The broomstick has long been associated with witchcraft and is often seen as a stereotypical symbol of witches and their magical abilities. This association can be traced back to ancient times when broomsticks were used in rituals and ceremonies involving witchcraft. One theory suggests that the broomstick was seen as a phallic symbol, representing male power and fertility, and that witches used it to symbolically ride on the winds of change. This idea may have originated from pagan beliefs that broomsticks were used to sweep away negative energy or evil spirits. Another theory links the association between witches and broomsticks to the use of hallucinogenic herbs. It is believed that witches would rub these herbs on the handle of their broomsticks and then straddle them, allowing the hallucinogenic effects to take hold.
Some argue that the painting of a woman riding a broomstick in Schleswig Cathedral, Germany, is the earliest known example. However, we do not know if the painting depicted a witch. We also do not have an exact date for it; although often cited as earlier, it was likely produced in the late 15th or 16th century. The 1451 manuscript illumination of ‘Des Vaudoises’ is therefore the earliest datable example.
This refers to the Waldensians, members of an ascetic religious movement who were declared heretics in the 13th century, and often accused of witchcraft by the Church. This refers to the Waldensians, members of an ascetic religious movement who were declared heretics in the 13th century, and often accused of witchcraft by the Church.
It is believed that witches would rub these herbs on the handle of their broomsticks and then straddle them, allowing the hallucinogenic effects to take hold. This would give them a feeling of flying or floating, leading to the belief that witches could actually ride on broomsticks. In addition to these theories, the broomstick can also be seen as a representation of female power and independence.
Oldest depiction of a witch on a broomstick
In 1451, a manuscript of Martin le Franc’s long poem Le Champion des Dames, a defence of virtuous women, was illuminated at Arras Cathedral. On one page of the manuscript was an illustration of two women, each only 3 cm high. One woman sits astride a broom and the other, a stick. This is the earliest known depiction of a witch flying on a broomstick. The inscription above the illumination reads ‘Des Vaudoises’. This refers to the Waldensians, members of an ascetic religious movement who were declared heretics in the 13th century, and often accused of witchcraft by the Church.
Some argue that the painting of a woman riding a broomstick in Schleswig Cathedral, Germany, is the earliest known example. However, we do not know if the painting depicted a witch. We also do not have an exact date for it; although often cited as earlier, it was likely produced in the late 15th or 16th century. The 1451 manuscript illumination of ‘Des Vaudoises’ is therefore the earliest datable example.
Prior to this, images of witches tended to depict them as sexualised and demonic. In the 1451 example, we see a shift in perspective. These women, wearing long-sleeved dresses and white head coverings, were modest and unremarkable. The humble broomstick placed the witch in a domestic setting, suggesting that they could look like any ordinary person – and were therefore all the more threatening. The image of a witch on a broomstick was further established by Dutch artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the 16th century, in his etchings ‘St. James Encounters Hermogenes’ and ‘The Fall of the Magician Hermogenes’. Bruegel depicted a witch flying out of a chimney on a broomstick, as well as a witch brewing a concoction in a cauldron on the hearth. These became common tropes in popular imagination, duplicated today in Halloween costumes and decorations.
Records change on a daily basis and are not immediately published online. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. (You will need to register / login for access)
Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record.
In 1451, a manuscript of Martin le Franc’s long poem Le Champion des Dames, a defence of virtuous women, was illuminated at Arras Cathedral. On one page of the manuscript was an illustration of two women, each only 3 cm high. One woman sits astride a broom and the other, a stick. This is the earliest known depiction of a witch flying on a broomstick. The inscription above the illumination reads ‘Des Vaudoises’. This refers to the Waldensians, members of an ascetic religious movement who were declared heretics in the 13th century, and often accused of witchcraft by the Church.
In many cultures, the act of sweeping was traditionally seen as women's work, and by associating witches with broomsticks, they were challenging traditional gender roles and asserting their independence. Overall, the broomstick has come to symbolize witchcraft and the supernatural in popular culture. Whether it is seen as a tool for flying or as a representation of female power, the broomstick continues to captivate our imaginations and remind us of the enduring fascination with witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Broomstick in Pop Culture: Its Influence on Witchcraft Stereotypes"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "The broomstick as a representation of witchcraft" to be quite underwhelming and unconvincing. The author's arguments were vague and lacked substantial evidence to support their claims. Furthermore, the writing style was disjointed, making it challenging to follow the main points being presented. As someone who is genuinely interested in witchcraft, I was disappointed with the lack of depth and analysis in this book.
2. Mark - 1 star - "The broomstick as a representation of witchcraft" failed to live up to my expectations. The author simply scratched the surface without delving into the historical significance of the broomstick as a symbol of witchcraft. The arguments presented were weak and unsupported, making it difficult to consider this book as a credible source. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking in-depth knowledge on the subject.
3. Emma - 2.5 stars - While "The broomstick as a representation of witchcraft" had an interesting premise, it fell short in its execution. The author seemed more focused on personal anecdotes and opinions rather than providing a thorough analysis. The brevity of each chapter left me wanting more information and left many of the points made feeling incomplete. Overall, this book did not sufficiently explore the topic it aimed to discuss, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader.