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Mari Ellis Dunning, PhD Candidate, Languages and Literature, Aberystwyth University

Black hats, cauldrons and broomsticks: the historic origins of witch iconography

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Whether they’re knocking at your door trick or treating, or hung as decorations in shop windows, witches are rife at this time of year. They’re easy to recognise, wearing tall, pointed hats, carrying broomsticks, or peering into a cauldron – but where did these stereotypes associated with witches come from?

1. Broomsticks

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