Alewives, Witches, and Modern Folklore
Mother Louse, David Loggan, late 1600s The bubbling cauldron associated with witches hearkens to the brewing vessels of alewives during medieval times. The pointed witch’s hat is a remnant of the alewife’s hat, meant to draw attention to beer sellers at crowded public events such as carnivals. The witch’s broom is an ale-stake, a way …