An intended witch hat is a type of hat commonly associated with the Halloween season. It is usually pointed at the top with a wide brim, and often made of black fabric. The hat's design is reminiscent of the stereotypical hat worn by witches in fairy tales and folklore. Historically, witch hats have been associated with witches and sorcery. In medieval Europe, it was believed that witches would wear pointed hats to communicate with their familiar spirits and the devil. These hats were said to have magical properties, allowing the witches to perform their spells and curses.
One of the more controversial theories states that the girls suffered from an outbreak of encephalitis lethargica, an inflammation of the brain spread by insects and birds. Symptoms include fever, headaches, lethargy, double vision, abnormal eye movements, neck rigidity, behavioral changes, and tremors. In her 1999 book, A Fever in Salem, Laurie Winn Carlson argues that in the winter of 1691 and spring of 1692, some of the accusers exhibited these symptoms, and that a doctor had been called in to treat the girls. He couldn’t find an underlying physical cause, and therefore concluded that they suffered from possession by witchcraft, a common diagnoses of unseen conditions at the time.
On the other hand, the physiological theories for the mass hysteria and witchcraft accusations include both fungus poisoning and undiagnosed encephalitis. Trials ensued and, when the episode concluded in May 1693, fourteen women, five men, and two dogs had been executed for their supposed supernatural crimes.
These hats were said to have magical properties, allowing the witches to perform their spells and curses. In modern times, witch hats have become a popular and iconic symbol of Halloween, often worn as part of a witch costume. They are commonly seen in stores, especially during the Halloween season, and are readily available in various sizes and styles.
Blog Post The Salem Witchcraft Trials
People are still trying to determine why a court of law would have indicted, tried, found guilty, sentenced to death, and executed nineteen men and women in Salem village in 1692 for the alleged crime of witchcraft.
In the September 7, 2015 issue of the New Yorker, Stacy Schiff’s article, “The Witches of Salem: Diabolical doings in a Puritan village” says “In 1641, when the colonists established a legal code, the first capital crime was idolatry. The second was witchcraft. ‘If any man or woman be a witch, that is, has or consults with a familiar spirit, they shall be put to death,’ read the Massachusetts body of laws.” This law appears in the General Laws and Liberties of Massachusetts Bay, Chapter XVIII, “Acts Respecting Capital Crimes”, Section 2, in The Charters and General Laws of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts Bay .
In 1957, in Chapter 145 of the Resolves , a “Resolve Relative to the Indictment, Trial, Conviction and Execution of Ann Pudeator and Certain Other Persons for ‘Witchcraft’ in the Year Sixteen Hundred and Ninety-Two,” the General Court of Massachusetts issued a kind of apology to the descendants of some of the witches who were executed. It read “The General Court of Massachusetts declares its belief that such proceedings, even if lawful under the Province Charter and the law of Massachusetts as it then was, were and are shocking, and the result of a wave of popular hysterical fear of the Devil in the community. . .” Chapter 122 of the Acts of 2001 went on to name five other women who fit in the category of “certain other persons.”
Massachusetts Trial Court’s Essex Law Library can direct you to more information about the Salem trials, including a wealth of material from their own collection.
Douglas Linder’s Famous American Trials website provides An Account of the Events in Salem and a host of other links to information about the Salem Witchcraft Trials .
The Repentance of Judge Samuel Sewall for his Action in the Witchcraft Trials by Albert Herter, 1942 https://malegislature.gov/VirtualTour/Artifact/65
Many people enjoy wearing these hats as a fun and playful way to embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween. Witch hats can be made from a variety of materials, such as felt, velvet, or satin. Some may feature additional embellishments, such as feathers, ribbons, or decorative lace. Regardless of the material or design, the intended witch hat serves as a recognizable accessory that completes the look of a witch costume. Although intended for Halloween and costume purposes, some individuals may also incorporate witch hats into their everyday fashion. The unique shape and style of the hat can add a touch of whimsy and mystery to an outfit, making it a bold fashion statement. Overall, the intended witch hat holds a special place in popular culture and is often associated with witches, magic, and Halloween. Whether worn as part of a costume or as a fashion statement, the witch hat remains a recognizable and iconic symbol..
Reviews for "The Witch Hat Through the Ages: From Medieval Times to Today"
1. - William - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Intended witch hat". It looked great in the picture, but in reality, the quality was quite poor. The material was cheap and flimsy, and the stitching was already coming undone when it arrived. Additionally, the hat was much smaller than anticipated and didn't fit properly on my head. Overall, it was a complete waste of money and I won't be purchasing from this seller again.
2. - Jessica - 3/5 stars - I have mixed feelings about the "Intended witch hat". While the design was unique and eye-catching, the hat felt uncomfortable to wear. The fabric was scratchy and irritated my skin, and the shape of the hat didn't sit right on my head. The overall look was also a bit underwhelming, as the colors appeared duller in person compared to the vibrant images online. It's an okay hat if you're just looking for a quick Halloween costume, but if you want something more comfortable and visually appealing, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
3. - Rachel - 1/5 stars - I cannot express how disappointed I am with the "Intended witch hat". The hat arrived damaged, with multiple tears and stains on the fabric. It was clear that it had been poorly packaged and mishandled during shipping. The seller's customer service was also incredibly unhelpful, refusing to offer a refund or send a replacement. I ended up having to invest additional time and money to fix the hat myself. I would strongly advise against purchasing from this seller, as their lack of care and poor quality products are not worth the hassle.