Folklore and Rituals of the Dutch Country | M.P. Pellicer

There is a ritual tradition that spans three centuries practiced by Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania known as "hexerei"—witchcraft of evil intent, and "braucherei"—casting of spells with intent to do good and faith in "pow-wow doctors".

There are those who argue that rituals can both heal and harm. Bruacherei a healing method called powwow by the Pennsylvania Dutch, is passed mostly through oral tradition, and it addresses health problems for humans and livestock. But it's not only healing; there is protection and benedictions and prayers to ensure a positive outcome for everyday life. Christian symbols are intertwined within the practice.

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Folk Ritual Magic Gone Wrong | M.P. Pellicer

It was the dark of night on Thanksgiving Day 1928, when three farmers stole into the house of another man located in York County's Rehmeyer's Hollow. They tortured and murdered Nelson Rehmeyer, spurred by the belief that he was a witch doctor steeped in the old Dutch mysticism known as Pow-Wows.

In 1820, John George Hohman, a German author penned a book titled The Long Lost Friend, which was composed of a "collection of mysterious arts and remedies for man as well as animals." There were spells, recipes and talismans to be used as cures including domestic troubles. It served as the blueprint for folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch known as pow-wowing.

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Folk Ritual Magic Gone Wrong | M.P. Pellicer

It was the dark of night on Thanksgiving Day 1928, when three farmers stole into the house of another man located in York County's Rehmeyer's Hollow. They tortured and murdered Nelson Rehmeyer spurred by the belief that he was a witch doctor steeped in the old Dutch mysticism known as Pow-Wows.

 

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