Beliefs, Superstitions, and Holidays
The church had many evolutionary beliefs. It was a monotheistic religion, which means they only believed in one god, as opposed to many. People believed that good things came from God, and that bad things were results from their sins, such as diseases, famines, or losses in war. They believed that, if you lived a good and noble life, you would be sent to Heaven in the afterlife. However, if you lived a selfish and unholy life, you would be sent to an eternity in Hell.
Many holidays during the Middle Ages related to the seasons. For example, there was Midsummer’s Eve. Midsummer’s Eve was a festivity that celebrated the longest day of the year. There was also May Day, All Hallow’s Eve, All Fools Day, and Lammas Day,
One superstition in the church was witchcraft. A woman could fairly easily be accused of being a witch during the Middle Ages. Midwives or a “wise women” could be accused of witchcraft. They were women who used herbs and natural ways to cure illnesses. Although midwives were often accused of witchcraft, any woman could be accused. If a woman was accused of witchcraft, there were many ways she was proven either innocent or guilty. One way it was decided was trial by ordeal. A “witch” would be tied up and thrown into a pond or lake. If they sank, they were innocent and generally fished out and time. If not, they were found guilty and executed another way.
Although the some of the church’s beliefs at this time were unjustified, such as the belief in witchcraft. However, the church provided light in medieval society that shone through the dark parts.
-Chloe L.
Many holidays during the Middle Ages related to the seasons. For example, there was Midsummer’s Eve. Midsummer’s Eve was a festivity that celebrated the longest day of the year. There was also May Day, All Hallow’s Eve, All Fools Day, and Lammas Day,
One superstition in the church was witchcraft. A woman could fairly easily be accused of being a witch during the Middle Ages. Midwives or a “wise women” could be accused of witchcraft. They were women who used herbs and natural ways to cure illnesses. Although midwives were often accused of witchcraft, any woman could be accused. If a woman was accused of witchcraft, there were many ways she was proven either innocent or guilty. One way it was decided was trial by ordeal. A “witch” would be tied up and thrown into a pond or lake. If they sank, they were innocent and generally fished out and time. If not, they were found guilty and executed another way.
Although the some of the church’s beliefs at this time were unjustified, such as the belief in witchcraft. However, the church provided light in medieval society that shone through the dark parts.
-Chloe L.