''Concealed'' Shoes

By Crusader1307

Much in the same way that the previously discussed “Dried Cats” were used, another related Medieval Custom involved the placement of what was known as “Concealed Shoes'' - within the Walls of a Home. Inside each Wall of a Home was placed a Family Member’s “single” Shoe. Inside each Shoe was placed some form of Talisman or “Good Luck Charm’’. Buried within the Wall, this was though to repel any Evil or possible “Spirit Infestations”. Given the great cost of Footwear, such acts were considered unusual. But, the Custom developed around the 15th Century and carried on well into the 18th. In fact, during many renovations, many hundreds of pairs of very well preserved Medieval Shoes have been uncovered, as well as the many hundreds of unique Talisman. Although most of Medieval Europe was firmly Christian (Protestant or Catholic), such genuinely Pagan practices were unique and to using “whatever means” necessary for protecting one’s Family from perceived “harm”.