The November Witch Hymn is a folk song that dates back to the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in northern Europe, particularly in regions where the winter season is harsh and filled with storms. The song is often sung during the month of November when the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable and violent. The lyrics of the November Witch Hymn reflect the resilience and strength of the people living in these regions. It speaks of their ability to withstand the wrath of the November Witch, a mythical figure often associated with the fierce storms that occur during this time of year. The hymn portrays the November Witch as both powerful and malevolent, with her winds and rain causing chaos and destruction.
"According to a legend of the Chippewa tribe, the lake they once called Gitche Gumee 'never gives up her dead.'" -- Great Lakes: The Cruelest Month, James R. Gaines with Jon Lowell in Detroit, ©1975 Newsweek Magazine
I changed the lyrics to reflect my new items, and as I sing each item very slowly, of course , the student finds the corresponding picture from the pile and puts it in the witch s brew i. On November 10, 1975, an ore carrier - the Edmund Fitzgerald - sank in Lake Superior during a November storm, taking the lives of all 29 crew members.
The hymn portrays the November Witch as both powerful and malevolent, with her winds and rain causing chaos and destruction. Despite the ominous tone of the hymn, it also carries a sense of hope and determination. The people singing the song affirm their ability to endure the storms and emerge stronger on the other side.
Witch’s Brew
One of the songs I very distinctly remember singing in elementary school was called “Witch’s Brew.” It had movements and everything, and it was a class favorite that we looked forward to every year. Even as an adult more than fifteen years later, I still remember all the words and movements, and imagine my surprise and excitement when I came across the song on the internet! I’m almost positive that this recording (by Hap Palmer) is the same we listened to in school.
I thought that since I enjoyed this song so much as a child, my students would too, so I designed an activity based upon it. I decided to make it visual, so out came the construction paper, Microsoft clip art, and scissors, with which I created this:
I replaced the items that the song mentions with more innocuous, every day items that my students would better recognize, and made a picture card displaying each item. These include a cat, bat, bear, broomstick, car, french fries, and a fly among others (15 in total, so 3 items in each of 5 verses). I laminated them and put velcro on the backs, and then constructed a “cauldron” of two laminated pieces of black construction paper bound together, folder-style (you could also just use a black folder). I then attached enough velcro so that each picture would have a place.
I changed the lyrics to reflect my new items, and as I sing each item (very slowly, of course), the student finds the corresponding picture from the pile and puts it in the “witch’s brew” (i.e. the black folder). Many of my students also like to do the motions, such as “stirring” with their arms and “casting a spell” with their hands.
You can choose your own items for your “witch’s brew” and if you do, please share the finished product with me! I know it’s a little late for this Halloween, but hey, there’s always next year :)
See you tomorrow for a final Halloween song before we move on to a whole new batch of November songs!
I thought that since I enjoyed this song so much as a child, my students would too, so I designed an activity based upon it. I decided to make it visual, so out came the construction paper, Microsoft clip art, and scissors, with which I created this:
They also express gratitude for the blessings they have received and their ability to find solace in the presence of loved ones during this challenging time. The November Witch Hymn is often sung in community gatherings, particularly during religious ceremonies or cultural events. Its haunting melody and powerful lyrics evoke a sense of unity and shared experience among the listeners. It serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. In recent years, the November Witch Hymn has gained popularity beyond its original cultural roots. It has been adapted and translated into various languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. Its themes of strength, unity, and resilience resonate with people from different backgrounds, reminding them of the power of the human spirit in overcoming challenges. Overall, the November Witch Hymn is a poignant and powerful folk song that encapsulates the spirit of November storms and the resilience of the people who endure them. Its timeless message continues to inspire and bring comfort to listeners around the world..
Reviews for "Honoring the Ancestors: Connecting with the November Witch's Hymn"
1. Jeremy - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "November witch hymn". The writing felt forced and pretentious, trying too hard to be deep and meaningful. The plot was confusing and didn't really go anywhere, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and puzzled. Overall, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
2. Samantha - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "November witch hymn". The characters were shallow and uninteresting, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The descriptions were overly flowery and convoluted, making it hard to actually understand what was happening. I found myself bored and frustrated, and ultimately gave up on trying to get through this book.
3. Ethan - 3 stars - While "November witch hymn" had some interesting moments, overall I found it to be a bit underwhelming. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing action scenes. The world-building was interesting, but it wasn't enough to make up for the lackluster plot and one-dimensional characters. It had potential, but it just fell short for me.
4. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "November witch hymn", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was overly descriptive and poetic, making it difficult for me to connect with the story and characters. The plot was convoluted and messy, and I found myself getting confused and lost several times. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read.