I recently had the opportunity to attend a unique festival near my town called the Witcy festival. This festival is unlike any other event I have ever experienced before. The Witcy festival celebrates the world of witchcraft and all things magical. It takes place in a picturesque forest area, creating an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors into a magical realm. Upon entering the festival grounds, I was immediately greeted by friendly and enthusiastic festival-goers dressed in whimsical costumes, ranging from witches and wizards to fairies and mythical creatures. The sight was truly mesmerizing, as though characters from a storybook had come to life.
Fun fact : ‘’In 1540, the city of Chester ordered that no women between the ages of 14 and 40 would be permitted to sell ale, in the hopes of limiting the trade to only women above or below an age of sexual desirability. Women in brewing and selling of ale were accused of being disobedient to their husbands, sexually deviant, but also frequently cheating their customers with watered-down ale and higher prices. ‘’ (1)
In the 15th and 16th centuries, small-scale ale producers, mostly brewsters, began to face accusations of a whole host of immoralities that caused irreparable damage to their reputations. The good Christian wives having their husbands come home drunk at all hours of the day hated the alewives because they preferred accusing these independent women of being evil than putting the fault on their drunk husbands.
The sight was truly mesmerizing, as though characters from a storybook had come to life. The attention to detail in each costume was commendable, with intricate makeup, flowing robes, and beautifully crafted props. Throughout the festival, attendees were treated to a wide range of immersive experiences.
The Ale-Soaked Medieval Origins of the Witch's Hat
The tall pointed hats we associate with witches in pop culture were first worn by women hawking homemade beer.
October 31, 2018, 9:22pm Illustration via Getty Images/lezhepyoka; composite image by Munchies Staff.All this time, you thought witches were supposed to be brewing up potions in those big, bubbling cauldrons. But what if we told you that instead, those massive black pots were full of a more popular poison: beer?
As far as Halloween decorations and elementary school literature is concerned, witches are frequently portrayed as a craggy old woman with wispy gray hair, a big hooked nose, a pointed black hat, and maybe a broom. Those latter two accessories have historically also been tools of the once-female-dominated ale brewing trade, a connection that historians have been puzzling out for decades. Yep—historically speaking, those ladies in big pointy hats might have actually been brewing ale.
AdvertisementIllustration of a 17th century alewife by David Loggan, via Wikimedia Commons.
Women who brewed ale at home were known in medieval Europe as “alewives,” and they did so as part of their normal routine of domestic duties. While in contemporary America, beer brewing is often dominated by hyper-masculine stereotypes and entrepreneurship, ale brewing—much like butter churning or bread baking—was considered well within the domain of the woman’s sphere of work within the home. It was as much of a necessity of life as any of those other chores, given that fermented beverages were often safer to drink than water. And like butter, cheese, or any other homemade foodstuffs, if a household could produce enough beyond their own immediate needs, the women of the house often took their goods to market to make a little extra money.
In order to catch as many eyes as possible, and to signal from a distance what they were selling, these “brewsters” wore tall hats. As a cottage industry, there was very little oversight or regulation to the home-grown brewing businesses, according to Rod Phillips in the comprehensive text Alcohol: A History. But there were also large-scale commercial breweries, widely owned by men, which were leveraging new technologies and making larger quantities of product. As these operations grew and took on the appearance of a "real" profession, with guilds and trade associations, women were by and large excluded.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, small-scale ale producers, mostly brewsters, began to face accusations of a whole host of immoralities that caused irreparable damage to their reputations. According to Judith Bennett, the preeminent historian of women brewers in this period of England’s history, both the public and the male-dominated brewing industry accused brewsters of diluting or adulterating their ale with cheaper brews, and thus of cheating customers. Brewsters were also accused of selling tainted ales that could make drinkers sick, perhaps intentionally. And generally speaking, at this time, a woman having a working knowledge of herbal concoctions and medicines was highly suspect, and might face rumors that she was using her knowledge for nefarious ends. Thus, the sign of the humble alewife’s hat came to be associated with all the same evil maliciousness of a poison-peddling witch.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, small-scale ale producers, mostly brewsters, began to face accusations of a whole host of immoralities that caused irreparable damage to their reputations. According to Judith Bennett, the preeminent historian of women brewers in this period of England’s history, both the public and the male-dominated brewing industry accused brewsters of diluting or adulterating their ale with cheaper brews, and thus of cheating customers. Brewsters were also accused of selling tainted ales that could make drinkers sick, perhaps intentionally. And generally speaking, at this time, a woman having a working knowledge of herbal concoctions and medicines was highly suspect, and might face rumors that she was using her knowledge for nefarious ends. Thus, the sign of the humble alewife’s hat came to be associated with all the same evil maliciousness of a poison-peddling witch.
