The Confession of an Enchantress: Memorial and Ethnocultural Valences of the World of the Real Intertwined With That of the Magical Imaginary

Abstract

The memorial sources provide relevant information about the lives and personalities of the characters mentioned, while also shedding light on controversial issues concerning the role of the Enchantresses in folk culture and medicine. The memorial confession of Iuliana Popa – the young student who knows how to charm – contains important data about the personality of some of the Enchantresses from the village of Slobozia, Gârceni commune, Vaslui county. Although most of the information is more in the realm of the past, some magical therapy practices are still widespread in the community. In the protagonist’s perception, the distinction between proper Enchantresses who believe in God and witches who are on the opposite side of the Christian faith is quasi important. Of particular value are the local traditions and customs that give charm and originality to the community of Slobozia village.