Witch Halloween costumes never go out of style. From Hocus Pocus to Harry Potter, magical witches and wizards have always made their magical mark in pop culture.
With broomsticks, magical familiars, pointy hats and wands, witches have often left an impression with their impressive suite of props and accessories. They’re wicked – mysterious and magical – weaving spells into the hearts of men and women alike.
There’s no wonder that the Witch is a classic Halloween icon! But, how does their modern look match up with their origins? Have witches always had pointy hats, wands and a cauldron?
Let’s take a look.
Witches In The 20’s
We’re not going to go as far as the middle ages, where witches were first discovered.
Here we see a coven of witches, gathered in England during the 1920’s. Note the pointy hats and long, dark cloaks. Witches are relatively old – tying into their mystical abilities that only increase with age.
Wizard of Oz – 1939
The Wizard of Oz came out in 1939, featuring the terrifying Wicked Witch of the West.
With her famous green skin, wart and pointy hat, The Wicked Witch of the West is a classic example of an evil witch, out to spread chaos and misery. Controlling a band of (unwilling) flying monkeys, the Witch of the West is the main villain in The Wizard of Oz.
Witches in the 50’s
We start to get a better feel of the modern witch in the 50’s – an era of fashion, where witches don stylish clothing and accessories such as a broomstick for flight. Witches can be seen as young and stylish, as well as old and mystical.
Witches in the 90’s
Here comes the nostalgia trip.
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch came out in the 90’s, starring Sabrina Spellman who is just learning to control her magical powers. We see a complete shift in witches, who now include teenage girls as wielders of magic, compared to the old and mystical witches of the 20’s.
Of course, you still have your classical witches, with a more modern feel to them.
Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus came out in 1993, starring the Sanderson Sisters. They use all the typical witchcraft you’d expect to see – cauldrons, potions – and suck the life out of children to become immortal. Yikes!
Even though they’re pretty evil – can’t take any points away from the Sanderson trio for not having style.
Harry Potter
Can you believe it’s been two decades since Harry Potter first came out? That’s right – Harry Potter first came out in 1997!
Potterheads, the world is yours.
The most modern aspect of the witch – is everyone! The world of Harry Potter makes it so that anyone you meet on the street could be a witch or wizard. But beyond their ‘normal’ exterior – lies a mystic understanding of magical arts.
Broomsticks, owls, cauldrons, magical objects and wands – the world of Harry Potter uses all of the witch accessories and props we know and love. Hello, world, witches are the new face of Halloween fashion.
Agree with us? Learned something new from our list? Let us know on Facebook what you think! We’re always up to discuss your magical, secret life.
