My favorite Witch in Arms has come through again!
She's made me smile and giggle
with a card that brings truth:
through the years -- our Halloween!
She's noted that the young at heart
be they young or old
have fun on this hallowed eve
and enjoy friendships near and far apart!!
Thanks L L, the card is purrrrfect!! You made my day!!
(resized)
~<><><>~
According to wikipedia.org, here is their explanation of 'witch balls'----
"A witch ball is a hollow sphere of plain or striated glass hung in cottage windows in 18th century England to ward off evil spirits, witch's spells or ill fortune. 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.
Friendship Balls are another variation of witch balls, often given as gifts of friendship.
The word witch ball was probably a corruption of watch ball because it was used as a guard of evil spirits.
A witch ball also refers to a party held by witches, where people are invited to dress up in Pagan costumes and celebrate.'
Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess * LibertyBelle * CyberCelt * * * MaR * LibertyBelle * Melli *
8 Comments:
YOu can always learn something new here especially since Halloween is almost here.
My Monday Memories is up now if You want to read about the scaries day in my life. I hope to never have another one like this EVER..
Sandy
Yes! I'm so glad you loved it!
So did I!
and guess what came in my mailbox today?
Watch for my blog -
coming soon in a neigborhood near you!
*G*
MIA
Here for C&C Monday. Love the Halloween theme.
That is so cool! Another lesson learned. I just love learning new things.
Very interesting! To be honest, I had never heard of witch balls until I read your post...yeah, I am naive. LOL
Thanks for this information, cool!
You wouldn't be thinking of the new version of sleepy Hollow with the wonderful, gorgeous, charming, sexy,fantastic, mesmerizing,talented, handsome and fabulous Johnny Depp. would you?? *G*
If so, how right you are!!
I just gotta go out and get that one! Hocus Pocus is such a delight! The whole atmosphere of a New England Fall, the town Halloween party, the divine Miss M -just all of it puts me in such a Halloween mood. I wouldn't mind living in a place like that! (It'd be closer to you)
Hugs and huge thanks for the cards!
Your
WIA
(tired of you - never!!! Wacky makes the world go round!!)
Hm. I never heard of Witch balls. I'm sure they're much prettier than Warloc... never mind!
Post a Comment
<< Home