Medieval Superstitions & Medicine

Use the following websites to start your research:

1. http://listverse.com/2014/03/03/10-completely-uncanny-superstitions-from-the-middle-ages/
2. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8913709/Tony-Robinson-on-the-top-fivesuperstitions-that-gripped-medieval-Britain.html
3. http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/13-strange-superstitions
4. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/health_and_medicine_in_medieval_.htm
5. http://listverse.com/2013/07/31/10-bizarre-medieval-medical-practices/
6. https://www.aimseducation.edu/blog/medieval-medical-practices-still-use-today/
After skimming the websites above, choose the 1 superstition AND the 1 medical
practice that intrigue you the MOST. Continue your narrowed research to learn the
specific details of each. Compile a list of at least 10 facts about each. Bookmark the
website(s) where you found your information on your Pearl trees account.
Superstition: Changeling

In medieval Britain, it was believed that fairies could steal a child and
substitute another.
A changeling is a creature found in folklore and folk region.
The theme of the swapped child is common in medieval literature
reflects concern over infants thought to be afflicted with unexplained diseases,
disorders, or developmental disabilities
A human child might be taken due to many factors: to act as a servant, the love
of a human child, or malice.
Some people believed that trolls would take unbaptized children
Once children had been baptized and therefore become part of the Church, the
trolls could not take them.
The human child that was taken may often stay with the fairy family forever.
Changeling tales support other historical evidence in suggesting that
infanticide was not infrequently the solution selected.
It is typically described as being the offspring of a fairy, elf or other legendary
creature that has been secretly left in the place of a human child.

Medical Practice: Hot Iron for Hemorrhoids

It was believed that if a person did not pray too St.Fiarce they would cursed with
hemorrhoids
St.Fiarce was known as the protector against hemorrhoids.
If you were cursed with it youll be sent off to the monks
They would then put a red-hot iron up your anus
Theyd send you to go and sit on St. Fiacres famous rock, the spot where the
seventh-century Irish monk was miraculously cured of his hemorrhoids.
It was for this reason that throughout the Middle Ages, hemorrhoids were called
Saint Fiacres illness.
By the 12th century they came up with a more simple method, taking a good bath.
Jewish physician Moses Maimonides wrote a seven chapter treatise on
hemorrhoids calling into question the contemporary state of treatment.
Every one believed this was the way to cure it
There was a less painful way but people thought that that one didnt work.