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Period: to
Mass Hysteria
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The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials began somewhere between 1692-1693, and over 200 people were accused of using witchcraft. Only 20 of these people were executed. Over time, people began to realize that the trials were wrong and decided to stop. -
The Miracle of The Sun
In May of 1917, three young children from Fatima, Portugal had claimed they got apparition from the Virgin Mary. Mary had told the children that she would do a miracle one day so that people can see that her appearance is authentic. That date happened to be October 13th, 1917. Thousands of people gathered and saw the sun break through the clouds with an abnormal light. People have said that the sun was changing colors and that it seemed like it was dancing in the sky. -
Halifax Slasher
In Halifax, England, there were reports made that a man was attacking people, mostly women in the dark of night with a mallet or knife. Over time, the police were noticing wounds that looked more self inflicted, and the truth came out; There was no one hurting them. -
Tanzania Laughter Epidemic
At an all girls school in Kashasha, Tanzania, there was a laughing epidemic. The epidemic started out with only 3 girls and later spread to more girls until it eventually reached other villages. the 3 girls in the beginning couldn't stop laughing even when they were disciplined by their teacher, and the fits could have lasted anywhere between a few hours to 15 days. Once it spread to enough girls, they eventually closed down the schools to help prevent the spreading. -
Sri Lanka
Around 2012, strange flu-like symptoms had hit a school in Sri Lanka, located in South Asia. Kids in the school were having intestinal problems, fits of coughing, and even experienced rashes and headaches. Students were admitted to the hospital, but no one could figure out what the 'illness' was.