The Heksenwaag (Witches' scales) in the Weighing House in Oudewater, Utrecht, Netherlands.
In medieval times when accusations of witchcraft (and resultant burnings) were prevalent, the town of Oudewater offered the accused a chance of proving his or her innocence because the weighing scales here were perceived to be the fairest in the land. The reasoning behind this is the old belief that a witch has no soul and therefore weighs significantly less than an ordinary person; this distinction allows the witch to fly on a broomstick. After your weigh-in, you would be given an official certificate saying you are not a witch.
Size: 5184px × 3456px
Location: Oudewater, Utrecht, Netherlands
Photo credit: © Maurice Savage / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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