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Occult Science

A guide to the occult, mysticism, and literature

Introductory Information

A Dress Historian Explains the History of the Witch Hat

Where does the iconic black pointed witch's hat come from? What is the history of the witch hat? Did it come from Medieval European sumptuary laws? British Alewives? Quakers? Let's sit down and unpack the very interesting history of the flat-brimmed, conical, black witch hat.

La Befana of Italy

Befana is a legendary figure of an old witch who brings children gifts on the night of January 5th, Epiphany Eve in Italy.  

Image of Befana

Image: WikiMedia Commons

For More Information, see:

Christmas in Italy: The Befana Tradition by Italy Magazine 

Epiphany (Christian) in New World Encyclopedia

The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola

Taste of Italy: Festa della Befana - The Folklore, Festival & Food

 

The Legend of the Broomstick

Witches in Images

book page image

Oraculo Mignon

A witch brewing a potion in a cauldron in Spanish. Image: Wikimedia Commons