The Feminine Forces of Halloween
Imagine a dark hat with a long body, its peak so crooked that it is coiled up, with a purple ribbon at its rim, a head with long dark hair and pale white skin wearing it. The wearer’s eyes glisten with echoes of power. She is the one with a smile so silent that you cannot imagine the screams caused by it. Now, isn’t that how we normally describe witches? Cruel, malicious beings, waiting to feast on our terrors. This is the way that the stories we read, the series we watch, and the plays we act depict witches. But what if I told you we’ve been doing it all wrong? What if the dark-hatted lady simply wears black because it’s her favourite colour, not to symbolise evil? What if the pale skinned entity is simply that way just because she inherited those genes? What if her smiles are so silent because she’s an introvert and does not know how to express her emotions? Let us take a dive into the humane part of witches, and feminism in halloween.
To start off easy, let’s talk about Halloween. Wikipedia says... a lot of things which I am unable to write here. But to keep it simple, Halloween is the day when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is the weakest. It was believed that on this day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits. Halloween marks the end of the Celtic year, which is also called the ‘Witches’ New Year.’ This also gives us a faint connection to why we associate witches with Halloween.
Through the centuries, numerous young women have been trying to use magic and crystal balls and all sorts of things to find out about their future life, husbands (or wives!), destiny and what not. In the 21st century, we’d say “she’s just a girl ၄၃” and brush it off, but unfortunately, they weren’t born during this generation. Countless women were burnt, killed, and tortured for allegedly being witches.
A witch by definition is a woman who is said to have magical powers. The media tends to portray them as evil, green skinned hags, when in reality, she’s just a girl.
The Forgotten Wisdom Of Witches
In their earliest descriptions, witches weren’t the villains, rather really really smart women who knew about herbs, spirituality, herbs, or midwives who carried the secret of earth. In a world where science and medicine were rudimentary, these women bridged the gap between the natural and the mystical. Their understanding of plants, remedies, and the cycles of nature made them indispensable, yet also feared.
When you see a smart woman who knows her stuff, you already know she’s going to be independent. These women didn’t rely on men to navigate the world; they had their own skills and power. In a society where a woman’s worth was tied to her obedience, their existence itself was dangerous.
And guess who didn’t like women becoming girlbosses? Hint hint Men!
And thus began the end of the beginning.
Witchcraft and Liberation of Women
Through the centuries, witches have also been associated with rebellion. Witchcraft wasn’t just about casting spells; it was about challenging the rules. The witch trials of the past were often political acts disguised as spiritual purges. Women who spoke too loudly, acted too boldly, or simply existed in the wrong place at the wrong time became targets.
And yet, the witch persisted. She became a symbol—not of evil, but of resistance. Every whispered incantation was an act of defiance, every potion brewed a reminder of a woman’s power to create and control. In this light, witches are not the villains of history, but unsung heroines.
The Era Of Modern Witches
Fast forward to today, and witches are no longer confined to cauldrons and curses. Modern witchcraft, or "witch culture," has evolved into a movement. Tarot readings, moon rituals, and crystals have become tools for self-care and empowerment. The modern witch is less about casting spells and more about reclaiming agency. She’s not just a character in a story; she’s a metaphor for resilience, independence, and strength.
Even pop culture has begun to rewrite the narrative. From Wanda Maximoff to Sabrina Spellman, witches are no longer one-dimensional villains. They are complex, relatable, and powerful—flawed but fierce. And as William Congreve said, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Feminism In Halloween
Halloween is often seen as a celebration of fear, but it is also a celebration of the feminine. Its symbols—witches, black cats, even the moon—are steeped in feminine energy. They remind us of the power that lies in intuition, mystery, and transformation.
So, when you see a witch this Halloween, look beyond the hat and broomstick. See her for what she truly is: a symbol of strength, wisdom, and rebellion. Because even the ghosts of Halloween whisper of feminism, and even the witches remind us of the power of being "just a girl."
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