Garlic, a commonly used ingredient in cooking, has long been associated with various beliefs and superstitions. One such belief is its supposed ability to ward off witches. Throughout history, witches have been regarded as dangerous and evil individuals with supernatural powers. To protect themselves from these malevolent beings, people turned to different methods, one of which involved the use of garlic. According to popular folklore, garlic was believed to possess unique properties that could repel witches. It was commonly believed that witches despised the smell and taste of garlic, making it an effective means of protection against them.
It was commonly believed that witches despised the smell and taste of garlic, making it an effective means of protection against them. This belief led to the practice of hanging garlic cloves in doorways, windows, and around the house to create a barrier that would prevent witches from entering. The association between garlic and warding off witches can be traced back to ancient times.
Garlic and the Witch
HarperCollins/Quill Tree. Sept. 2022. 160p. Tr $22.99. ISBN 9780062995124. pap. $13.99. ISBN 9780062995117.
COPY ISBNGr 3-6–Garlic and friends return for an even cozier sequel. A morning surprise signals that Garlic may be slowly transforming into a human, so she seeks out Witch Agnes’s help. Turns out the transformation is just part of Garlic’s growing, as it will be for all the other anthropomorphic vegetables. Still, as the Count says, “Big changes can be scary.” Luckily, Garlic isn’t alone. A quest to the Magic Market—with a few snags—shows Garlic’s growth beyond the physical as she comes into her own. Paulsen effectively expands the agricultural world she conjured in Garlic and the Vampire, including adding a brief origin story. Nearly wordless sequences and a cottage-core palette establish an impeccable visual serenity. Light Frog-and-Toad-esque romance takes the wholesomeness even further. The cast of human characters is diverse in skin tone. Carrot uses they/them pronouns.
VERDICT A must-have for sweater-weather season or anytime. Reviewed by Alec Chunn , Dec 01, 2022Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!
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In ancient Greece, garlic was believed to have powerful properties that would shield against evil spirits and sorcery. It was often worn as an amulet or placed under a pillow to keep witches and other supernatural creatures at bay. Throughout medieval Europe, the belief in the power of garlic against witches continued to thrive. As a result, garlic was incorporated into various rituals and practices to safeguard against evil influences. People would carry garlic cloves with them or wear them as a pendant to ward off witches and curses. The belief in the protective properties of garlic against witches also made its way into literature and popular culture. In several works of fiction, garlic is depicted as a powerful tool against supernatural beings, particularly witches and vampires. This connection further perpetuated the association between garlic and warding off evil forces. While the belief in garlic's ability to repel witches may seem unfounded in modern times, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and historical significance of this versatile ingredient. Garlic's reputation as a protective herb against witches has endured for centuries, even though its supernatural powers have long been debunked. Nonetheless, the association between garlic and the witch serves as a reminder of the enduring power of folklore and superstition in shaping our beliefs and traditions..
Reviews for "The Use of Garlic to Banish Witches in Folklore and Legend"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Garlic and the Witch". The storyline was confusing and all over the place. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, and I felt like the plot was too predictable. The writing style was also very dry and lacked emotion. Overall, I found the book to be a complete letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 2 stars - "Garlic and the Witch" had potential, but it fell short for me. The concept of the story was interesting, but the execution was poorly done. The pacing was off, with certain scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. The character development was also lacking, making it difficult for me to connect with any of the protagonists. Additionally, the ending felt unresolved and left me feeling unsatisfied. I wish I could say I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.
3. Lisa - 2.5 stars - I had mixed feelings about "Garlic and the Witch". On one hand, the world-building was intriguing and the magical elements were unique. However, the plot meandered and often lost focus. I found myself losing interest at various points throughout the book. The main characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional. While the writing was descriptive, it failed to fully immerse me in the story. Overall, while there were some aspects that I liked, the negatives outweighed the positives for me.
4. Alex - 3 stars - "Garlic and the Witch" was an okay read, but it didn't leave a lasting impression. The story had potential, but I found it to be predictable and lacking in originality. The pacing was uneven, with slow sections in between moments of action. Some of the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to fully believe in the characters. While it wasn't a terrible book, it didn't really capture my attention or make me invested in the outcome.