Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent, a season of preparation and penance leading up to Easter. It is observed by various denominations, including Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestant churches. On this day, worshippers receive a mark of ashes on their foreheads, typically in the shape of a cross, as a sign of repentance. However, the origin and symbolism of Ash Wednesday can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan traditions. In ancient Rome, the festival of Saturnalia involved the burning of palm fronds and the smearing of ashes on the forehead as a form of purification and renewal. Similarly, ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures had rituals involving the use of ashes as a symbol of mourning and repentance.
The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Inquiry Into the Salem Witch Trials. Marion L. Starkey. BF1576 .S83 1950
Similarly, ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures had rituals involving the use of ashes as a symbol of mourning and repentance. These pagan practices were eventually incorporated into early Christianity as a way to adapt and integrate popular customs into religious observances. The use of ashes as a sign of penance and mourning became associated with the concept of spiritual purification and preparation for the resurrection of Christ.
Salem Witch Trials Book Display
This month we are highlighting resources on the Salem Witch Trials. These trials took place in Massachusetts between 1692-1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing “the Devil’s magic” and 20 were executed.
If you are interested in learning more about the Trials, check out the resources below.
These materials can be checked out by members of our community so if you see something you are interested in, contact [email protected].
Display and bibliography developed by Kelsey Schmidt and Steve Liska.
Salem Witch Trials Resources
The Bewitching of Anne Gunter: A Horrible and True Story of Deception, Witchcraft, Murder, and the King of England. James Sharpe. BF1565 .S52 2000
Cotton Mather on Witchcraft: Being the Wonders of the Invisible World. BF1565 .M37 1991
The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Inquiry Into the Salem Witch Trials. Marion L. Starkey. BF1576 .S83 1950
Entertaining Satan: Witchcraft and the Culture of Early New England. John Putnam Demos. BF1576 .D45 2004
A Guide to the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692. David C. Brown; photographs by the author. BF1576 .B76 1984
In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. Mary Beth Norton. BF1575 .N67 2002
Judge Sewall’s Apology: The Salem Witch Trials and the Forming of the American Conscience. Richard Francis. F67 .F73 2005
Narratives of the Witchcraft Cases, 1648-1706. George Lincoln Burr, editor. BF1575 .N37 1992
Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt. Bernard Rosenthal, general editor. KFM2478.8.W5 R43 2009
Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects. Charles W. Upham; foreword by Brian F. Le Beau. BF1576 .U56 2000
Science and Justice: The Massachusetts Witchcraft Trials. Sanford J. Fox. KFM2478.8.W5 F69 1968
The Specter of Salem: Remembering the Witch Trials in Nineteenth-Century America. Gretchen A. Adams. BF1576 .A33 2008
A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience. Emerson W. Baker. KFM2478.8.W5 B35 2015
The Story of the Salem Witch Trials: “We Walked in Clouds and Could Not See Our Way”. Bryan F. Le Beau. KFM2478.8.W5 L43 1998
Witchcraft and Witch Trials: A History of English Witchcraft and Its Legal Perspectives, 1542 to 1736. Gregory Durston. KD371.W56 D87 2000
Witchcraft at Salem. Chadwick Hansen. BF1576 .H36 1969
Witchfinders: A Seventeenth-Century English Tragedy. Malcolm Gaskill. BF1581 .G37 2005
Witch Hunt: History of a Persecution. Nigel Cawthorne. BF1566.C38 2004
Cotton Mather on Witchcraft: Being the Wonders of the Invisible World. BF1565 .M37 1991
Despite its pagan connections, Ash Wednesday now holds significant theological meaning for Christians. The ashes used during the ceremony are typically made from the burnt palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday. This symbolism serves to remind worshippers of the frailty and temporality of human life, as well as the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. Overall, while the origins of Ash Wednesday can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan traditions, its significance in the Christian calendar has evolved to focus on repentance, purification, and the preparation for Easter. The use of ashes as a visual reminder of mortality and the call to renewal has become a powerful symbol within Christian liturgical practice..
Reviews for "The Pagan Roots of Ash Wednesday's Ashes"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Ash Wednesday and its Connections to Paganism" to be highly disappointing. The author presented a biased view, portraying Ash Wednesday as some kind of pagan ritual. As a practicing Christian, I found this offensive and misleading. The author failed to provide any substantial evidence or credible sources to support their claims. This book only perpetuates misinformation and misunderstanding about the Christian faith. I cannot recommend it to anyone seeking genuine knowledge on the subject.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While "Ash Wednesday and its Connections to Paganism" may raise interesting questions, I felt that the author failed to present a well-researched argument. The book was filled with conjectures and personal opinions, rather than solid evidence. The author's attempt to connect Ash Wednesday to its alleged pagan origins seemed forced and unconvincing. I was hopeful for a thoughtful exploration of the topic, but instead, I found the book lacking in substance. Overall, I was left dissatisfied with the content and would not recommend it to others seeking a well-rounded discussion.
3. Michael - 1 star
"Ash Wednesday and its Connections to Paganism" was a complete waste of time. Instead of providing insightful analysis, the author went off on irrelevant tangents and made baseless claims about the connections between Ash Wednesday and paganism. This book reads more like a poorly researched conspiracy theory rather than a scholarly examination. I was highly disappointed and feel like the author missed an opportunity to shed light on an intriguing topic. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this book if you're seeking accurate information and genuine intellectual inquiry.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I was initially intrigued by the title of "Ash Wednesday and its Connections to Paganism," but unfortunately, the content did not live up to my expectations. The book lacked a coherent structure and failed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the topic. The author's arguments were weak and unsupported by credible sources. While some connections may exist between Ash Wednesday and ancient pagan practices, I found the author's attempts to link the two to be flimsy at best. Overall, I found the book disjointed and unconvincing, leaving me dissatisfied with its content.
5. Daniel - 1 star
"Ash Wednesday and its Connections to Paganism" is nothing more than a poorly researched and biased attempt to discredit Christian practices. The author's lack of objectivity is evident throughout the book, undermining any credibility the topic may have had. The author cherry-picks obscure references and stretches historical facts to fit their narrative. As someone who values intellectual integrity, I was deeply disappointed by the lack of scholarly rigor. This book does a disservice to both Christians and those genuinely interested in understanding the historical context of religious observances.