A broom used by witches is commonly referred to as a "witch's broom" or a "broomstick." While the proper term may vary depending on the cultural and mythological context, these terms are the most widely recognized. The image of a witch flying on a broomstick is a popular trope in folklore and literature. However, it is important to note that the concept of witches riding brooms has its origins in historical superstitions and is not representative of modern witchcraft practices. The association between witches and brooms likely stems from the use of herbs and plants in magical rituals, with brooms symbolizing the sweeping away of negative energies or the ability to "cleanse" a space. In modern witchcraft, brooms are often used as decorative objects or symbols rather than functional tools for flight.
Illustrious, majestic and highly contested: a complete history of the live Rameses
The Rameses that graces Kenan Memorial Stadium today is the latest in a long line of celebrated ovine royalty. But every royal family has its secrets.
By Emilie Poplett, University Communications, Friday, January 24th, 2020Georgia Tech vs. UNC during the homecoming game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, N.C., Nov. 5, 2016. (Photo by Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
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The Rameses that graces Kenan Memorial Stadium today is the latest in a long line of celebrated ovine royalty. But every royal family has its secrets.
We know the original Rameses took the throne in 1924, but who was next in line for the crown? And where did today’s lineage truly begin? We set out to uncover the truth.
“It feels like a Shakespearian tragedy, doesn’t it?” said University Archivist Nicholas Graham, who helped us trace the story of Rameses to its origin. “Who’s going to be the successor?”
According to Graham, Rameses’ early history is difficult to track down, marked by its fair share of mystery.
“The early history is very confusing and difficult to trace. The numbers are off,” he said. “You basically have this student newspaper that comes out weekly with passing references to Rameses, so you fill in the blanks.”
In modern witchcraft, brooms are often used as decorative objects or symbols rather than functional tools for flight..
A star is born
We do know that the tradition began in 1924, when head cheerleader Vic Huggins was inspired by footballer Jack “The Battering Ram” Merritt to acquire a live ram.
With $25 and the blessing of the athletics department, Huggins got a pedigreed ram from either Texas or Tennessee (records differ here, but the important thing is that he got a real live ram).
The story goes that while State had its wolf and Georgia its bulldog, Huggins chose a ram “as indicative of the fighting brand of football the team was playing under the Fetzer brothers.”
That ram — the original Rameses — made his debut at a game against the Virginia Military Institute on Nov. 8, 1924.
“We hadn’t done too well in the first two games of the season, but we beat VMI three to nothing,” Huggins told the Daily Tar Heel years later, reflecting on the game. “Rameses was quite the thing from then on.”
Graham believes students paraded Rameses across the quad and that he quickly became something of a campus pet.
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Reviews for "Ancient Beliefs: Seeking the True Name for a Witch's Broomstick"
- Jane M. - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "What is the proper term for a broom used by witches" considering how much I love fantasy novels. However, I was disappointed with the lack of depth in the characters and the predictable plot. The story felt rushed, and it didn't offer anything new or innovative to the genre. The writing style was decent, but it couldn't make up for the lackluster story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to avid fantasy readers who are looking for something engaging and original.
- Mark H. - 1 star - "What is the proper term for a broom used by witches" was a complete waste of my time. The concept sounded interesting, but the execution fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The pacing was all over the place, and the plot didn't make much sense. The writing itself was mediocre at best, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. I struggled to finish this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
- Sarah D. - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "What is the proper term for a broom used by witches" as I'm a fan of witchcraft-themed stories. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The plot was predictable, and the world-building was lacking. There were also several grammatical errors throughout the book, which was quite distracting. While the book had potential, it failed to deliver a compelling and well-developed story. Overall, I was disappointed with this read and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking an immersive witchcraft tale.
- Jason L. - 1 star - "What is the proper term for a broom used by witches" was a huge disappointment. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth. The story dragged on, and I found myself losing interest multiple times. The writing style was unremarkable, and there were several plot holes that were never addressed. It felt like the author rushed to publish this book without properly developing the story. Overall, it was a waste of time, and I would not recommend it to anyone in search of a captivating witch-themed novel.
- Lisa K. - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "What is the proper term for a broom used by witches," but unfortunately, it fell short. The writing was decent, but the story lacked originality and depth. The characters were cliché, and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, making it hard to stay engaged. While it had some potential, the book failed to deliver a satisfying reading experience. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more captivating witchcraft tale.