A witch's broom, also known as a witch broomstick or simply broomstick, is a common symbol associated with witches and witchcraft. It is depicted as a long staff or pole with bristles or twigs at one end, resembling a broom typically used for cleaning purposes. However, in the context of witchcraft, the broomstick serves a different purpose. The origin of the association between witches and broomsticks can be traced back to medieval folklore and superstitions. During that time, it was believed that witches had the ability to fly, and they supposedly used broomsticks as their preferred mode of transportation. According to the folklore, witches would rub a special ointment made from hallucinogenic plants on their bodies, which would induce sensations of flying.
By Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas, Research and Science Education Outreach Manager
A resource of Biophilia Pittsburgh , bioPGH is a weekly blog and social media series that aims to encourage both children and adults to reconnect with nature and enjoy what each of our distinctive seasons has to offer. -The Weird Sisters, Macbeth When the wood gnarls and twists, And branches are balled up like fists, And twigs outward spray In a spooky, spiky way, Twisted by a pathogen s gloom Well, it might be witch s broom.
According to the folklore, witches would rub a special ointment made from hallucinogenic plants on their bodies, which would induce sensations of flying. They would then mount their broomsticks and take off into the night sky, often including various magical rituals or gatherings in their flights. In reality, the concept of witches flying on broomsticks is purely fictional and rooted in myth and legend.
What is a witchws broom callrd
By Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas, Research and Science Education Outreach Manager
A resource of Biophilia: Pittsburgh, #bioPGH is a weekly blog and social media series that aims to encourage both children and adults to reconnect with nature and enjoy what each of our distinctive seasons has to offer.
“Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”
-The Weird Sisters, Macbeth When the wood gnarls and twists,
And branches are balled up like fists,
And twigs outward spray
In a spooky, spiky way,
Twisted by a pathogen’s gloom
Well, it might be witch’s broom!
-The Weird Maria, Phipps
Perhaps we won’t see witches actually flying on brooms this weekend, but you’re very likely to see a witch’s broom on a walk in the woods. “Witch’s broom” is a generic term for a plant condition that looks like a mass of tangled, twisted twigs and small branches clumped on a tree branch. These “brooms,” are named as such because they look like they belong to a spooky witch, of course. But what causes the mass? And are they are a problem for the plant? Pull up a toadstool and let’s chat by cauldron!
Witch’s brooms can occur on a number of different species of tree and shrubs, and a variety of different pathogens can cause them. For example, two different kinds of fungi can cause witch’s brooms on cherry trees, mites can do the same to hackberry trees, and phytoplasms (a group of bacteria that only attack plant vascular tissue) can create gnarly masses on a variety of a trees. Viruses and mutations within plant cells themselves can also lead to witch’s brooms.
How can these different infections all cause twisted masses of branches? It’s a little physiologically complicated, but essentially, the pathogen (whether a virus, bacteria, fungus, etc.) will interrupt a normal point of growth, like at a bud. Then, through a process that involves hijacking plant growth hormones, the pathogen induces unusual plant growth in a variety of directions — hence twigs and branches growing every which way around the mass of infection. In some cases, witch’s brooms seem to divert nutrients and thus be detrimental to plant; but in other cases, the masses don’t seem to be a problem for the tree. They can actually be ecologically beneficial as birds and squirrels use them for nesting.
If you want to hear a really scary tidbit, though, witch’s broom is a notorious nemesis of Theobroma cacao — chocolate trees! In this case, the witch’s broom is caused by the fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa, and it truly is a problem. One of the biggest causes of cacao crop loss, M. perniciosa first moves into the living plant tissue and makes itself at home until the tissue dies…and the fugus proceeds to feed off of it. I’d call that witch’s broom fungus a little goblin! Imagine a chocolate shortage on Halloween. now that is the stuff of nightmares!
Wikimedia User Pictory1020, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Connecting to the Outdoors Tip: Witch's broom can occur on a wide variety of native Pennsylvania trees, both evergreen and deciduous. The next time you're out on a hike, keep an eye out for a mass of branches that doesn't seem to have been assembled by a squirrel. Depending on the tree and the pathogen, you may even notice a bit of withering on the branch holding the "broom."
Continue the Conversation: Share your nature discoveries with our community by posting to Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #bioPGH, and R.S.V.P. to attend our next Biophilia: Pittsburgh meeting.
P.S. I have an update on our black walnut adventure if you'd like to check it out!
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Photo credits: header, Pexels public domain; cover, Julian Paren CC-BY-SA-2.0
A resource of Biophilia: Pittsburgh, #bioPGH is a weekly blog and social media series that aims to encourage both children and adults to reconnect with nature and enjoy what each of our distinctive seasons has to offer.
It likely originated from pagan rituals and fertility rites that involved the use of broomsticks as symbolic tools. These rituals often took place during the night, contributing to the association between witches, darkness, and other supernatural elements. The broomstick's association with witches and witchcraft is further popularized in literature, folklore, and popular culture. It is commonly depicted in Halloween decorations, witch costumes, and various forms of media featuring witches. Countless stories, movies, and TV shows have portrayed witches riding their broomsticks through the night sky, adding to its enduring image. While a witch's broom may not have any magical powers or the ability to fly, it remains a powerful and iconic symbol in witchcraft and popular imagination. It represents both the mystical world of witches and the supernatural abilities they are often associated with. The broomstick has become synonymous with witchcraft and serves as a recognizable symbol, even to those who may not have an in-depth understanding of the occult or pagan traditions. In conclusion, a witch's broom, also known as a witch broomstick or broom, is a symbolic tool associated with witches and witchcraft. It is often depicted as a staff or pole with bristles or twigs at one end, resembling a broom used for cleaning. The association between witches and broomsticks originated from medieval folklore and superstitions, and it has been further popularized in literature, folklore, and popular culture. While it may not possess magical properties or enable flight, the broomstick remains an enduring and recognizable symbol in witchcraft and popular imagination..
Reviews for "The Witch's Broom: A Symbol of Protection and Warding"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "What is a witch's broom called" to be quite disappointing. The author did not provide enough information or explanation about the topic at hand. It felt rushed and lacked depth. Additionally, the writing style was confusing, making it hard to follow along. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
2. Sarah - 1 star
As someone who was genuinely interested in learning about witchcraft, "What is a witch's broom called" left me feeling unsatisfied. The book barely scratched the surface of the topic and failed to provide any substantial information or historical context. It felt more like a collection of random facts that lacked a cohesive narrative. Furthermore, the writing was dry and lacked any engaging storytelling. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thorough exploration of witchcraft and its related elements.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"What is a witch's broom called" failed to meet my expectations. The book lacked coherence and failed to provide a clear understanding of the topic. The author hopped from one idea to another without connecting them, resulting in a disjointed reading experience. Additionally, important historical or cultural aspects of witchcraft were overlooked, leaving me feeling unfulfilled as a reader. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-researched and insightful exploration of witchcraft and its associated terminology.
4. Amy - 1 star
I found "What is a witch's broom called" to be a shallow and uninformative book. The author barely scratched the surface of the topic and failed to provide any valuable insights into witchcraft and its terminology. The book felt more like a cheap overview rather than a genuine exploration. The lack of depth and substance left me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of witchcraft and its related concepts.