example, in 1710, the swimming test was used as evidence against a Hungarian woman named Dorko Boda, who was later beaten and burned at the stake as a witch."
Thanks for helping me to clarify this!