The "Bang Witch Exhibition" is a highly anticipated event that showcases the contemporary art of witchcraft. This unique exhibition aims to explore the diverse practices and interpretations of witchcraft through various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and performances. The event aims to challenge traditional notions of witchcraft and promote a more inclusive and modern understanding of the craft. The artists participating in the exhibition come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and expressions. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see a wide range of artwork that explores themes such as feminism, spirituality, nature, and identity. The artists use their work to explore their personal experiences with witchcraft and to challenge societal norms and expectations.
After the rise of Christianity in England, the old Pagan custom of lighting candles at Imbolc was incorporated into the Roman Catholic Church and renamed Candlemas. On the eve of Candlemas, candles would be distributed among the congregation and paraded around the church in a Festival of Light. After a service to honour the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, more candles to be used in the church during the following year would also be blessed and consecrated by the priest. The church practice of celebrating Candlemas continued in England until the 16th century, at which time during the Reformation it was discontinued being considered to closely allied with Pagan practices and magical accessories.
During the evening an especially large candle would have been lit while the family gathered around ready for a feast, during which plans and promises to be kept through the new season would be discussed and debated until it burned out. Today one of the main features of many coven initiations is a procession of candlelight leading the initiate into the circle from which their new beginnings as a Witch takes place.
The artists use their work to explore their personal experiences with witchcraft and to challenge societal norms and expectations. The "Bang Witch Exhibition" is not only an opportunity to appreciate and engage with contemporary art but also an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of witchcraft. Through panel discussions, workshops, and performances, visitors can deepen their understanding of this ancient practice and its relevance in the modern world.
Crepes, Storytelling, and Candlelight: Candlemas Traditions in Switzerland
Candlemas is one of my favorite holidays. Similar in some ways to Imbolc, it’s a gentle holiday, illuminated by small flames that remind us of imminent spring, whatever the weather outside tells us. Winter, with its persistent cold and dark, is my husband’s least favorite season, and we’re in the middle of a Nor’easter as I write. Our section of Appalachia gets a bit of snow every winter, maybe an inch or so three or four times a season, but right now we’ve gotten a good three or four inches overnight, and a thick layer of ice is promised. In this 100-year-old house of ours, our heating system has to work extra-hard to keep us warm enough. Needless to say, he -- and, to a lesser degree, the rest of us -- are hoping for a little Candlemas magic to bring the winter to an early end.
In the Swiss Alps -- a mountainous region where snow is profligate and winter has long carried with it a level of dread (for more reason than we have, considering the threat of avalanches) -- Candlemas is a part of the Fasnacht cycle. Fasnacht is akin to Carnival and Mardi Gras, all reaching their peak at the end of February. Later in the month, masked parades that have been held since long before Christianity came to the region will proceed down dark village streets. These parades are meant to drive off the spirits of cold, disease, and the hungry wilderness, while stirring awake the spirits that bring spring and all its gifts: longer days, warmth, fertility of the earth and the creatures that walk upon it. In Swiss folklore, the fairies -- led by a fairy queen and often taking the form of flowers -- do endless battle with the frost giants, who send their children in the form of avalanches to destroy villages in the winter. At Candlemas, we hope the fairies, or fertility spirits, will gain some ground against the frost giants. Through our rituals, we support them with our spiritual power and material offerings. Masked and costumed jesters in the German areas of Switzerland traditionally bar-hop on Candlemas, performing comical dances and songs in troupes . This is a development of the long-held ritual of traveling maskers performing plays, ballads, and songs to usher in the spring.
In French-speaking countries, Candlemas is called La Chandeleur, and crepes and pancakes are traditional fare, golden and round like the sun. While making them, if you can hold a coin in your left hand while flipping the crepe in your right hand, and the crepe lands flat on its other side in the pan, then you’ll have prosperity throughout the year. Additionally, you might keep the first crepe on top of an armoire to ensure a good harvest and deter bad luck from the household (folklore promises that it won’t mold, but I’ve yet to test that dubious claim). It’s likely that this is meant as an offering for the household spirit , who is often associated with cupboards and other storage places throughout Europe. Pancakes, crepes, and similar flatbreads have a long lineage , originating as far back as the Stone Age -- they're a truly ancient food.
Ever since we began celebrating Candlemas, it’s been our tradition to eat a candlelit fondue dinner with vegetables, apples, and chunks of crusty bread. This year, I also plan to make a crepe cake layered with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and a cherry pudding for dessert. I’d like to add a couple more traditions into the mix as well: after dinner, read aloud a story about the fertility spirits battling the frost giants; maybe sing some songs about spring and summer. (I can already hear us singing “Wild Mountain Thyme” around the table.) We’ll leave tea lights burning in the bay window overnight (safely nestled in my collection of fairy lamps), and in the morning, we’ll see what the groundhogs say about the remainder of the season.
In pagan mythology Imbolc marks the recovery of the Goddess as she sleeps on after the birth of the Sun God, and she acknowledges his growing maturity as he gains strength to become the new light of the year. After his rest and recuperation during winter�s annual hibernation, the Sun god�s light begins to purify the earth. Although he is still young he is also lusty and his growing power can be felt in the lengthening of the days. As his power grows and warms the earth so too does the early beginnings of spring appear as nature rebirths itself again.
The exhibition also serves as a platform for emerging artists who are exploring the intersection of witchcraft and art. It provides them with an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. Overall, the "Bang Witch Exhibition" is a thought-provoking and immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the complexities and possibilities of witchcraft through contemporary art. It challenges preconceived notions, sparks conversations, and celebrates the power of creativity and individuality..
Reviews for "Spellbound: Exploring the Bang Witch Exhibition"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with the "Bang witch exhibition". I was expecting a fascinating display of witchcraft and magical artifacts, but instead, all I got was a bunch of cheap props and poorly put together displays. The whole exhibition felt like a money-grab, and it lacked any real substance or educational value. Save your money and skip this one.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - The "Bang witch exhibition" fell short of my expectations. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The displays were poorly organized and lacked any flow or coherence. It felt like a mishmash of random witch-related items without any meaningful narrative. It was quite disappointing, and I wouldn't recommend it to any true witchcraft enthusiasts.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - As someone who has always been fascinated by witches and their history, I was excited to visit the "Bang witch exhibition". However, I left feeling underwhelmed. The exhibition lacked depth and didn't provide enough information or context about the witches and their practices. It felt more like a collection of superficial decorations rather than an educational experience. Overall, I found it disappointing and not worth the price of admission.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - My visit to the "Bang witch exhibition" was a complete waste of time and money. The exhibits were poorly maintained, and many items were in a state of disrepair. It was evident that the organizers didn't put much effort into curating the exhibition or creating an engaging atmosphere. It was more like a tacky Halloween store than an actual educational experience. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an enriching or enjoyable outing.