In Brazil, 51% of people believe in witchcraft and black magic. The percentage of Brazilians who believe in witches is above the world average, which is 40%.
An American study conducted with data from around the world revealed that 51% of Brazilians believe in witchcraft. The percentage is above the world average, which is 40%, and above Sub-Saharan African countries, from where these beliefs supposedly originated.
The data, released last week by economist Boris Gershman, a professor at American University in Washington (USA), showed that the rate varied from 9% (Sweden) to 90% (Tunisia). Gershman’s studies seek to understand how belief in supernatural forces relates to socioeconomic indicators.
The research identified that these beliefs result from an emotional reaction to stress induced by problems such as economic crises, for example. “Consistent with its hypothetical function of maintaining order and cohesion in the absence of effective governance mechanisms, witchcraft beliefs are more widespread in countries with weak institutions and positively correlate with conformist culture and group bias,” wrote the researcher.
According to the study, adherence to these superstitions represents a relief from governmental crises and institutional abandonment of some groups. However, it comes with a social cost.
“Among the potential documented costs of witchcraft beliefs are disrupted social relations, high levels of anxiety, a pessimistic worldview, lack of entrepreneurial culture, and innovative activity,” the authors wrote.
Data collected by the researcher between 2007 and 2023 revealed that, among continents, Catholic Latin America spreads the belief in witchcraft more than some African countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique, and Ghana, where religions supposedly promote more belief in curses and black magic.
On a global scale, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa are the areas with the highest belief in witchcraft. The United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia have low levels.
“The vast majority of respondents in the countries of my sample identify as Christians or Muslims. Only a small fraction identified themselves as belonging to a different ‘traditional’ religion. Furthermore, 95% of all who claimed to believe in witchcraft consider themselves Christians or Muslims,” said the researcher, explaining to Ancestral.News that religion was not the central theme of the original research and therefore it is difficult to reach a conclusion about belief in witchcraft in populations solely based on religion.
According to Professor Boris Gershman, belief in witchcraft is even higher among followers of African-derived religions in Brazil. “But attributing it only to this group is a mistake because it ignores the historical context,” the researcher clarifies, recalling that beliefs in witchcraft came to Brazil as a result of the slave trade, and at that time, several trials of alleged witches were being conducted by European Christians.
Witchcraft is a broad term used to describe the practice of magic or sorcery, often involving the use of supernatural or occult powers. It encompasses a range of beliefs and practices, including spellcasting, divination, and communication with spirits or deities. Historically, witches were often depicted as individuals, typically women, who possessed magical abilities and were believed to have the ability to influence events or manipulate natural forces for both benevolent and malevolent purposes.
In the European context, witchcraft has a long and complex history deeply intertwined with religious, social, and political dynamics. During the medieval and early modern periods, particularly between the 15th and 18th centuries, Europe experienced widespread fear and persecution of individuals believed to be practicing witchcraft.
Witchcraft in Europe was often associated with the worship of Satan and the practice of malevolent magic. In Christian theology, witches were believed to have made a pact with the devil, exchanging their souls for supernatural powers. This belief fueled a pervasive fear of witchcraft, leading to the widespread persecution of individuals accused of being witches.Accusations of witchcraft were often triggered by social tensions, personal rivalries, or natural disasters, with marginalized groups such as women, the elderly, and the poor disproportionately targeted. The witch hunts, particularly during the peak of the witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries, resulted in thousands of executions across Europe, as well as widespread social upheaval and hysteria.
The European witch trials were characterized by harsh interrogation methods, including torture, and reliance on dubious evidence such as confessions obtained under duress or testimony from witnesses. The trials were often conducted by ecclesiastical and secular authorities working in conjunction to eradicate perceived threats to the social order.
Witchcraft accusations were also influenced by prevailing cultural beliefs and superstitions, such as the fear of witchcraft’s supposed ability to cause illness, crop failures, or other misfortunes. Additionally, the association of certain practices, such as herbalism or midwifery, with witchcraft contributed to the stigmatization of individuals engaged in these activities.
Over time, attitudes towards witchcraft began to shift as the Enlightenment ushered in an era of rationalism and skepticism. The decline of the witch hunts, coupled with the rise of scientific inquiry and secular governance, led to the eventual decriminalization and marginalization of witchcraft beliefs in Europe.
Today, witchcraft in Europe is often viewed through the lens of folklore, cultural heritage, and modern pagan and Wiccan movements. While remnants of historical persecution still linger, particularly in rural or conservative communities, witchcraft is generally regarded as a harmless or even empowering practice for those who choose to engage with it.
In the African context, witchcraft holds a significant place in the cultural, spiritual, and social landscape of many societies across the continent. Unlike the European perception, which often associates witchcraft with Satanism and malevolent magic, African witchcraft is multifaceted and encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and practices.
Witchcraft in Africa is deeply rooted in traditional spiritual systems and indigenous belief systems that predate the arrival of Christianity and Islam. It is often seen as a natural part of the cosmic order, with practitioners wielding supernatural powers that can be used for both good and evil purposes.
In many African societies, witches are believed to possess innate spiritual abilities or knowledge passed down through ancestral lines. They may be revered as healers, diviners, or spiritual leaders within their communities, using their powers to maintain harmony, restore balance, or provide protection.
However, African witchcraft also carries negative connotations, particularly when associated with harmful or malicious intent. Witches accused of causing illness, misfortune, or death are often viewed with fear and suspicion, leading to social ostracism, violence, or even witch hunts within some communities. Accusations of witchcraft in Africa are often linked to social tensions, economic disparities, or perceived violations of cultural norms. Vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities are disproportionately targeted, reflecting broader power dynamics and inequalities within society.
Traditional African witchcraft beliefs vary widely from region to region, influenced by factors such as local customs, cultural heritage, and contact with outside influences. In some cases, traditional beliefs have merged with Christian or Islamic teachings, leading to syncretic forms of spirituality that incorporate elements of both indigenous and foreign religions.
Despite efforts by colonial powers and post-colonial governments to suppress or eradicate indigenous belief systems, African witchcraft remains resilient, adapting to changing social and political landscapes while continuing to play a significant role in the lives of many Africans.
Today, African witchcraft continues to evolve, influenced by globalization, urbanization, and modern forms of communication. While some view it as a relic of the past or a source of superstition, others see it as a vital part of African identity and cultural heritage, worthy of respect and preservation in an increasingly interconnected world.
