Lots of kids like to dress up in costumes for Halloween, complete with pointy black hats, black capes and broomsticks. With faces painted green and perhaps even a large, bent prosthetic nose with a lumpy mole, little ones have a lot of fun getting into character for a fun night of trick-or-treating. But beyond this perception of her appearance, there is so much more to learn about the history, powers, and symbols associated with these spellbinding creatures. Here are some of the most interesting facts about witches that go far beyond a child's basic understanding of their persona.
All About the Lives and History of Witches
Witches have a long and storied history deeply rooted in cultures around the world. In some parts of history, they were considered evil beings who cast spells and needed to be eradicated from society. People believed they practiced witchcraft, which was against the law, and deserved to be punished or killed. Other historians paint them in a completely opposite light, and considered them healers who used herbs and natural remedies to cure ailing individuals around them.Exploring children's books about witches is a great place to start teaching little ones about the many facets of their favorite Halloween figure, taking them on a more in depth journey into the lives of these complicated figures. Read on to learn more about the history of witches, how they have been represented throughout various cultures, and some other fascinating trivia.
(1) In Sweden, witches make an appearance at Easter, not Halloween.
In most countries around the world, witches are typically associated with Halloween. But in Sweden, they are a figure associated with Easter. People believe that Easter witches were released into the world on the very first Maundy Thursday, the day Judas betrayed Jesus Christ. It is believed that the witches flew on broomsticks to an island where they danced with the devil on the day of Jesus' resurrection. Today in Sweden,kids dress up as witches and trick or treat, but they do so around Easter. Their clothing differs from Halloween costumes in that they wear scarves and shawls, and paint their cheeks rosy red with freckles. Kids go door-to-door exchanging homemade cards for candy.
(2) Cats and toads are also known as "familiars" to witches, and connect them to the world of magic.
Other small animals that act as familiars for witches, though less commonly, include ferrets, birds, hares, and rats. In the most basic sense, a familiar is considered a constant companion or guide. A more sinister interpretation is that familiars were given to witches by the devil or inherited from others for the purpose of performing evil acts.
(3) The term "witchcraft" is falsely been assumed to have a negative connotation in all situations.
In fact, it is an umbrella term that refers to both black magic and white magic. As the name implies, black magic is associated with the evil practice of casting spells to harm others. Supernatural powers are harnessed to control events and people with the intent of causing undue damage and harm. However, practitioners of white magic are actually good witches. This type of witchcraft involves casting spells that benefit, heal, and assist the those befallen by illness.
(4) Although witches did indeed carry brooms, they were not used to fly through the night sky.
Rather, witches always swept the floors clean before a healing ritual. They were used to sweep out not only earthly debris, but also unwanted spiritual objects prior to a ceremony. Brooms were often more symbolic rather than functional, often appearing in pagan dance rituals. For those who wonder how and why they became associated with flying, there is a likely explanation. The broomsticks were often in hallucinogenic chemicals or substances, causing the witches to experience a delusion of riding them high into the sky.
(5) Pumpkins are considered the one vegetable that is capable of keeping evil spirits at bay during Halloween.
Pumpkins, like witches, are closely associated with the evil spirits that appear every Halloween. It is believed that by carving them into jack-o'-lanterns, the harmful spirits are kept at bay. Witches are also known for using pumpkins as part of their witchcraft activities. And some believe that they can even turn people into pumpkins. Kids will love learning more about this seasonal vegetable by reading children's pumpkin books.
(6) The Salem witch trials prove hat people once believed they were real.
In the late 1600s, a widespread belief and fear of witches spread across the small town of Salem, Massachusetts. The people were overcome by a state of both panic and paranoia, and over 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft. Ultimately, 19 women were executed by way of hanging on Gallows Hill in a dark event marked by fear and misinformation.
Kids' Stories About Creepy Characters