Beachy witch nails are a trendy and unique nail design that combines elements of the beach and witchcraft. These nails typically feature a combination of natural and mystical elements, creating a perfect balance between the two themes. When thinking of beachy witch nails, envision a mix of seashells, mermaids, crystals, and celestial symbols. With beachy witch nails, you can embrace your inner witchy side while still enjoying the summery vibes of the beach. Seashells, both real and faux, are a popular choice for this nail design. They can be used to create stunning 3D nail art or can be applied as a delicate accent on a single nail.
In the 15th century, drawings began to depict nude witches, astride their broomsticks, flying through the air. According to some historians, this image was suggested by the practice of rubbing a broomstick with belladonna extract and maneuvering it in such a way that the active hallucinogenic ingredient, atropine, would be absorbed into the bloodstream through the sensitive genital tissues. So, in a fashion, witches really did fly!
In the beginning of the film, we see the characters exiled to New England s frontier a new and harsh environment, lacking in community support, that ultimately sets up the story s main conflict. Reverend Parris s delay of his acceptance of the position increased the village s divisions, and he was not seen in a good light by his own congregation.
They can be used to create stunning 3D nail art or can be applied as a delicate accent on a single nail. The seashells add a touch of the beach while also representing the power of the ocean and its connection to witchcraft. To further enhance the mystical aspect of beachy witch nails, crystals can be incorporated into the design.
Bewitching Environments in 2016’s The Witch
Every October we can expect a lineup of new thrillers and horror films designed to frighten and intrigue audiences. Often these films (consciously or not) present a veiled but hyper-realised version of a modern “threat.” Vampire movies, for instance, have represented a myriad of fears through the ages—like how Count Orlok’s character in the 1922 German film Nosferatu, had anti-Semitic features.(1) Usually these films present fear of an “other,” an out-group that causes havoc for the members of the in-group. In horror films about witches, the witch is usually a bloodthirsty old crone with a vendetta against average people. Unlike most horror films, 2016’s The Witch seeks to be historically accurate and does not present an “other” as the driving evil. Rather, the film’s characters turn on one another and ultimately create their own demise.
The Witch: A New-England Folktale, set in 1620 New England, is unique among horror movies about witchcraft in that it makes an effort to portray witches as they would have been understood in the 17th century. Robert Eggers’ film represents, in several respects, a better direction for historically-based thrillers. The film is well-researched and (though some non-academic viewers may find its attention to detail tedious,) is more responsible in how it builds suspense and conflict between its characters. Indeed, the film’s credits state directly that “This film was inspired by many folktales, fairytales and written accounts of historical witchcraft, including journals, diaries and court records. Much of the dialogue comes directly from these period sources.”
Eggers’ attention to the historical record shows, as his film’s witch complies with 17th-century beliefs. Historically, witchcraft was perceived as a very real and tangible representation of evil and the devil. Contemporaries believed that witches inherited their magical or supernatural powers (like flying or shape-shifting) by making a pact with the devil and signing his book. “Witches” were usually outsiders or individuals who lived on the fringes of society. They were usually lower class, didn’t fit into normative society, and often had physical or mental disabilities, or disfigurements. Because it was thought that women were intellectually weaker than men, it was also believed that they were more susceptible to the temptations and persuasions of the devil. These Western views on witchcraft originated in Europe and migrated across the Atlantic with North America’s first European settlers, and this is evident in The Witch.
*Warning: Plot Spoiling Ahead*
In the beginning of the film, we see the characters exiled to New England’s frontier—a new and harsh environment, lacking in community support, that ultimately sets up the story’s main conflict. After the loss of the baby Samuel, environmental stressors including a crop failure and the family’s inability to sustain themselves on limited game provoke familial strain. William acknowledged the impact of these environmental factors when he declared that, “We will conquer this wilderness, it will not consume us!” Little did he know that the drama incited by “this wilderness” would ultimately be the family’s downfall.
Soon after the family begins their new life on a frontier farm, the baby Samuel mysteriously vanishes under the care of the eldest daughter, Thomasin. The family attributes this disappearance to a wolf, but the audience knows that a witch who has taken him. Samuel’s kidnapping increases the family’s sense of vulnerability on the frontier. This unease, in addition to a sense of distrust among the characters after a silver cup goes missing, creates tension and conflict within the family that is exacerbated further by growing concern over their crop failure and difficulty trapping game. One by one, each family member is targeted by the witch and the family goat called Black Philip (who is actually Satan), who intensify existing pressures in order to drive them apart. As the film goes on, the family becomes more convinced that something evil is at play and causing their problems even as they continue to plunge deeper into a pattern of self-destructive behaviour.
By our summary, it is clear that (for a film called The Witch) the witch makes very few visual appearances throughout. Rather, much of the focus is placed on the tensions and “infighting” within the family. In the film’s canon, witchcraft is real and dangerous. However, even before the characters have reason to believe a witch is responsible for their recent troubles, their attention is placed on “the witch” rather than on the problems that they know exist. For instance, Katherine, the mother, describes the farm as “unnatural” and describes her son’s illness as looking like “witchcraft.” Blame is placed on a witch before the characters have evidence that supernatural forces are at play.
Eggers’ storytelling falls strongly in line with the kinds of climatic stressors historians know to have been attributed to witches in the past. In the 1990’s, Wolfgang Behringer found that German witch hunts escalated during periods of climactic change, especially those causing food shortages.(2) More recently, Edward Miguel, similarly, concluded that witch trials in rural Tanzania intensified in times of drought or flooding.(3)
In The Witch…environmentally-driven anxieties manifest themselves as fears about witchcraft.