There were workshops where visitors could learn about potion-making, tarot card reading, and spell-casting. These interactive sessions allowed participants to explore and embrace their curiosity about the mystical arts. It was fascinating to see people of all ages engaging in these activities, each person finding their own connection to the magical world. The festival also featured an array of performances and shows. There were mesmerizing fire dancers who put on breathtaking displays of skill and elegance. Acrobats and contortionists showcased their talents, creating awe-inspiring spectacles that kept the audience captivated. The highlight of the festival was the grand display of fireworks, creating a magical burst of colors against the backdrop of the dark, starry sky. Food stalls were set up throughout the festival, offering a variety of culinary delights. From enchanted cupcakes and potions that changed color to traditional foods with a magical twist, there was something to satisfy every craving. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods, enticing visitors to indulge in the enchanting treats available. One of the most memorable aspects of the Witcy festival was the sense of community that permeated throughout. People from all walks of life came together to celebrate their love for magic, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Visitors were encouraged to interact with one another, sharing their experiences and stories. The festival truly fostered a sense of belonging and allowed attendees to form connections with like-minded individuals. As the festival came to an end, I found myself reflecting on the magical experiences I had encountered over the past few days. The Witcy festival had not only entertained and amazed me, but it had also sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity within me. It reminded me of the beauty and joy that can be found in embracing the mystical and fantastical aspects of life. Overall, the Witcy festival near my town provided an enchanting and immersive experience that allowed visitors to step into a world of magic and wonder. It was a celebration of witchcraft and all things mystical, showcasing the creativity and imagination of its attendees. The festival left me with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the magic that exists in our everyday lives..
Reviews for "Magical Moments at the Witchy Festival near Me"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - The Witcy festival near me was a complete disappointment. The organization was chaotic, with long lines and limited facilities. The music acts were subpar, and the main stage had sound issues throughout the event. The food options were limited and expensive, and the overall atmosphere was lacking. I left feeling unsatisfied and regretting my decision to attend.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - The Witcy festival was a disaster from start to finish. The event was overcrowded, making it impossible to move around without getting pushed and shoved. The worst part was the lack of cleanliness - there were garbage bins overflowing with trash and not enough toilets, resulting in extremely unsanitary conditions. The festival also lacked any meaningful activities or entertainment options, leaving me bored and wishing I had spent my money elsewhere.
3. David Thompson - 2 stars - I was excited to attend the Witcy festival, but it fell short of my expectations. The organization was poor, with long queues for entry and disorganized staff. The lineup of performers was lackluster, with lesser-known acts and not much variety in music genres. The food options were also disappointing, with limited choices and overpriced items. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend this festival to others.
4. Sarah Johnson - 1 star - The Witcy festival near me was a total letdown. The venue was not well-maintained, with muddy grounds and poor signage. The sound quality was terrible, making it difficult to enjoy the performances. The lack of shade and seating areas made it uncomfortable to stay for long periods of time, and the overall experience felt disorganized. I expected more from this festival and was left feeling frustrated and disappointed.