A crooked witch hat is a whimsical and enchanted accessory that is often associated with witches and magical beings. Unlike traditional pointed hats, a crooked witch hat has a misshapen and twisted appearance, adding a touch of fun and mischief to the overall look. These hats are typically made from various materials such as felt, velvet, or satin, and are adorned with embellishments like feathers, ribbons, or mystical symbols. The crooked design adds an element of charm and individuality, making each hat unique and distinct. Crooked witch hats have long been connected with folklore and mythology. In many cultures around the world, witches were believed to wear these hats as a symbol of their supernatural powers.
Witch-hunts in early modern Europe (circa 1450-1750)
In this article we will take a look at the European witch hunts of circa 1450-1750, and their gender-selective aspects. Although both men and women were accused and executed for witchcraft in Europe during this era, roughly 75%-80% of those exposed to trial and execution were women.
It should be noted that when we study the pre-modern European witch craze, we find great variation over time and between different regions of Europe. The frenzy of the witch-hunts waxed and waned for roughly 300 years, and the dynamics – including gender-dynamics – could also vary greatly from one locality to the next. As an example, we know of only four executions for witchcraft in Ireland, while over 25,000 witches were killed in Germany. (Source: Jenny Gibbons, “Recent Developments in the Study of the Great European Witch Hunt”.) In England, over 90% of those accused of witchcraft were women, while Estonia had women accounting for less than half of those accused, and in Iceland only 10% of those accused of witchcraft were women. (Source: Robin Briggs, “Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft”, pp. 260-61.)
The immense over-representation of women as victims in witch-trials and witch-executions in England (and in its colonies in North America) is probably one of the reasons why the English-speaking world tend to strongly associate witches, witch-trials and with-hunts with female victims. In essence, the English regional experience has been assumed, at least by English-speakers, to be typical for Europe as a whole.
In many cultures around the world, witches were believed to wear these hats as a symbol of their supernatural powers. It was thought that the crooked shape allowed witches to harness and direct their magic more effectively. Today, crooked witch hats are often used as part of costumes for Halloween or other themed events.
Were 9 million women burned as witches?
Is it true that 9 million women were burned as witches in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century CE? It is a frequently quoted number in non-academic literature, but it is not based on solid academic research. Instead, modern research points to roughly 40,000 to 50,000 witch executions in Europe between 1450 and 1750, and an estimated 75%-80% of those executed were women. That would put the number of executed women witches at 40,000 or less.
“The most dramatic [recent] changes in our vision of the Great Hunt [have] centred on the death toll,” notes researcher Jenny Gibbons, who points out that estimates made prior to the mid-1970s, when detailed research into trial records began, were almost 100% pure speculation. (Source: Jenny Gibbons, “Recent Developments in the Study of the Great European Witch Hunt”.)
One of the researchers who have worked to unveil and publish more accurate numbers is Robin Briggs.
“On the wilder shores of the feminist and witch-cult movements,” writes Briggs, “a potent myth has become established, to the effect that 9 million women were burned as witches in Europe; gendercide rather than genocide. This is an overestimate by a factor of up to 200, for the most reasonable modern estimates suggest perhaps 100,000 trials between 1450 and 1750, with something between 40,000 and 50,000 executions, of which 20 to 25 per cent were men. (…) “these figures are chilling enough, but they have to be set in the context of what was probably the harshest period of capital punishments in European history.” (Source: Robin Briggs, “Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft”, p.8)
Researcher Brian Levack put the number of witch trials at approximately 110,000. It should be noted that this number is for trials, not convictions or executions. In many cases, Levack found evidence that a trial had occurred, but could not find information about its outcome. (Source: Brian Levack, “The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe”)
They have become iconic symbols of witchcraft and are often paired with other traditional elements such as broomsticks, cauldrons, and black cats. These hats have also become popular fashion accessories, with many people incorporating them into their everyday style. They add a touch of whimsy and mystery to an outfit, allowing individuals to express their unique personality and love for all things magical. Whether used as part of a costume or as a fashion statement, the crooked witch hat continues to captivate and intrigue people of all ages. Its playful and enchanting design makes it a timeless and beloved accessory, perfect for those who embrace their inner witch..
Reviews for "Why Every Witch Needs a Crooked Witch Hat in Their Wardrobe"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I really didn't enjoy "Crookdd witch hat". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to become invested in the characters. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the acting was subpar at best. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and underwhelming film.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "Crookdd witch hat" had potential, but it fell short for me. The writing lacked depth and the plot felt predictable and cliché. The special effects were also underwhelming and didn't add much to the overall viewing experience. While there were some interesting moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of creativity and originality.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Crookdd witch hat", but it failed to impress. The pacing was off, with slow moments that seemed to drag on and overly rushed scenes that left me feeling confused. The character development was lacking, and I couldn't connect with any of the protagonists. Additionally, the film didn't offer any fresh or unique take on the witch genre, making it feel like just another forgettable entry in the genre.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Crookdd witch hat" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was nonsensical and lacked coherence, leaving me more frustrated than entertained. The acting was wooden and uninspiring, making it difficult to care about any of the characters. The film had potential to explore interesting themes, but instead, it relied on cheap jump scares and predictable tropes. Overall, I found it to be an uninspired and forgettable film that I would not recommend.