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==Colonial America==

==Colonial America==

The most famous episode was the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which 19 accused witches were hanged (none were burned).  

The most famous episode was the [[Salem Witch Trials]] of 1692 in Massachusetts, in which 19 accused witches were hanged and one man (Giles Corey) was pressed to death with stones (none were burned).  

Salem was typical in that the belief in witches was widespread in colonial America. In Virginia supernatural beliefs played a major role in interpreting the unknown and establishing social order.  The supernatural world of the early settlers was comprised of belief in benevolent and demonic forces, divine judgment, omens, magic, witchcraft, combat with the devil, and other ideas transported from England. This complex supernatural world functioned to explain the unknown, sanction colonization, demonize the native population, control the colonists, and provide a defense against internal and external enemies.<ref>Edward L. Bond, "Source of Knowledge, Source of Power: the Supernatural World of English Virginia, 1607-1624," ''Virginia Magazine of History and Biography''wicc 2000 108(2): 105-138. 0042-6636

Salem was typical in that the belief in witches was widespread in colonial America. In Virginia supernatural beliefs played a major role in interpreting the unknown and establishing social order.  The supernatural world of the early settlers was comprised of belief in benevolent and demonic forces, divine judgment, omens, magic, witchcraft, combat with the devil, and other ideas transported from England. This complex supernatural world functioned to explain the unknown, sanction colonization, demonize the native population, control the colonists, and provide a defense against internal and external enemies.<ref>Edward L. Bond, "Source of Knowledge, Source of Power: the Supernatural World of English Virginia, 1607-1624," ''Virginia Magazine of History and Biography''wicc 2000 108(2): 105-138. 0042-6636

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==Romantics==

==Romantics==

In 19th century romanticism, witches and the occult became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular [[carnival]] figures.  

In 19th century romanticism, witches and the occult became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular [[carnival]] figures.