A wicked witch costume is a classic choice for Halloween or costume parties. It is a popular option among both children and adults who want to embrace the dark and mysterious persona of a witch. A typical wicked witch costume usually consists of several key elements. The most recognizable piece is the black pointed hat, which is often adorned with a wide brim and a buckle or other decorative elements. This hat instantly adds a touch of sinister charm to the overall look. The costume often includes a long black dress or robe, typically made from a flowing and slightly sheer fabric to create a haunting effect.
What the Welsh God of mythology has to do with the autumnal equinox isn’t clear, especially when we consider that the holiday in question wasn’t even recognised as a pagan-Celtic celebration by the Welsh. However, it is now, though a purely pagan/neo-pagan holiday, and one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated during the year. Mabon occurs between the 21st and 24th of September, the exact opposite of the Vernal Equinox, to mark the beginning of spring, though in Wiccan parlance it’s better known as Ostara. The pagan, eight-spoked, wheel of the year denotes winter (Yule), spring (Ostara), summer (Litha) and autumn (Mabon), with each season split by what is commonly referred to as ‘cross-quarter days. For example, Mabon is equidistant between the start of ‘Lughnasadh’ on the 1st of August and Samhain on the 1st of November.
What the Welsh God of mythology has to do with the autumnal equinox isn t clear, especially when we consider that the holiday in question wasn t even recognised as a pagan-Celtic celebration by the Welsh. The pagan, eight-spoked, wheel of the year denotes winter Yule , spring Ostara , summer Litha and autumn Mabon , with each season split by what is commonly referred to as cross-quarter days.
The costume often includes a long black dress or robe, typically made from a flowing and slightly sheer fabric to create a haunting effect. The dress may have long sleeves and a high collar that further enhances the witch-like appearance. A belt or sash may be added to cinch the waist and create a more flattering silhouette.
Mabon: The pagan festival that marks the autumn equinox
As with all things that claim to be pagan, separating fact from myth can be problematic, largely because the pagans didn’t write anything down. Our understanding of ancient practices was born largely from conjecture. These myths were treated to a degree of re-invention during the Age of Enlightenment and were romanticised by the Victorians. However, in the case of Mabon, it’s noted (even by even staunch pagans/neo-pagans) that the word wasn’t applied to the autumnal equinox until the 1970s. And besides, Mabon is the God of Welsh mythology.
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When is the autumn equinox in 2023?
by Jamie Dwelly
What the Welsh God of mythology has to do with the autumnal equinox isn’t clear, especially when we consider that the holiday in question wasn’t even recognised as a pagan-Celtic celebration by the Welsh. However, it is now, though a purely pagan/neo-pagan holiday, and one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated during the year. Mabon occurs between the 21st and 24th of September, the exact opposite of the Vernal Equinox, to mark the beginning of spring, though in Wiccan parlance it’s better known as Ostara. The pagan, eight-spoked, wheel of the year denotes winter (Yule), spring (Ostara), summer (Litha) and autumn (Mabon), with each season split by what is commonly referred to as ‘cross-quarter days. For example, Mabon is equidistant between the start of ‘Lughnasadh’ on the 1st of August and Samhain on the 1st of November.
Read more about: Popular Culture
Ancient rituals that mark the start of autumn
While ‘Mabon’ and ‘Autumn Equinox’ have been conflated to create an event without any solid provenance, both elements are authentic in their own right. Mabon derives from the Mabinogion (pronounced Mabin-OGion), a collection of 14th-century stories written in Middle Welsh. The Mabinogion was compiled from texts found in two late-medieval manuscripts. The Red Book of Hergest and The White Book of Rhydderch, that date from the eleventh and the fourteenth centuries. These texts were edited and translated by antiquarians, William Pughe and Lady Charlotte Guest in the early 19th century. However, if the contents may be subject to the fashionable whims of the day, the gist of the narrative prose that defines the publication is genuine.
