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A witch ball, alternatively known as a watch ball, is a glass ball coated with a reflecting material such as silver, gold or brightly coloured paint, or with a swirling multi-coloured pattern. Popular in the 19th century, they were hung in cottage windows to ward off the evil eyeBelief that certain people can inflict disease or death simply by a glance. of a passing witch, either by reflecting it back on her or confusing her with its pattern. Plain hollow spheres of glass filled with brightly coloured tangled threads were believed to be equally effective.[1]
Another suggested explanation for the popularity of witch balls is that they prevented a witch from being in a room, either because the witch had no reflection, or could not bear to see her reflection.[2]
The alternative name of watch ball derives from the belief that the ball grew dull in the presence of infection in the air, and so should be watched to warn of such.[1]
See also
- Aptropaic eyeOne of a number of signs used to ward off occult forms of evil such as spirits or demons.