The Witches Hat

By Crusader1307

Instantly identifiable – the conical and black ''Witches Hat'' is well known throughout The World. Hardly any portrayal of ''classical'' Witches are found without the ''pointed'' headdress. But in reality, The Witches Hat is more an invention of indeterminate origins and outright superstition and prejudice. Some Arcane Scholars cite the 2nd Century BC and a style of conical wool cap favored by some Northern Chinese peoples. Yet another, is the previously discussed ''Judencap'' or semi-pointed cap required for wear by any Jew in parts of Europe – starting in the 8th Century AD forward (to at least the 17th Century AD). Whereas Jews were seen as ''Anti-Christ'' and thus ''evil'', a pointed cap (regardless of color), was so seen as ''Satanic''. In The Americas, disputes between Puritans and Quakers led to a similar blame. Puritans wore a style known as The Capitolin or a conical, but flat crowned headdress. Quakers – a similar style use, had a more rounded top. Due to the two Religious ideological differences, Quakers were identified as ''Evil'' by their Puritan counterparts. In a final example of The Hat's probable origins, is The Alecap. This was a very similar style of headwear worn by female Brewers and sellers of Ale (Beer), in the 13th to 17th Centuries AD. While the consumption of excessive alcohol was seen as ''evil'', thus those who ''served it'' must well be evil. In literature from The late Middle Ages, a more pointed crown was applied to the then popular conception of a Witch. The point represented a ''horn'' – which was on par with Lucifer (of which all Witches were associated with). No known Pagan, Neo-Pagan or related Fold Magic Belief Systems are know to wear of use the Witches Hat. But the symbolism became meshed into popular culture and still is today.