Read more about: Ancient History
5 pagan traditions for celebrating the autumn equinox
by Rachel Littlewood
Similarly, harvest festivals have always been celebrated in some form or another throughout history. It was customary to use the early/mid-September harvest (full) moon to gather as many of the few remaining crops before the autumnal rains made the task increasingly more arduous. And after the grain, fruit and crops have been safely stored away, why not celebrate the fact that you have a chance of making it through winter with, at the very least, the odd bonfire and a merry tune?
Read more about: Seasonal
The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday
Over the years these celebrations have been variously ritualised, for example, one of the (many) traditions associated with pagan-Celtic harvest festivals involves dressing the last remaining corn sheaf in fine clothes before releasing the spirit of the corn by setting the effigy alight. But it would seem that Mabon celebrations are more subtle, symbolised by the horn of plenty (the cornucopia) and the humble apple.
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Samhain and the pagan roots of Halloween
The Cornucopia acts as a metaphor for a healthy harvest, while its shape imbues the fundamental characteristics of male and female. The Apple symbolises the fruit of the harvest for one fairly obvious reason (it’s in season) but above and beyond that it’s believed to represent healing, renewal, regeneration, and even immortality, with one little trick up its sleeve.
Cut an apple width way and it reveals a little pentagram. The pentagram represents the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit on each of its five points. It makes a perfect motif on the Mabon altar, alongside other seasonal fruits, to celebrate the gifts from the earth and give hope to the dark months ahead.
But! Before you cut the apple in half, how about a round of apple magic, one of the ‘traditional’ games played during Mabon.
by Jamie Dwelly
No wicked witch costume is complete without a broomstick. This prop adds a playful and whimsical touch to the ensemble, as it is often associated with witches flying through the night sky. The broomstick can be a simple wooden stick or a more elaborate and decorative accessory, depending on personal preference. To enhance the wicked witch persona, accessories such as a cauldron, potion bottles, or a black cat can be incorporated into the costume. These additional elements help create a more immersive and convincing portrayal of a witch. Makeup and hairstyle are essential in completing the look of a wicked witch costume. Dark, smoky eye makeup, green or purple eyeshadow, and bold black lipstick are commonly used to achieve a sinister and otherworldly appearance. The hair can be styled in various ways, such as sleek and straight, wild and tangled, or adorned with a witch hat. Overall, a wicked witch costume allows individuals to channel their inner villain and embrace the enchantment and allure of witchcraft. It offers a wide range of creative possibilities for those who want to set themselves apart and make a memorable impression at any costume event..
Reviews for "The Most Memorable Wicked Witch Costumes in Film and Television"
1. Emily - 2 stars - The Wicked Witch costume was a major disappointment for me. The quality of the costume was very poor; the material was flimsy and felt like it would tear easily. Additionally, the fit was completely off. The costume was supposed to be a medium size, but it was too tight in some areas and loose in others. The overall appearance was also lacking. The colors were faded and the design looked cheap. I would not recommend this costume to anyone looking to dress up as the Wicked Witch for Halloween.
2. David - 1 star - I bought the Wicked Witch costume for a Halloween party and it was a complete letdown. The costume arrived late, even though I ordered it well in advance, and when it finally arrived, the quality was subpar. The stitching was sloppy and some parts of the costume were unraveling. The fit was also way off; it was incredibly tight and uncomfortable, making it impossible to move around or enjoy the party. I ended up having to find a last-minute replacement costume. Save your money and avoid this Wicked Witch costume at all costs.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Wicked Witch costume, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The material felt cheap and the stitching was poorly done. The hat was also poorly shaped and wouldn't stay on my head, no matter how much I tried to adjust it. The sizing was off as well; I ordered a small, but it was way too big and loose on me. The overall appearance of the costume was lackluster and not at all like the vibrant and iconic Wicked Witch outfit. I would not recommend this costume to anyone who wants an accurate and good quality representation of the Wicked Witch for their costume party or event.