Salem village’s dark history

The dark and brooding tale of Salem’s haunting witch trials holds immense importance in superstition history. Deep within the roots of this Massachusetts village is the eerie history of executions and screams bellowed throughout the unassuming suburb. Upon theories of historians trying to explain the strange phenomena which occurred, the truth descends into a grittier and vastly unfortunate social situation.

17th century living in the Massachusetts Bay Colony had its share of problems. Societies were plagued by fear of the devil, a smallpox epidemic, rivalry with the nearby Salem Town, and the threat of attacks by warring Native American tribes. All of which would stir up the heavy atmosphere of residents. As a result, inhabitants of the village heavily resented their neighbors and worried about outsiders, sparking a greater fear of the supernatural.

Already on edge, locals would soon meet a rise of reported demonic possessions of women. The Puritan Salem community quivered in unease as the air grew tenser and suspicions arose. Uncertainty and anxiety plagued their homes as over 200 accounts claimed locals to have offered their loyalty to the devil for vengeance against the Puritans.

One such account dates to January 1692, when the daughter and niece of minister Samuel Parris reportedly threw strange fits. The young girls allegedly struck violent contortions and had uncontrollable screaming outbursts. After seeking a medical consultation, doctor William Griggs pinned their behavior on bewitchment. The girls would later blame three women for afflicting them, giving genesis to the trials and mass hysteria that would plague New England.

The said women were interrogated for several days, two claiming innocence. However, the Parris’ Caribbean slave Tituba insisted the rumors were true. Other girls in the community phenomenally began exhibiting similar hallucinations to the accused. Upon present investigation, researchers believe it to be the cause of the fungus ergot, which can cause symptoms of delusions, vomiting, and muscle spasms. However, society remained unaware at the time as all three were issued arrest warrants on accusations of witchcraft. 

Jurors held on with bated breath during the trial that would ascertain if Satan claimed these women. And despite the three’s credibility remaining in question, their accusers strangely appeared in the courtroom convulsing, contorting, screaming, and writhing among the crowd. Nevertheless, the trial continued as Tituba confessed her guilt, likely grasping to save herself from a harsh penalty by acting as an informer. She claimed others were corroborating alongside her in association with the devil against the Puritans.

This revelation brought forth an intense wave of mass hysteria. Following the prosecutions, accusations grew beyond Massachusetts, with some admitting guilt just as Tituba did. As the justice system grew overwhelmed by cases, convicted witches were brought forth to be hung on Gallows Hill. Others would meet their demise by fire or crushing, and children were no exception.

Although men fell wrath to the same fates, women’s souls were perceived as weaker and more sinful. The bias led many to believe them as more susceptible to possession. This prejudice carried into the 20th century as women fell victim to the injustice  of the courts during witch hunts, despite the prosecutions concluding a year after transpiring.

In the end, true forgiveness may be beyond any reconciliation the courts could offer. But in this light, the cruel events of Salem would go down in history as a pinnacle example of mass hysteria. Perhaps the truest possessions to come out of this era were the fears of the unknown claiming Salem’s society.

Written by Isabella Beck   | Graphic Designed by Isabella Beck

Published October 14, 2022 | ePathfinder | Feature