The Evolution of the Witch on a Broom in Popular Culture

Have you ever wondered about the iconic image of a witch flying on a broomstick? This image has been popularized in countless fairy tales, folklore, and popular culture. But where did this idea come from and why has it become so ingrained in our collective imagination? The concept of witches riding brooms can be traced back to ancient times. In pagan traditions, witches were believed to possess the ability to communicate with supernatural beings and harness their powers. They believed that by rubbing a magical ointment on their bodies, they could induce a state of altered consciousness and astral travel. So, how did the broomstick come into play? It is believed that the association between witches and brooms stems from fertility rituals practiced by pagan communities. During these rituals, women would jump high into the air on broomsticks to ensure a good harvest.

Most witches know about the other magic required for a broomstick besides just flying, the magic that gives you some invisible seat, but occasionally a young witch is self-taught for some reason and tries to use a broomstick flying spell without any extra spells. She inevitably ends up hanging upside down from the broomstick, screaming for help.

But the first solid gust of wind that comes along, gravity will take over, your center of mass will go downward, and you just spin around the broomstick until you re hanging upside down, holding on for dear life, hoping there is someone nearby who can get you a ladder. begingroup It is the same with Chinese XianXia magical martial-artists who fight demons who ride their swords the same way one rides a skateboard endgroup.

During these rituals, women would jump high into the air on broomsticks to ensure a good harvest. Over time, this practice evolved into the idea of witches flying on brooms. The broomstick also has a symbolic significance in relation to witches.

The Witch's Broom

A very common trope in witchcraft-themed fictional narratives is the iconic Magic Broom, a magical object made from wood and straw to fly and serve as a vehicle for witches. Witches generally fly with the broom between their legs, although sometimes women fly sitting sideways with both legs together (some men do too, but so far I've seen more women riding the broom like this, like riding a horse in sidesaddle form). That said, I ask: What would it be like to ride a broom? Because the broom stays in the air (except when it goes up), but your body, according to the laws of physics, tends to go down. It's like sitting on the handrail of a ladder with your legs spread and the handrail between them. It shouldn't be very comfortable, especially for a man. Note: with no answers involving magic used on the witch or person who will ride the broom, the only magic allowed is the one that makes the broom fly and does not break under the weight of a human being on it. Also no saddles or anything that makes the broom more motorcycle-like, the point is a broom that is true to its broom design. My question is whether it would be comfortable, whether it would hurt, etc. Not about how riding a broom.

$\begingroup$ the practical witch might tend to use layered and padded underwear. which would also be useful to protect against the cold, rushing air at high speeds. as for how it would feel: try it for yourself by sitting on a fence. $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ No an answer, but it probably is appropriate to point out that (patchy) historical evidence suggests that the besom's handle (or a similar rod) was used to apply hallucinogenic ointment to the mucosa of the vagina and/or anus for transdermal absorption. In other words, they did not actually fly, only believed that they did. (Thankfully that part has not made it into Harry Potter. ) $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ I actually had to try riding a broomstick when I read this question. It is indeed very uncomfortable, especially in the gender-nonspecific parts (an educated guess tells me that female parts would suffer quite a bit, whereas my male parts weren't in contact with the broomstick). I also concluded that the flying magic should be supplemented with magic which prevents the broomstick from spinning sideways, lest you fall off. $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ @gustafc thinking of bike saddles and tree branches, an unusually thick handle would be enough. Perhaps a magical enhancement of thickness both for strength and comfort, while it still looks thin and the weight isn't increased $\endgroup$

$\begingroup$ especially for a man? It could be more uncomfortable for women, because parts can't be pushed to one side - they are where they are, and I expect are no less sensitive (no empirical data). $\endgroup$

The broom represents domesticity and cleanliness, traditionally associated with women. By flying on a broomstick, witches were challenging societal norms and embracing their innate power. In the 15th and 16th centuries, during the infamous witch hunts and trials, the image of a witch riding a broom became further ingrained in popular culture. These trials were a result of mass hysteria fueled by superstitions and misinformation. In an attempt to dehumanize and demonize those accused of witchcraft, the image of witches flying on brooms was used to portray them as otherworldly and evil. In modern times, the image of a witch riding a broomstick has become an integral part of Halloween and witchcraft imagery. It has been depicted in literature, movies, and art, perpetuating the enchanting and mystical nature of witches. While witches flying on broomsticks may be a fictional concept, it holds a special place in our cultural imagination. It represents the defiance of societal norms, the empowerment of women, and the embrace of magic and the supernatural. So, the next time you see an image of a witch flying on a broomstick, remember that it is not just a fantastical notion but a symbol of female power, independence, and the enduring fascination with the world of magic..

Reviews for "The Gendered Imagery of Witches on Brooms"

1. Emma - 1 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch on a Broom". The storyline was weak and lacked excitement. The characters were one-dimensional and I didn't feel any connection to them. The illustrations were also quite boring and didn't add anything to the story. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging read.

2. Henry - 2 out of 5 stars - "Witch on a Broom" fell flat for me. The plot was predictable and didn't keep my attention. I found myself getting bored and wanting to skim through most of it. The illustrations were the only redeeming feature, but even they couldn't make up for the lackluster story. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and original witch story.

3. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch on a Broom". The writing was simplistic and lacked depth. The characters were cliché and had no substance. The illustrations were also quite amateurish and didn't add anything to the overall experience. I expected much more from this book and was left feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and captivating witch story.

The Magical Powers of Witches on Brooms