Traveling along Witchcraft road, small farmhouses dot the area while the trees give way to magnificent views of the rural farmlands. But why does a pastoral farming area in northeast Berks county have such a sinister name?
The early settlers in the area were mainly of German descent, they often referred to the nearby mountain as Hexe Dans or Witches Hill. They believed the area was cursed by witches, demons, and poltergeists. This was mainly attributed to the fact that there was a spot on the crest of the hill where no agriculture would grow. The early settlers believed these rampant supernatural spirits were trampling the fields, making it impossible for any crops to grow. Rousing the locals suspicions even more was the way their horses would refuse to even cross the ridge of the hill.
Annually the locals would gather on the hill and hold festivities and ceremonies to rid the area of any evil spirits. Walpurgisnacht tradition was carried over mainly by eastern European settlers and was deemed as a way to scare away unwanted evils. Today this tradition is still celebrated in most parts of Europe and Scandinavia. But are the evils still on Witchcraft road? No one may know for certain! Are you brave enough to find out?
1 comment:
having just been on this road on a stormy June evening and viewing the stunning vistas I would say this road is certainly magical!
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