The Witch Light Xarnival is an enchanting and mysterious event that captivates both young and old. It takes place under the moonlit sky, where the dark and whimsical come together in a mesmerizing display. This unique carnival is known for its magical attractions and eerie ambiance. Visitors are transported to a world of illusions and spellbinding performances. From acrobats floating gracefully in mid-air to fire-breathing dragons soaring above, the Witch Light Xarnival never fails to amaze. At the heart of the festival lies the Black Cat Theatre, a grand tent that hosts the most enchanting and awe-inspiring shows.
At the heart of the festival lies the Black Cat Theatre, a grand tent that hosts the most enchanting and awe-inspiring shows. Talented magicians and sorcerers perform mind-boggling acts, leaving the audience in a state of wonder. Ghostly dancers glide across the stage, their ethereal forms captivating all who witness their graceful movements.
York witch grave
A while ago someone who reads this blog asked me to post about an alleged witch's grave in York, Maine. What a great idea! I love old graveyards, and I love New England witches. So here's a post that brings those two great tastes together like a Reese's peanut butter cup of the uncanny.
When I was a kid my family went to York, Maine a few times for vacations. I remember going to the beach, and visiting the zoo there. When I was a kid I think it was called York Wild Animal Farm, but these days it's York's Wild Kingdom.
As far as I know, we did not visit the Old Burying Ground, which is located in charming and historic York Village. It's too bad, because as with most charming cemeteries around here it has a weird legend is attached to it. I probably would have enjoyed hearing it.
The legend is about the grave of Mary Nasson, who who passed away in 1774. Her gravestone is a little different than the others. It has a portrait of Mary on it, and is covered with a big stone slab.
| Photo from The Journal Inquirer. |
I think the stone succeeded in keeping the animals away, but it hasn't kept Mary's ghost from coming up to the surface. According to Joseph Citro's Weird New England, her ghost has reportedly been seen pushing local children on swings and giving them wildflowers. Hmmm. For a witch's ghost she doesn't seem particularly menacing. Online I've found quite a few sites claiming that Mary Nasson only acquired her witchy reputation because she was an effective herbalist. Her neighbors didn't understand how her cures worked and therefore thought they were magic. Oh, and maybe she could perform exorcisms.
| Image from Atlas Obscura |
So, was Mary Nasson a good witch, or a bad witch, or just someone who has an unusual gravestone? Are any of these legends true?
I don't know if they are true, but they definitely are old. I thought they might just be recent urban folklore but found they date back to at least the 19th century. I found this passage in 1894's Ancient City of Gorgeana and Modern Town of York (Maine) from Its Earliest Settlement: Also Its Beaches and Summer Resorts by George Alexander Emery:
Near the southwest corner of the old burying-ground is a grave, with head and foot stones, between which and lying on the grave is a large flat rock, as large as the grave itself. The inscription reads thus: - "Mary Nasson, wife of Samuel Nasson, died August 28, 1774, aged 29 years." No one, at least in this town, seems to know anything about her origin, death or even of the singular looking grave. No other occupant of a grave bearing this cognomen can be found in this cemetery, and the name is unknown in the town. A great many surmises and conjectures have been advanced in regard to this matter, in order to arrive at the facts, if there be any, and to clear up the dark affair, but nothing definite has ever come out of the effort. The writer of this, when a youth, living in York, was given to understand that this stone was placed there to keep down a witch that was buried beneath it.
In short, no one knows the real, historically-documented truth about Mary Nasson. Although George Alexander Emery doesn't believe Mary Nasson was a witch, he adds fuel to the fire by providing yet another legend. According to this one, a disembodied evil spirit used to haunt some rooms in an old house near the cemetery. It was banished from the house, but now roams the cemetery's perimeter, waiting for Mary to arise from her grave and join it.
I don't like to debunk legends; I like to savor them, so I'll just close with a couple thoughts. First, anomalous gravestones often attract legends. Rightly or wrongly, people tend to think that strange graves must contain strange occupants.
Second, the idea is very old that special effort is required to restrain a restless spirit. For example, in old European vampire lore a stake to the heart literally nails a vampire into its grave. Closer to home, Eunice Cole, an accused witch of Hampton, New Hampshire, was supposedly staked through the heart after death and had a horseshoe placed on top of her. It's not unreasonable (in folk belief) to think that a big rock might keep a ghost from coming out of the grave.
One last note: I am now writing a bi-monthly column for Spare Change News called Bizarre Boston. If you live or work in Boston be sure to buy an issue and help the city's homeless community. You can see one of my columns (about a Boston smallpox epidemic) here.
I don't know if they are true, but they definitely are old. I thought they might just be recent urban folklore but found they date back to at least the 19th century. I found this passage in 1894's Ancient City of Gorgeana and Modern Town of York (Maine) from Its Earliest Settlement: Also Its Beaches and Summer Resorts by George Alexander Emery:
The Witch Light Xarnival is also renowned for its array of unique vendors. Here, one can find potions and elixirs that promise to bring good luck or grant wishes. Beautifully crafted amulets and talismans are on display, said to possess protective and mystical qualities. And then there are the delicious, yet peculiar, treats offered by the food stalls, where visitors can indulge in bewitching delicacies and tantalize their taste buds. As the night deepens, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting. Lanterns adorned with intricate symbols and glowing crystals illuminate the carnival grounds, casting a warm and magical glow. The scent of incense and mystical potions waft through the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance that is both eerie and alluring. The grand finale of the Witch Light Xarnival is the Night Parade. Elaborately dressed performers, adorned in shimmering robes and intricate masks, march through the streets of the town, accompanied by haunting melodies played by a ghostly orchestra. Spectators line the streets, entranced by the surreal spectacle before them. The Witch Light Xarnival is not merely an event; it is an experience. It transports visitors to a realm where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, immersing them in a world of magic and mystery. It is a celebration of the unknown, where both light and darkness coexist harmoniously, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend..
Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in a World of Fantasy: Witch Light Xarnival Revealed"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really looking forward to "Witch Light Xarnival" as I am a fan of fantasy books, but I was extremely disappointed. The story felt disjointed and the characters were flat and uninteresting. The world-building was also lacking, with few descriptions and details about the magical carnival that the title promised. The plot dragged on and lacked any sense of direction. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with the story or care about what happened to the characters.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch Light Xarnival" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow the story. The pacing was slow, and the action scenes were lackluster. The lack of character development made it difficult to connect with any of the protagonists. Additionally, the world-building was underwhelming, and the magical elements felt forced and out of place. Overall, I found the book to be disappointing and struggled to finish it.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was intrigued by the concept of "Witch Light Xarnival" and was hoping for a whimsical and magical read. However, I found the execution to be lacking. The plot was predictable and cliché, with no real surprises or twists. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to invest in their journeys. The prose was average and failed to capture the enchantment that a carnival-themed book should have. Ultimately, I was left underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this novel.