Halloween is a holiday filled with imagery and themes that can be traced back to ancient Celtic traditions. One of the most prominent figures in Halloween folklore is the witch. Witches have had a tremendous influence on Halloween customs throughout history. In Celtic culture, witches were believed to have supernatural powers and were often associated with events such as Samhain, the ancient festival that is considered the precursor to modern-day Halloween. During Samhain, it was believed that witches would gather with other supernatural beings to celebrate the changing of the seasons. This association between witches and Samhain helped cement the connection between witches and Halloween customs.
Another responded: "What irritates me is the fact that non-witches/Wiccans seem to determine what offends us witch/Wiccans. I think they should ask us whether or not witch costumes offend us or not. Personally I like witch costumes. I wear one every Halloween."
The costume comes with a vinyl noose for maximum morbid fun, according to the Party City website, which describes the getup as the only costume you ll need to hang onto. People gathered together, feasting and telling stories; they lit bonfires to rejuvenate the sun; they recalled and evoked their ancestors and foretold the future.
This association between witches and Samhain helped cement the connection between witches and Halloween customs. One of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween, the jack-o'-lantern, is believed to have originated from the legend of Stingy Jack, a character who is said to have made a deal with the Devil. In the legend, Jack is gifted a burning coal by the Devil and uses it to light his way.
The Stewarts and the Supernatural
This Halloween we take you on a special tour around the castle, following its most famous residents and their beliefs and superstitions.
Halloween, originally called Samhain in Scotland, is a winter festival. Traditionally, it marks the point when summer becomes winter. Similar festivals existed all over northern Europe. The Anglo-Saxons had ‘Blood-Month’ and the Norse ‘the Winter Nights.’ These celebrations could occur anywhere between mid-October and mid-November depending on the region.
Halloween Traditions
Halloween is and was always a good excuse for a party. Samhain or Halloween was a time when people believed supernatural creatures such as fairies, witches and ghosts abounded and they disguised themselves to ward off these perceived supernatural forces. People gathered together, feasting and telling stories; they lit bonfires to rejuvenate the sun; they recalled and evoked their ancestors and foretold the future.
We still do this today: we dook for apples as they bob in a basin of water. Why? Because apples were knowledge-bringing sacred fruit, they grew in the Celtic Paradise, Avalon, and became associated with Eden’s Tree of Knowledge. Tradition says apples could be used to learn about future partners at Halloween. Nuts too, like apples abundant in autumn, were used to test the future vitality of relationships in Halloween rituals.
James V
Perhaps the best known tradition associated with Halloween is that of dressing up in a scary costume, visiting neighbours and performing a story, song or joke in return for treats. This activity is called guising in Scotland. Tradition has it that James V himself famously liked to dress up, as the Gudeman o’ Ballengeich, and go down to the villages below the castle and mingle with his subjects.
On the side of James V’s Palace you can see the most macabre figure of them all. The Devil can be found right in the middle of the southern façade, overlooking the main approach to the castle. As this was the most likely point of attack, could the carving have been intended to frighten off the enemy?
The Palace was later home to Mary Queen of Scots, and her son, James VI.
The devil defending Stirling Castle from attack
Mary Queen of Scots
Today a black cape, broomstick and pointy hat are a popular choice of Halloween costume. But the history of so-called witches and witchcraft is a dark one, which resulted in the torture and death of many innocent people.
During Mary’s reign the 1563 Witchcraft Act came into force, the first civil law against witches in Scotland. It condemned to death all those accused of witchcraft or even consulting witches. It was far more draconian than Elizabeth Tudor’s Witchcraft Act, which only made the practitioner guilty, reserving the death sentence for those who allegedly killed by magical means.
The world’s oldest football, dating to Mary’s reign, was found in Stirling Castle, in the rafters above the Queen’s bedchamber. Some believe that this might have been an unlikely charm against witchcraft. Children’s toys were sometimes used in this manner, being associated with the purity and innocence of children.
There are potential witch marks, signs to ward off the evil influence of witches, in the Palace. On the main door you might spot a mark with the linked initials AMV, Ave Maria Virginus. On the inside of the door to the King’s closets a circular mark with a petal-like design of a marigold can be seen. It has been suggested that these marks may date to James VI’s reign rather than Mary’s, especially as James is said to have had a strong interest in the supernatural.
James VI
James VI had a particularly strong desire for such protection. He believed witches had tried to kill him and his wife, Anne of Denmark, by trying to raise a storm as they returned from Denmark in 1590. This had serious implications for the accused at the time. The following year he led an enquiry into the case of these so-called witches. Nearly 100 people were charged as a result. James even wrote a book on witchcraft called Daemonologie, sparking off another major witch-hunt in 1597.
Interestingly, it’s suggested when James VI moved to England in 1603, his attitude became more sceptical. By the 1700s people generally began questioning the use of torture to extract confessions – and the existence of witches altogether. In 1735 a new Witchcraft Act replaced the 1563 Act. The crime of witchcraft now became that of pretending to be a witch. The maximum sentence was a year in prison rather than execution.
The Story Continues…
We still enjoy a good story about fairies, ghosts, witches and magicians (just look at the phenomena of Harry Potter). Lots of people enjoy a party at Halloween. Our ancestors were fascinated by the supernatural and built their own customs and traditions based on their beliefs.
About the author
Russel Moran is guide and steward at Stirling Castle. He previously worked as a steward at other Historic Scotland sites, including Inchcolm Abbey, Aberdour Castle and Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.
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Additionally, witches were thought to use carved pumpkins to ward off evil spirits. This association between witches and jack-o'-lanterns helped solidify their place in Halloween traditions. Witches also played a role in the practice of divination on Halloween. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, making it an ideal time for witches to communicate with spirits. This led to the tradition of bobbing for apples, a practice in which individuals would try to catch an apple with their teeth in a basin of water. The first person to successfully retrieve an apple was believed to be able to see their future spouse. In modern times, witches continue to be a popular subject during Halloween. Costume stores are filled with witch outfits, complete with pointy hats and broomsticks. Witches also feature prominently in movies, television shows, and literature associated with Halloween. It is clear that the influence of witches on Halloween customs is long-standing and enduring. Overall, witches have had a significant impact on Halloween customs throughout history. From their association with ancient Celtic traditions to their role in modern-day celebrations, witches have helped shape the way we celebrate this holiday. Whether it is through jack-o'-lanterns, divination practices, or costume choices, witches have become an integral part of Halloween..
Reviews for "The Cultural Impact of Witches on Halloween Customary Practices"
1. Samantha - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The influence of witches on Halloween customs". The book claimed to provide an in-depth look into the role of witches in shaping Halloween traditions, but instead, it felt like a superficial overview. The author spent more time discussing common Halloween costumes and decorations rather than delving into the historical significance of witches. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach, but this book fell short of my expectations.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - "The influence of witches on Halloween customs" was a complete letdown. The information was poorly researched and lacked any real substance. It felt like the author was more interested in sensationalizing witches and their supposed influence on Halloween rather than providing factual and accurate insights. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of the topic.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "The influence of witches on Halloween customs" to be quite shallow in its analysis. The author only scratched the surface of the subject matter, failing to provide any real depth or meaningful insights. The book seemed more focused on perpetuating stereotypes and clichés about witches rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in shaping Halloween traditions. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of research and critical thinking evident in this book.