Witch ball

Witch ball

A witch ball is a hollow sphere of plain or stained glass hung in cottage windows in 18th century England to ward off evil spirits, witch's spells or ill fortune, though the Witch's Ball actually originated among cultures where witches were considered a blessing and these witches would usually "enchant" the balls to enhance their potency against evils.. Later, they were often posted on top of a vase or suspended by a cord (as from the mantelpiece or rafters) for a decorative effect. Witch balls appeared in America in the 19th century and are often found in gardens under the name "gazing ball". However, "gazing balls" contain no strands within their interior.

According to folk tales, witch balls would entice evil spirits with their bright colours; the strands inside the ball would then capture the spirit and prevent it from escaping.

Witch balls sometimes measure as large as 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter. The witch ball is traditionally, but not always, green or blue in color and made from glass (others, however, are made of wood, grass, or twigs instead of glass). Some are decorated in enameled swirls and brilliant stripes of various colors. The gazing balls found in many of today's gardens are derived from the silvered witch balls that acted as convex mirrors, warding off evil by reflecting it away. Because they look similar to the glass balls used on fishing nets, witch balls are often associated with sea superstitions and legends. In the Ozark Mountains, a witch ball is made from black hair that is rolled with beeswax into a hard round pellet about the size of a marble and is used in curses. In Ozark folklore, a witch that wants to kill someone will take this hair ball and throw it at the intended victim; it is said that when someone in the Ozarks is killed by a witch's curse, this witch ball is found near the body.

The modern Christmas ornament ball is descended from the witch ball. According to an ancient tale, the ornament was originally placed on the tree to dispel a visitor’s envy at the presents left beneath the tree.

The word "witch ball" was probably a corruption of "watch ball" because it was used as a guard of evil spirits.

See also

* Kugel ball
* Friendship ball
* Yard globe
* Christmas ornament


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • witch ball — noun : a hollow sphere of plain or striated glass hung in cottage windows in the 18th century to ward off evil spirits but later often posed on top of a vase or suspended by a cord (as from the mantelpiece or rafters) for decorative effect * * *… …   Useful english dictionary

  • witch ball — 1. a decorated blown glass ball. 2. (in the 18th century) a hollow sphere of colored glass hung in the window of a house to protect it against witchcraft. [1865 70] * * * ▪ glass sphere       a hollow glass sphere, sometimes as large as 7 inches… …   Universalium

  • witch ball — noun A hollow sphere of plain or stained glass hung in windows in 18th century England to ward off evil spirits, witches spells or ill fortune …   Wiktionary

  • Witch of Endor — The Medium of Endor: from the frontispiece to Saducismus Triumphatus by Joseph Glanvill The Witch of Endor, sometimes called the Medium of Endor, was a woman who called up the ghost of the recently deceased prophet Samuel, at the demand of King… …   Wikipedia

  • Witch doctor — For other uses, see Witch doctor (disambiguation). Two Lassa witch doctors A witch doctor originally referred to a type of healer who treated ailments believed to be caused by witchcraft. It is currently used to refer to healers in some third… …   Wikipedia

  • Witch bottle — The witch bottle is a very old spell device. Its purpose is to draw in and trap evil and negative energy directed at its owner. Folk magic contends that the witch bottle protects against evil spirits and magical attack, and counteracts spells… …   Wikipedia

  • witch balls —    Large, heavy glass balls coated with glossy reflecting silver, gold, or brightly coloured paint, first made about 1690, and popular in the 19th century; or a smaller type from the late 18th century, with swirling multi coloured patterns. Both… …   A Dictionary of English folklore

  • The Worst Witch — This article is about the novel series. For the television series of the same name, see The Worst Witch (TV series). Contents 1 Series overview 2 Works 3 …   Wikipedia

  • Friendship ball — A friendship ball is a hollow sphere of plain or striated glass hung in cottage windows in 20th century North America as an act of friendship.European Art glass balls for holiday decoration are still commonly referred to in Austria and Germany as …   Wikipedia

  • List of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch characters — Sabrina, the Teenage Witch has hosted a wide array of characters and guests over its series run. Sabrina and Salem are the only two characters to remain on the show throughout all consecutive seven seasons and all three made for TV movies.… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”