Bewitched Switzerland: prior to scientific rationalism, witchcraft was supposed to cause diseases, famines, death of cattle, natural catastrophes and all other calamities. The Swiss Alps have had their fair share of a witch-hunt that lasted three centuries.

Swiss News › Nbr. 2004, May 2004

Author: Bucher, Marcel

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Bewitched Switzerland: prior to scientific rationalism, witchcraft was supposed to cause diseases, famines, death of cattle, natural catastrophes and all other calamities. The Swiss Alps have had their fair share of a witch-hunt that lasted three centuries.

Suppose you go to the Belalp near Blatten in Valais to watch a downhill ski race in the second half of January 2005. Them will be something special about that race: the numerous skiers are all gaudily dressed witches, often with broomsticks, and apart from the race itself, you can attend a terri...

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