Broom and Besom Making | Dying Arts #10
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Show notes
In this week's bonus episode, Eleanor talks us through the history and folklore of brooms and besom-making - so flying ointment at the ready!
Part of the "Dying Arts" series, we start by discussing the difference between brooms and besoms, the neolithic strategies used to sweep, and how the Black Death ushered in new concepts of cleanliness and godliness.
After that, and a chat about the noble work of 'Broom Squires,' it's onto the dark side of brooms and besoms, including how non-conformist Christian sects became associated with flying on broomsticks, how this was conflated with witchcraft, and how the besom went from being a must-have item in every household to becoming something a little bit suspicious...
Folding in curious ideas like the "Sussex Pimp," the impacts of plastic and mass production on broom and besom making, flying bishops, North African sorghum varieties, and art involving witchy bottoms, it's a wild ride that goes places you might not expect - not least into some historic examples of broom magic you may or may not want to try at home!
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Three Ravens is a completely independent English myth and folklore podcast where we share stories, celebrate folk culture, and fall backwards through the hedgerows of history.
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