{"id":119955,"date":"2026-08-27T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=119955"},"modified":"2026-08-27T11:28:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T09:28:49","slug":"brooms-witches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/brooms-witches\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Reasons Brooms Became Connected to Witches"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few objects are more strongly connected with witches than the ordinary broom. Today, the image is instantly recognizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A witch flying through the night on a broom appears everywhere from Halloween decorations to movies and fairy tales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet brooms began as simple household tools with no naturally magical purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So how did they become one of the most famous symbols of witchcraft?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer comes from a mixture of European folklore, household symbolism, accusations made during witch trials, old fertility customs, and stories that became increasingly imaginative over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are eight reasons brooms became connected to witches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Brooms Were Everyday Tools Associated With the Home<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120069\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120069\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120069 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-broomsticks-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For centuries, sweeping was an ordinary part of maintaining a household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because domestic work was traditionally performed largely by women in many European communities, brooms became closely associated with women&rsquo;s everyday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This mattered when beliefs about witchcraft began focusing heavily on women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mysterious magical object did not need to come from somewhere unusual. Storytellers could transform an object already found in almost every home into something supernatural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broom was especially recognizable. Everyone understood what it was and where it belonged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turning such a familiar object into a magical tool made stories about witches more unsettling because supposed witchcraft could now hide among completely ordinary household objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Sweeping Already Had Symbolic Meaning<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120070\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120070\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120070 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2-broomstick-sweeping-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sweeping was not always understood as simply removing physical dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across European folk traditions, sweeping could carry symbolic meanings involving purification, luck, boundaries, and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broom removed unwanted material from a house, so people could imagine it symbolically removing unwanted influences as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some traditions, sweeping at the wrong moment was considered unlucky. Wedding customs and household superstitions could also give brooms special meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a broom could symbolically clear something away, people could imagine witches using it for supernatural purposes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Brooms Became Connected With Fertility Customs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120072\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120072 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4-magic-broomstick-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One explanation for the broom&rsquo;s magical reputation comes from older agricultural and fertility symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In parts of Europe, jumping, dancing, and other energetic movements could appear in seasonal celebrations connected with crops and fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broom&rsquo;s long handle also made it easy for storytellers to associate it symbolically with fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, folklore blended agricultural customs with growing beliefs about witches gathering secretly at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices that may originally have been connected with seasonal celebration could be reinterpreted as suspicious or magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historians remain cautious about claims that one particular fertility ritual directly created the flying witch tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Medieval Stories Began Describing Magical Flight<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120073\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120073 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5-witch-flying-broomstick-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea of people traveling magically through the night existed before the classic broom-riding witch became popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medieval European stories described supernatural nighttime journeys involving mysterious women, spirits, and magical gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As fears surrounding witchcraft developed, these older legends changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People accused of witchcraft were increasingly described as traveling to secret meetings with supernatural forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sticks, staffs, animals, and eventually brooms appeared in stories about nighttime journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broom was especially memorable because it combined an ordinary household object with an impossible activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The image of someone flying through the sky on something designed for sweeping floors was strange enough to capture the imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Witch Trial Accusations Strengthened the Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-115300\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-115300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-115300 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/salem-witch-trials-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During periods of intense witch persecution in Europe, accusations became increasingly elaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People accused of witchcraft could be blamed for causing storms, harming livestock, attending secret gatherings, or traveling through supernatural means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confessions recorded during witch trials sometimes included descriptions of magical flight. However, these records must be treated very carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confessions could be produced under coercion, intense questioning, social pressure, or torture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once stories about witches flying on sticks or brooms appeared repeatedly in legal records, religious discussions, pamphlets, and popular tales, the connection became stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Broom Could Represent Crossing Boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120074\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120074 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6-witch-broomsticks-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doors, windows, fireplaces, and thresholds held important places in European folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They marked the boundary between the safety of the home and the uncertain world outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brooms were commonly kept near these spaces. That everyday placement may have contributed to their symbolic connection with boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Witches themselves were imagined as figures capable of crossing boundaries that ordinary people could not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They supposedly traveled between villages and wilderness, the ordinary and supernatural, and sometimes even the worlds of humans and spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In stories, the witch could leave the familiar world behind and disappear into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broom became a symbol of movement between ordinary life and mysterious places beyond it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Artists Helped Create the Classic Flying Witch<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120075\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120075 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/7-witch-flying-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visual art played an enormous role in establishing the image people recognize today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the late medieval and early modern periods, European artists created illustrations showing alleged witches traveling through the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every image showed a broom. Some figures rode sticks, animals, or other unusual objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, broom imagery gradually became increasingly recognizable. Printed books and pamphlets allowed these images to circulate widely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Someone who had never personally heard a local story about flying witches could encounter the idea through an illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visual storytelling simplified complicated folklore into memorable symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pointed hat, dark clothing, unusual animals, and a broom eventually became an easy visual language for identifying a witch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Fairy Tales and Popular Culture Made the Broom Permanent<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-120076\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-170x170.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201200'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='1200'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-120076 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-scaled.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-728x728.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-960x960.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/8-witches-flying-170x170.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the time belief in literal witchcraft accusations declined in much of Europe, the flying broom had already entered popular imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Folktales preserved it. Children&rsquo;s stories made it less frightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later novels, illustrations, theater, movies, television, and Halloween traditions turned it into one of the most recognizable magical objects in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meaning also changed. Earlier images of flying witches could represent fear, danger, or accusations of forbidden supernatural activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern witches riding brooms are often humorous, adventurous, or completely fictional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The history behind it involves superstition, persecution, folklore, and artistic imagination, but the final symbol is wonderfully simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give a storybook witch a broom, and almost everyone immediately knows she might be about to fly.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Few objects are more strongly connected with witches than the ordinary broom. Today, the image is instantly recognizable. A witch flying through the night on &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":120077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[184,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mythology","category-spirituality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119955"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":121398,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119955\/revisions\/121398"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}