06/10/2026
Today - June 10th, marks the day of the first and only solo hanging of the Salem Witch Trials. Let us remember that in 1692, whether it was the most vulnerable or most vivacious member of society, witchcraft was used as an excuse to victimize others, sentencing them to death.
Much more senseless violence occurred outside of the US in the name of justice, towards women especially, for the crime of witchcraft. Per ‘The Malleus Maleficarum’ (1486)- women were “inherently predisposed to evil, heresy, and demonic temptations due to their physical and intellectual inferiority.” For nearly 300 years, its sales and public notoriety in the early modern era were second only to the Bible. This meant that by just being a woman was enough to be accused as witch, and killed for it.
“For since they are feebler both in mind and body, it is not to be wondered at that they should come under the spell of the influences of witchcraft.”
This book was used heavily in the 1692 Salem trials- especially by Cotton Mather; notably in his 1693 treatise defending the Salem trials, ‘Wonders of the Invisible World.’
There were no real witches in Salem. ✔️ However, when you use the word “witch” in the modern age, you take on hundreds of years of oppression that came before, and should know that it’s a part of your duty now to honor those who met their demise under the false narrative of practicing witchcraft, and to fight the ignorance that still comes with the title today.
Let 1692 Salem serve as a reminder of what happens when we use religion to control others, put neighbor vs neighbor, and create a society based on fear. Let us honor the victims by standing against ignorance and promoting understanding- ensuring their suffering forges a path toward a more compassionate society based on facts and love over fear and false faith.
