The Wizard of Oz is a classic tale that has captivated audiences for decades. One of the most memorable characters from the story is the Wicked Witch of the West, known for her iconic appearance and sinister demeanor. In the original book by L. Frank Baum, the witch is described as having green skin, a hooked nose, and a pointed hat. She is a central antagonist in the story, constantly trying to capture Dorothy and her companions in order to obtain the ruby slippers. While the witch is typically portrayed as flying on a broomstick, there is a popular image that shows her riding a bike instead.
Also among Romania's newest taxpayers are fortune tellers — but they probably should have seen it coming.
Romanian witches from the east and west will head to the southern plains and the Danube River on Thursday to threaten the government with spells and spirits because of the tax law, which came into effect Jan. The grieving Squando, who was said to have great spiritual powers, put a curse on the Saco River, saying that every year after, three white people would drown in the river.
While the witch is typically portrayed as flying on a broomstick, there is a popular image that shows her riding a bike instead. This humorous depiction has become an internet sensation, with various artists and fans creating their own versions of the witch on a bicycle. The idea of seeing a wicked witch pedaling away on a bike adds a comical twist to the character and subverts expectations.
Romania's witches curse income tax ruling
Everyone curses the tax man, but Romanian witches angry about having to pay up for the first time are planning to use cat excrement and dead dogs to cast spells on the president and government.
"My curses always work!" says queen witch Bratara Buzea, who plans a spell using cat excrement and dead dog to protest their new taxable status. Vadim Ghirda / AP
Jan. 5, 2011, 8:54 PM UTC / Source : The Associated Press By ALISON MUTLEREveryone curses the tax man, but Romanian witches angry about having to pay up for the first time are planning to use cat excrement and dead dogs to cast spells on the president and government.
Also among Romania's newest taxpayers are fortune tellers — but they probably should have seen it coming.
Superstitions are no laughing matter in Romania — the land of the medieval ruler who inspired the "Dracula" tale — and have been part of its culture for centuries. President Traian Basescu and his aides have been known to wear purple on certain days, supposedly to ward off evil.
Romanian witches from the east and west will head to the southern plains and the Danube River on Thursday to threaten the government with spells and spirits because of the tax law, which came into effect Jan. 1.
A dozen witches will hurl the poisonous mandrake plant into the Danube to put a hex on government officials "so evil will befall them," said a witch named Alisia. She identified herself with one name — customary among Romania's witches.
"This law is foolish. What is there to tax, when we hardly earn anything?" she said by telephone Wednesday. "The lawmakers don't look at themselves, at how much they make, their tricks; they steal and they come to us asking us to put spells on their enemies."
The new law is part of the government's drive to collect more revenue and crack down on tax evasion in a country that is in recession.
In the past, the less mainstream professions of witch, astrologer and fortune teller were not listed in the Romanian labor code, as were those of embalmer, valet and driving instructor. Those who worked those jobs used their lack of registration to evade paying income tax.
Under the new law, like any self-employed person, they will pay 16 percent income tax and make contributions to health and pension programs.
Some argue the law will be hard to enforce, as the payments to witches and astrologers usually are made in cash and relatively small at 20 to 30 lei ($7-$10) per consultation.
Mircea Geoana, who lost the presidentical race to Basescu in 2009, performed poorly during a crucial debate, and his camp blamed attacks of negative energy by their opponent's aides.
Geoana aide Viorel Hrebenciuc alleged there was a "violet flame" conspiracy during the campaign, saying Basescu and other aides dressed in purple on Thursdays to increase his chance of victory. They continue to be seen wearing purple clothing on important days, because the color supposedly makes the wearer superior and wards off evil.
Such spiritualism has long been tolerated by the Orthodox Church in Romania, and the late Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, had their own personal witch.
Queen witch Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned in 1977 for witchcraft under Ceausescu's repressive regime, is furious about the new law.
Sitting cross-legged in her villa in the lake resort of Mogosoaia, just north of Bucharest, she said Wednesday she planned to cast a spell using a particularly effective concoction of cat excrement and a dead dog, along with a chorus of witches.
"We do harm to those who harm us," she said. "They want to take the country out of this crisis using us? They should get us out of the crisis because they brought us into it."
"My curses always work!" she cackled in a smoky voice. She sat next to her wood-burning stove, surrounded by potions, charms, holy water and ceramic pots.
Not every witch is threatening fire and brimstone.
"This law is very good," said Mihaela Minca. "It means that our magic gifts are recognized and I can open my own practice."
The image of the witch riding a bike can be interpreted in different ways. Some see it as a symbol of the witch's determination and resourcefulness. By utilizing a bicycle, she shows that she is not limited to traditional means of transportation and is willing to adapt to any situation. Others view it as a metaphor for the witch's constant pursuit of power. Just like she relentlessly chases Dorothy and her friends, she is unyielding in her efforts to stay ahead of them on her bike. Additionally, the image of the witch on a bike can be seen as a reflection of the story's themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learns to overcome her fears and becomes more independent. Similarly, the image of the witch riding a bike suggests that even the most wicked and powerful characters can change and evolve. Overall, the image of the Wicked Witch of the West riding a bike is a playful and creative twist on a beloved character. It adds a new dimension to the story and provides an opportunity for fans to engage with the narrative in a fun and imaginative way. Whether it is seen as a symbol of determination, a metaphor for power, or a reflection of personal growth, the image of the witch on a bike is a memorable and iconic representation of the Wizard of Oz..
Reviews for "The Witch's Bike: Reimagining an Icon for the Modern Age"
- Sarah - 2/5: I was really disappointed with "Wizard of oz witch ruding bike". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the acting was mediocre at best. The special effects were also poorly executed and looked fake. Overall, it felt like a low-budget production that didn't do justice to the original Wizard of Oz. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
- John - 1/5: I have to say, "Wizard of oz witch ruding bike" was one of the worst adaptations I have ever seen. The costumes were tacky and the set design was lackluster. The actors seemed disengaged and bored, and the whole production felt rushed. It was a painful experience to sit through this play and I would advise anyone to save their time and money.
- Emily - 2/5: I had high hopes for "Wizard of oz witch ruding bike" but unfortunately, it fell flat. The dialogue was poorly written and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. The choreography and musical numbers were lackluster, leaving me unimpressed. Overall, I found the production to be underwhelming and not worth the ticket price.