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Witch fire and rain of blood: The shadows of Duchess Sophia Hedwig
On October 31, 2025, a lecture about Pomeranian Duchess Sophia Hedwig and witch trials will take place in Loitz.
Witch fire and rain of blood: The shadows of Duchess Sophia Hedwig
On October 31st, a special event will take place in Loitz, Pomerania, aimed not only at history buffs, but also everyone who has a flair for the spooky. On this day, city archivist Dirk Schleinert will give a lecture at 5 p.m. in St. Mary's Church that deals with the life of the Pomeranian Duchess Sophia Hedwig (1561-1631). How the northern courier reported, this lecture falls on Reformation Day and Halloween, which further heats up the mood.
Schleinert, who grew up in the region, brings an interesting perspective, as he has already dealt intensively with the historical issues of his homeland. A central theme of his lecture will be the discussion of witch trials and the belief in the undead in the region. These aspects are particularly relevant when considering the dark chapters of Pomerania's past.
A rain of blood and its story
A fascinating part of Schleinert's lecture will be the description of the so-called Rain of Blood of 1597. This mysterious incident occurred over the cities of Trantow, Greifswald and Stralsund and has left its mark in regional historiography to this day. Such events are not only historical anecdotes, but also shed light on the events and fears of the time.
But it is not just the historical interest that attracts Schleinert's lecture. There is also a cultural connection that connects the figure of Sophia of Rome with the Duchess of Pomerania. Sophia of Rome, an early Christian martyr, is venerated in many churches and is often linked to other figures of early Christianity. Her memorial day is celebrated on May 15th, making her “cold Sophie” in Germany, a term that refers to the last frost in spring. These connections show how deeply rooted the faith and traditions are in our region.
An evening full of stories
On Halloween evening, visitors can expect not only a captivating lecture, but also the opportunity to learn more about regional customs and historical events. St. Mary's Church becomes the scene of a dialogue between past and present. Anyone interested in the dark sides of history should definitely not miss this event.
The event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Sophia Hedwig, the witch trials and the ghosts of faith that shaped the people of that time. Curious people are invited to go to St. Mary's Church on October 31st and let Dirk Schleinert take you into the gruesome history of Pomerania.