LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Joi Straaten <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 28 Jan 2005 13:52:22 -0700
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (50 lines)
Here's an explanation:

 

The simple explanation is that "colder than a witch's tit" is just a vivid
metaphor, like "hotter than the hinges of hell." Since a witch is in league
with Satan, presumably she has no maternal feelings. Thus the medium by
which she would suckle a child is, well, cold as a witch's tit. 

But there's some history behind this wisecrack. A witch's tit (or witch's
teat, to use the older spelling) supposedly left a marking that witch
hunters and courts would look for on the body of an accused person.
Supposedly, witches would suckle their familiars, and sometimes the Devil
himself, from this "unholy" body part. To find these marks, as well as
insensitive spots on the skin called devil's marks--caused by the Devil's
claws or teeth--the suspects were stripped, shaven, then closely examined
for any blemishes, moles, or even scars that could be labeled as diabolical.
To find marks invisible to the eye, the examiner would poke the victim inch
by inch with a blunt needle (called a bodkin) until they found a spot that
didn't feel pain or bled. Discovery of these marks or spots--one supposes
they would be considered cold since they were a sign of communion with the
Devil--would be "proof" of the person's dealings with Scratch, so they would
be shown in full court before the execution. Makes The People's Court look
kinda dull now, eh?

 

Interesting!

 

Peace & LLLove,

 

Joi


             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

ATOM RSS1 RSS2