In The Witch, as in the historical examples Behringer and Miguel describe, environmentally-driven anxieties manifest themselves as fears about witchcraft. As stress builds in the film, the characters become more convinced that there is a witch in the area, if not among them. This stress is caused by several factors, including their isolation and failing crops, exacerbated by Samuel’s disappearance and the character’s attempts to place guilt or to understand God’s punishment. In Simon Abrams’s review of the film, he suggested that “Eventually, Thomasin’s family personify their fears of nature… [and their] day-to-day troubles—almost all of which stem from the fact that their land seems cursed—[in] the form of a fairy tale witch.”(4)
Screenshot from The Witch.Because The Witch is not based on one particular event or family, it’s successful in giving audiences a sense of how contemporaries experienced witchcraft during the 17th century. While films or documentaries about specific trials often focus on the particular phenomena that experts speculate caused fear of witchcraft at that time and in that place, The Witch tells a more standard story. “Witches” were blamed for ordinary things going wrong that contemporaries simply could not explain at the time.
The Witch brings this history, or the trend to blame environmental change (like crop shortages) on individual people, to life. The title character is a tangible threat in the film, however, in history witchcraft was a scapegoat. But—if the witch isn’t the threat–how can the danger be mitigated or controlled? As we enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of scary movies this Halloween, let’s also remain conscious of what these films are telling us to fear…
Erin Isaac is a Master’s student in history at the University of New Brunswick. Her thesis Conflicting Christianities: Anglo-North American Anti-Catholicism and Its Exceptions, 1763-1780 considers the legacy of imperial anti-Catholic traditions as expressed during the Seven Years’ War (1754-63) among British North Americans and its effects on politics and culture between the Quebec Act (1774) and the Franco-American alliance (1778).
Kapri Macdonald is a first year Master’s student in history at the University of New Brunswick. Her research interests include witchcraft and women’s experiences with the supernatural and preternatural.
Notes
(1) For more, refer to Rolf Giesen, The Nosferatu Story: The Seminal Horror Film, Its Predecessors and Its Enduring Legacy (Jefferson: McFarland & Company, Inc, 2019), esp. 103-110.
(2) Wolfgang Behringer, “Climactic Change and Witch-Hunting,” Climate Change 43 (1999): 335-351.
(3) Edward Miguel, “Poverty and Witch Killing,” Review of Economic Studies 72 (2005): 1153–1172.
(4) Simon Abrams, Roger Ebert Reviews, February 18, 2016, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-witch-2016.
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Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne were among the first to be accused and arrested for affecting Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr., and Elizabeth Hubbard. At the time, a vicious rivalry was underway between the Putnam and Porter families which resulted in polarizing the people of Salem. These disagreements often escalated into full-fledged fighting based on their opinion of the feud. I suppose an accusation of witchcraft was an easy way to get rid of an enemy, considering the gullible and superstitious nature of the people in this town.
Small crystal accents or crystals encased in resin can be added, representing the spiritual and healing properties often associated with witchcraft. Crystals are not only visually stunning but also add a touch of magic to your nails. Additionally, celestial symbols such as stars, moons, and suns can be included in beachy witch nails. These symbols represent the connection between the earth and the universe, adding a touch of magic and mystery to the design. They can be painted, stamped, or even added as 3D embellishments, allowing for endless creative possibilities. When it comes to colors, beachy witch nails often feature a mix of natural tones and vibrant shades. Earthy colors like sand, beige, and turquoise can be used to represent the beach, while deep purples, blues, and blacks can be incorporated to embrace the witchy side. This color combination creates a visually striking design that perfectly captures the essence of both themes. Whether you're a beach lover or a fan of witchcraft, beachy witch nails provide a creative and unique way to express your personality. So next time you're looking for a nail design that combines the beauty of the beach with the enchantment of witchcraft, don't hesitate to give beachy witch nails a try..
Reviews for "Unleash Your Inner Beach Witch: Nail Ideas for Summery Spells"
1. Amanda - 2 stars - I was quite disappointed with the "Beachy witch nails"! First of all, the colors were not at all what I expected. The beachy aspect felt forced, and the witch theme was completely lost. Additionally, the application process was very messy and time-consuming. Even after spending so much time on the nails, they didn't last more than a couple of days before chipping and losing their charm. I would not recommend these nails to anyone looking for a beachy or witchy look.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The "Beachy witch nails" were a complete letdown for me. The design looked nothing like what was pictured online. The colors were dull and didn't make me think of the beach at all. Moreover, the application process was complicated and the instructions provided didn't make it any easier. The nails started chipping within hours of applying, and the overall quality was very poor. I would definitely not recommend wasting your money on these nails!
3. Jennifer - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Beachy witch nails" but unfortunately, they fell short of my expectations. The colors were not as vibrant as pictured, and the nails lacked the beachy vibe I was going for. Also, the adhesive provided didn't stick well, and the nails wouldn't stay in place for more than a few hours. The overall quality of the product was disappointing, and I won't be purchasing these nails again.
4. Alex - 1 star - The "Beachy witch nails" were a complete disaster. The colors were dull and uninspiring, and the application process was more complicated than necessary. Even after getting them properly applied, they started coming off within a day. The nails were not durable at all and chipped easily. I would advise against wasting your money on this product; there are much better options out there!
5. Michelle - 2 stars - I was really excited about the concept of the "Beachy witch nails", but they were a letdown. The colors looked different in person than in the advertisement, and they didn't give off the beachy or witchy vibes I was hoping for. The application process was a hassle, and the nails didn't last more than a couple of days before starting to chip. Overall, I was disappointed with the product and wouldn't recommend it.