Heksenwaag

Heksenwaag, a Dutch term translating to "witch's scale," refers to a historical method of determining guilt or innocence during witch trials. This practice, prevalent in the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, involved weighing the accused person against a standard weight. The belief was that witches, due to their supposed pact with the devil, would be lighter than ordinary people. Therefore, if a person weighed less than the designated standard, they were deemed guilty and often subjected to further punishment or execution.

The Heksenwaag was not a scientific or fair trial in the modern sense. It was based on superstition and fear, and the results were often predetermined. Accused individuals were frequently coerced or tortured to confess their supposed witchcraft, and the weighing was often a mere formality to confirm a verdict already reached. The practice was eventually abolished as enlightenment ideals gained traction and the inhumane nature of such trials became increasingly apparent. While the concept of the Heksenwaag is rooted in a dark period of history, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of irrationality and the importance of due process and human rights.