Difference between revisions of "Witch"
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Revision as of 18:55, February 28, 2008
A witch is a female practitioner of witchcraft. In modern times this has also included Wicca.
In the past many people accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake or executed in other ways - it is generally agreed that most of these people knew nothing of witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them. It is interesting to note that one-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men. In Exodus 22:18 the Bible specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death. A famous case is the British Pendle Witch trials of 1612 AD.
In romantic times, witches 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 carneval figures.
Modern Usage
The term "witchhunt" is also used to denote a political crusade against a particular group.
See also:
- Harry Potter characters, female
- Warlock