Bible Encyclopedias
Waxen Figures

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Wax

Next Entry
Way

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

A well-known custom of cursing an enemy in the Middle Ages was that of making a waxen figure, and, as it melted before the fire, the person represented by it was supposed similarly to waste away. This practice is referred to in Horace (Satires, 1:8, 30 sq.), and it is worthy of remark that the same custom is described in the incantations of the ancient Accadian sorcerers. See Lenormant, Chaldaean Magic, page 5.