Halloween & the Witch Stereotype

Above: Illustration for Halloween. Check out my Instagram for the little video process if you like! (c) (click the image)

Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. I never knew why, but this is getting clearer as the years go by. It might be about how much I love autumn, the shortest, most fleeting, most beautiful season. It always reminds me of how fragile life is and that it can be great fun but also sad and beautiful. Therefore, evidence that we can find beauty in the sadness, in the passing of time and even in death, if you like. 

Since I moved to the UK eleven years ago, the seasons have become a big part of my life. I had to learn how to prepare mentally and physically for the long cold winter season. How to get dressed up properly, I learned about wool, fleece, underwear (thanks, Josi!) and most importantly, how to bring a lot of light into the home and the heart when it gets very dark outside and can feel lonely and isolated at times.

As I continue to research and learn about Halloween and try to understand why I am so attracted to it (since I am not such a big fan of Purim), I came across this article that I’d like to share. This piece addresses the Witch stereotype so typical of Halloween customs. 

As a teenager in the 90’s (!) I was interested in the magic practice, tarot, mystics shops and the witchy archetype. I was looking for any way to escape the mundane reality of life in Israel. I never considered the witch archetype evil or ugly because I instinctively knew that she was part of my heritage as a woman in this world. 

Here’s the link:

The problem with the Halloween ‘hag’ witch – and what you need to know about real-life witchcraft:

 I have found that these groups often use the stereotypical image of a witch – as an evil, angry woman or an ugly wart-ridden hag – as a way of reclaiming power. People use the hag or evil witch stereotype to fight the patriarchy. Often utilising the meme: “We are the granddaughters of the witches you couldn’t burn.

Also, from this article: 

“Halloween originates from Samhain… Samhain is marked with candles, music, bonfires, and food. Historically it marked the change of the season, but more recently, it’s also a time to celebrate life and remember those who’ve died.

This part Is new for me, and I plan to set the table for dinner and put on a chair for my beloved mother, who passed away 12 years ago. She would have loved to sit around the table with her grandchildren and eat sweets, I’m sure! 

Enjoy and embrace the darkness, and don’t forget to bring lots of light into your home and heart! 

Thanks for reading. SV X