Where did the idea of witches having pointy hats and riding broomsticks originate?

Senior Moments

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/8999/superstition.html Witches-Why do they wear pointed hats? This 'trademark' (and the term is used loosely) to identify the followers of wicca (the nature religion based on life and nature magic) was actually an invention of the Christian church! In medieval days, the chapeau was called a "steeple-crowned hat", derived from "steeple house", the Puritans' word for 'church'. Legends state that the hats were placed on the heads of witches before they were burned at the stake. It was hoped that this holy symbol of the church would help draw salvation into their immortal souls. Also, the term 'warlock', used to describe a male witch, is also an invention of the Christian church. Witches were usually known to be women, so when it was found that there were also male followers of wicca, they were given a name to distinguish them. In actuality, all followers of wicca are known as 'witches'. Oct 31 03, 6:35 AM

Senior Moments

http://www.kidscookiemix.com/seasonal/halloween/halloween2.htm gives you an answer about broomsticks but it will not allow me to cut and paste Oct 31 03, 6:40 AM

sequoianoir

Folklore has them riding their broomstick about at night. This came from the notion that witches fly high above the crop fields to "teach" them how high to "grow". This is believed to originate from witches smearing their bodies with ointments that contained drugs and gave them the feeling of "flying". You obviously don't have the knack SM ! Oct 31 03, 7:05 AM

IndieQueen

I'd like to add one little thing, if I may. Wiccans aren't the only group that are known as witches. Wiccans are one branch of the Pagan faith. Most websites like to call all witches Wiccan, when in actuality the term encompasses many faiths. Nov 01 03, 8:17 AM

gmackematix

Sinister. And to think I imagined it would just be an illustration in a children's book or something similar. Thanks SM & DB (and newcomer (?) IndieQueen). Nov 01 03, 8:30 AM

Aldridge

Oh no, it dates well back before children's books. Wood carvings from the middle ages and, more commonly, the Early Modern Period show witches riding brookmsticks. Incidentally, many witches rode these brooksticks backwards (another symbol of their intention to invert order in the world). Nov 03 03, 5:46 PM