Wurzburg Nuns' Screaming Epidemic (1749)

Boredom and frustration among the nuns triggered a screaming epidemic in 1749 at a nunnery in Wurzburg, Germany. It began when the sub-prioress, Sister Maria Renata, initially denied entry to a young woman prone to convulsions. As other sisters imitated the woman's behavior and exhibited signs of "demonic possession" during services, they coerced the sub-prioress into confessing to witchcraft. She was subsequently beheaded for her alleged crimes against the church, bringing an end to the screaming sessions among the nuns.