Dutch term – Heksenwaag

The Heksenwaag was the place where witches were weighed. Witches were known to be lighter than normal, in order to fly on a broom. People accused of witchcraft could go to a heksenwaag to be weighed and receive a certificate declaring them to be of normal weight, which they could then show to their accusers.

Heksenwaag in Oudewater. Photo by author.

Heksenwaag in Oudewater. Photo by author.

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

Comments

  1. Hi Yvette – I may not always leave a comment, but I really enjoy reading your blog, especially the Dutch terms. I have only one aunt (war bride of my uncle) who is Dutch from Groningen and I like how there is so much to find online – just wish I could read the Dutch newspapers hahaha.

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