Witch Balls: Beautiful decoration or Protective Charm?

Walking into a beautiful hand-blown glass shop, you might see a glass ball hanging in the window, especially if that window faces east. One glass shop sign explains that this “witch ball” is the first item created in a new glass studio to ward off evil. Witch balls are said to capture evil spirits, curses, and/or hexes by drawing the evil to it with its unique design and then trapping the evil within. Folks claim witch balls originated in the 17th or 18th centuries, though Davies and Houlbrook (2021) trace the history of witch balls with a first mention in the early 20th century. 

Whether they are an ancient practice meant for protection or a more recent folk memory lending historical credence to a relatively recent invention, witch balls are a beautiful and unique decoration. 

What are some of the accoutrements you have around your house whose purpose is tied to folklore? Do you know the origin of the particular legend?

Join us on Bluesky, Podpage, or other social media outlets for the ongoing conversation--or explore more with our podcast, Lexicons Unbound, where folklore meets your algorithm.

(Photo is Molly Wiant Cummins. Taken at Patterson Glassworks Studio & Gallery in Estes Park, Colorado.)