A witch door panel is a decorative component that is often found on a witch-themed front door or gate. This unique and whimsical design element features various symbols and decorations that are associated with witches, magic, and folklore. Typically made of durable materials such as wood or metal, a witch door panel can be crafted in different styles to suit individual preferences and complement the overall aesthetic of a home or Halloween decor. The panel may be painted in vibrant colors or feature intricate carvings, adding depth and visual interest to the door. Common motifs found on witch door panels include broomsticks, cauldrons, witches' hats, black cats, spells, and moon and star symbols. These elements symbolize the mystical and magical realm often associated with witches and have become iconic representations of witchcraft.
The fourth type of Gu was referred to as the evil heat and noxious qi that harms the living. According to ancient beliefs also the Gu could spread through a mist or exhalation. According to the Shiji in 675 BCE Duke De of Qin tried to suppress the Gu beginning of a hot summer by means of dogs that had been bred to be slaughtered and exposed to the four gates of the city. Showing Gu dogs at the four gates of the city recalled the practice of the third type of Gu.
China, destined perhaps to be the world s last Leninist state, was awash with rumors after the Tiananmen killings of June 4, 1989, that the aged leader Deng Xiaoping was about to die. He would stress instead that in 1768 the persecution of political crime sorcery and sedition had a certain positive function within the bureaucratic-monarchic system it may have provided an opportunity for Hungli to whip his bureaucracy into line.
These elements symbolize the mystical and magical realm often associated with witches and have become iconic representations of witchcraft. A witch door panel can serve not only as a decorative item but also as a conversation piece or a way to express one's love for folklore, fantasy, and Halloween. Whether displayed year-round or for specific occasions like Halloween, these panels add a touch of enchantment and whimsy to any home.
Chinese Black Magic, The Ancient Tradition of Magic in China
In Chinese folklore, especially in the South, was developed a whole literature on the magic to harm, sicken, or eliminate people somehow perceived as antagonistic.
All these practices are counted under the umbrella name of Gu (poison 蛊) or Jincan (from golden silkworm; 金 蚕). Once we started producing Gu, no one can be exempt from doing so, under penalty of death by the witch doctor.
The preparation of Gu potions involved the use of the poison of several creatures (snakes, centipedes, scorpions), sealing them inside a closed container where they kill and devoured one another.
The only survivor would have accumulated all the toxic substances of the losers. Gu magic was used to manipulate the will of others, partners, to make people ill and not least cause death. According to Chinese folklore, a Gu spirit was able to transform into different animals: snakes, worms, earthworms, frogs, dogs, or pigs.
Gu
The name Gu has ancient origins dating back to the oracle inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty (fourteenth century BC). The word Jincan is instead used for the first time during the Tang Dynasty (seventh century A.D.).
The use of Gu comes from the generic term Chong (虫) which means not only insect and worm but also amphibian, reptile, and dragon combined with min (jar, cup, plate; 皿). The reference to the practice of sealing poisonous animals in a single container is therefore expressed already by the original name. According to Marshall, the Gu character refers to the evil power of the ancestors that can cause diseases in life.
The silk or gold bug earthworm is a synonym for Gu and it dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Li Xian’s commentary to the Hou Han Shu (The Book of Later Han) of the seventh century, associates the name Jincan to a golden funeral decoration and Su E (ninth century) describes it instead as a golden worm coming from Kashmir.
According to Eberhard, Gu and Jincan would be associated with the Duanwu Festival (the festival of dragon boat) which takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar that corresponds theoretically the height of the summer heat.
Among the Miao (an ethnic minority living in the south of China and South East Asia), the most poisonous animals were placed in a vessel so that they devour each other. They were called the golden silkworms.
According to tradition, the animal Gu, was able to produce gold if they were made the necessary sacrifices.
If for some reason the sacrifices were interrupted, the animal would have instead caused damage. For centuries the Miao women have been treated with suspicion and fear just because of their mastery in Gu. Groot quotes a description Song:
“A gold caterpillar is a caterpillar with a gold color, which is fed with silk from Shuh (Szĕ-ch‘wen). Its ordure put in food or drink, poisons those who take it, causing certain death. It can draw towards a man the possessions of such victims, and thus make him enormously rich. It is extremely difficult to get rid of it, for even water, fire, weapons, or swords can do it no harm. Usually the owner for this purpose puts some gold or silver into a basket, places the caterpillar also therein, and throws the basket away in a corner of the street, where someone may pick it up and take it with him. He is then said to have given his gold caterpillar in marriage.“
According to Bencao Gangmu, the golden bugs would originate in Sichuan and only then would spread in Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi.
According to the pharmacologist of the Tang Dynasty Chen Cangqi the ashes of old flowered silk are a cure for the poison of insect venom Gu or reptiles which each this silk.
The punishment of cutting asunderIn conclusion, a witch door panel is a unique and decorative element that adds character and charm to a front door or gate. With its witch-themed motifs and symbols, it creates a magical and mystical ambiance while showcasing individual interests and creativity..
Reviews for "Creative Ways to Incorporate Witch Door Panels in Your Home Decor"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Witch door panel. The design was childish and not at all what I expected. The colors were too bright and the characters looked poorly drawn. The fabric used felt cheap and flimsy, and I don't think it would hold up well over time. Overall, I was not impressed with the quality or appearance and would not recommend this product.
2. John - 1 star - The Witch door panel was a complete waste of money. The sizing was completely off, and it didn't fit my door properly. The print quality was poor, with blurry images that were not sharp or detailed at all. The panel was also difficult to hang, and the included hardware was flimsy and cheap. I ended up returning it and buying a different door panel from a different brand. Save yourself the frustration and avoid this product.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I purchased the Witch door panel thinking it would add a spooky touch to my Halloween decor, but I was sorely disappointed. The colors were not as vibrant as shown in the pictures, and the overall design looked cheap and tacky. The panel also had a strange odor when I took it out of the packaging, which didn't go away even after airing it out for a few days. I ended up taking it down and using a different decoration instead. I would not recommend this door panel.