how did witches start making beer
Start writing a post

Witches... And Their Brew-tiful Beginning

Wait... that cauldron has beer?! Pass me a mug!

45
witches drinking beer

Beer is a very concept subject considering it's deep past, but as we look at how witchcraft came into existence, the two somehow are intertwined throughout history.

Prior to the 15th Century, women brewed the beer. Being one of the most preferred drinks, mainly because those who drank it, did not become sick. Our ancestors in the early ages did not know the dangers of microbial bacteria and the process of making beer, which involved heating it up, killed those harmful microbes.

In the early times, when men were hunters, women were gatherers and domestic workers, part of those domestic duties included gathering ingredients and producing beer,

Most beer is boiled in some form or at least heated, this is the root of the black iron cauldron that you see tied to witches throughout history.

Some of the most productive women of the time enjoyed selling their brew, this led many of them to place a broom on the porch of their home, a universal sign of domestic trade. Many would place the broom out when the brew became ready.

These ladies also enjoyed being recognized in public, this caused many of them to begin wearing tall cone-shaped hats so potential customers would recognize them in public, opening opportunities to sell brew.

Since the brewing occurred at home, most women would keep a cat to keep rodents out of the grain barrels.

One of the biggest changes we see in brewing was the Spanish Inquisition which men wanted to take over brewing of beer, they began to see it as a more, male-dominated role. Women did not take kindly to the either since many had been brewing for years, they refused to stop.

Male-dominated trade guilds were stunningly popular throughout Europe, so the thought of a woman-dominated, de-centralized organization made their masculine counterparts cringe.

In a sort of "fire back" at those damned rebellious alewives, The church began teaching that witches worshipped old pagan gods and would lead good-standing members of society down a wrong path by providing false hope. Even more disturbing, the church released caricatures of witches as slaves of the devil, doing his earthly works for him.

It was also announced that these witches brewed potions and had unsuspecting members drink them.

As you can see our modern interpretation of witches stems from this doctrine put out by men wanting to dominate the beer industry. The pointy hat, the broomsticks, the cats, and even the bubbling cauldrons. Our modern view may look at witches in a horrible manner, but history has lied. These women were not evil seeking wretches, but rather jolly, beer brewing heroes of the time period!

Kudos to those women, and Cheers to the memory of the Alewives!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

105604
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

45154
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Unleash Inspiration: 15 Relatable Disney Lyrics!

Leave it to Disney to write lyrics that kids of all ages can relate to.

83293
The 15 most inspiring Disney songs

Disney songs are some of the most relatable and inspiring songs not only because of the lovable characters who sing them, but also because of their well-written song lyrics. While some lyrics make more sense with knowledge of the movie's story line that they were written for, other Disney lyrics are very relatable and inspiring for any listener.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments