Witch balls are made to ward of against evil spirits, spells, illness, witches and negativity. They are hallow and traditionally they have been made of glass in the colours of green or blue but have been made out of either wood, grass or twigs. People have also traditionally hung witch balls by a window while any area in and around the house is a good place to have such an item.
The bright colours of the witch ball would attract evil spirits, however the ball itself would then capture the spirit. It is even claimed that today’s ornamental balls we see on Christmas trees originated from a person who placed a witch ball on a tree with presents under it to ward off envy.
The history of the witch ball is said to have started in the 16th or 17th century with witch balls being in the USA during the 18th century. Witch balls were even a sign of wealth in the past while today they have been given as gifts and are becoming increasingly popular.
The witch ball has been confused with gazing balls and sometimes even crystal balls. Gazing balls have been said to ward of witches, like the witch ball, which in this case the gazing ball and witch ball is connected.
The name of the witch ball is suggested to be the corruption of ‘watch ball‘.
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