Osculum infame

CompendiumMaleficarumEngraving15

Osculum infame (Latin for "the infamous kiss") is a term associated with the witchcraft trials of the Early Modern period, particularly those of the 16th and 17th centuries. It refers to the supposed practice of witches kissing the Devil or his incarnate (often in the form of a goat, cat, or other animal) on the buttocks, anus, or genitals as a sign of fealty and submission. This act was believed to be part of the witches' initiation ceremonies and was often cited in witch trial records and demonological texts as evidence of a witch's pact with the Devil.

Historical Context

The concept of the Osculum infame is deeply rooted in the folklore and demonology of the time. It appears in several key demonological texts, including the Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches), written by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger in 1487, which played a significant role in the witch hunts. The Osculum infame was considered one of many diabolical practices that characterized witchcraft, alongside attending witches' sabbaths, casting spells, and causing harm to the community through maleficium.

Cultural Significance

The Osculum infame has been interpreted by historians and scholars as a symbol of the inversion of the natural order, reflecting societal fears of heresy, rebellion, and the subversion of Christian values. It also served to further demonize those accused of witchcraft, portraying them as not only heretics but also as engaging in acts considered to be of extreme moral depravity.

In Popular Culture

While the historical reality of the Osculum infame is subject to debate, with some scholars suggesting it was a product of the imagination of inquisitors and demonologists, it has found a place in popular culture. It is often depicted in literature, film, and television shows that explore themes of witchcraft and the supernatural, albeit with varying degrees of accuracy and seriousness.

Criticism and Modern Interpretations

Modern interpretations of the Osculum infame often view it through the lens of gender, power, and sexuality. Feminist scholars, in particular, have examined it as an example of the demonization of women and female sexuality, noting that the majority of those accused of witchcraft were women. It is also seen as a reflection of the anxieties and obsessions of the Early Modern period regarding the body, sexuality, and the boundaries between the human and the demonic.

Conclusion

The Osculum infame remains a fascinating and disturbing aspect of the history of witchcraft. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of Early Modern beliefs about the supernatural, the depths of human fear and imagination, and the tragic consequences of those fears in the lives of countless individuals accused of witchcraft.