The Witching Hour: Why Our Ancestors Feared This Time

For many today, this hour is no different from any other. However, in ancient times, it genuinely terrified ordinary people and compelled sorcerers to dust off their old spellbooks.

Numerous superstitions have been passed down from ancient eras. Back then, people lacked sufficient knowledge about various events, so they created their own explanations to make sense of the unknown. As a result, many of these beliefs were handed down through generations and have survived to this day.

You might recall that grandparents and parents often followed peculiar customs. Fortunately, many superstitions are losing their influence and gradually fading away. One such belief revolves around the so-called 'witching hour.' If the first time that comes to mind is midnight, you would be mistaken. Our ancestors specifically named 3:00 AM as the witching hour. This particular time carried a sinister reputation.

Let's begin by reflecting on the significance of the number three. It frequently appears in folklore and literature worldwide: three sons, three maidens, three roads, and the mythical 'third kingdom.' In Christian texts, there is the triple denial of Apostle Peter, the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus, and the Holy Trinity. Although the number three seems harmless and even sacred, why did it evoke such fear?

To understand this, we must look into history. People once believed that 3:33 AM represented half of the 'number of the beast,' 666. It was thought that at this time a portal to our world would open, allowing evil entities to enter. The fear was so intense that in 1560, Pope Pius IV officially declared this hour as unholy and linked to witchcraft. Those awake between 3:00 and 4:00 AM risked being accused by the Inquisition.

In Eastern Europe, similar beliefs prevailed. According to some legends, sorcerers and necromancers began their rituals precisely at 3:00 AM, aided by dark forces. Ancient spellbooks often advised starting ceremonies at this hour and finishing before the first rooster crowed, which was believed to break all enchantments.

Additionally, our ancestors believed that at 3:00 AM on the eve of Trinity Sunday, water spirits, forest guardians, and mythical creatures like rusalki and kikimoras became active. Wives feared sending their husbands to forests or rivers at this time, fearing these beings might drag them into their otherworldly realms. To ward off evil spirits and resist temptation, women hung birch and nettle branches on doors and windows.

Newborns arriving during this ominous hour were also thought to face misfortune. Midwives lamented that such babies were unlikely to have a happy destiny. Their souls were protected through urgent baptism, performed as soon as possible.

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