The Etymology of the Witch
a glance into the evolution of words
Hello, my love,
If I called you a “witch”, how would you feel? What image comes to mind? Perhaps a hunched woman of frail appearance, with a cold heart and wicked intentions. Someone who, with just one look, could cast a spell on you and your loved ones. This dark and fearsome image of witches has been cemented over centuries, but it was not always this way.
The concept of the "witch" has changed significantly over time and across cultural contexts. In Celtic cultures, "witch" did not have a negative connotation; on the contrary, it was used to refer to wise women who had a deep love for and connection with nature. These women not only possessed medicinal knowledge but also played a crucial role as guardians of spiritual and cultural traditions. They were seen as figures of authority, community leaders capable of interpreting natural cycles and helping people in times of need.
However, this positive meaning began to erode with the advent of Christianity, which reinterpreted their connection with nature as something linked to the devil and malevolent forces. Religious authorities saw these women as a threat to their power and order, gradually transforming them into symbols of evil. They were accused of making pacts with Satan, casting harmful spells, and even abducting children for magical rituals or to maintain their beauty supernaturally.
The origin of the word "witch" in Spanish (bruja) remains a subject of debate among scholars. One widely recognised hypothesis suggests that it derives from the Hispano-Celtic term bruxtia, attested in the form brixtía in the Larzac lead tablet, meaning "enchantment" or "spell". This variant is related to brictom, present in the Chamalières inscription, and is cognate with the Old Irish bricht (enchantment) and Old Breton brith (magic).
Another theory posits that bruja might derive from the Vulgar Latin voluxa, meaning "one who flies". This hypothesis is based on the traditional association of witches with the ability to fly, particularly on broomsticks, an image deeply rooted in European folklore.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the Real Academia Española (RAE) classifies the origin of the word bruja as being of disputed or unknown etymology, indicating that there is no definitive consensus on its provenance.
These various theories reflect the complexity and richness of linguistic evolution, as well as the cultural influences that have shaped the meaning and use of the word bruja over time. The term first appeared in written form in the 13th century in Catalan texts as bruixa, indicating that it was already part of Iberian vocabulary, albeit with regional variations.
This evolution reflects not only linguistic changes but also social and cultural transformations, where the meaning of "witch" shifted from representing wisdom to becoming a term of fear and persecution.
The same is true for many other words used to describe women, where context and history have shaped meanings that often perpetuate stigma. This invites reflection on how language reflects the power dynamics and ideologies of each era.
Today, the word "witch" has multiple meanings and uses. According to the RAE, it refers to a person with magical powers, often attributed to the devil. However, the term is also used in various colloquial contexts:
In some regions, like the Río de la Plata, it is used disparagingly to describe a difficult woman or a mother-in-law.
In Chile, it is used humorously to refer to one’s wife.
In Venezuela, it may refer to someone who betrays or informs on another, within an informal register.
In Castilla (Spain), "witch" is associated with meteorological phenomena such as dust devils, locally known as putaciega or putavieja in Salamanca.
The figure of the witch has been represented in stories and legends as an evil woman, dressed in black, with pointed hats, black cats, and flying broomsticks. These iconic characteristics have been popularised through films and tales, portraying witches as terrifying and mysterious characters. However, these modern representations differ significantly from their original meaning as symbols of wisdom and connection to nature.
The term "witch" and its equivalent in Spanish (bruja) have evolved both in meaning and cultural context. While in Celtic cultures it represented a figure of wisdom and respect, religious influence and subsequent reinterpretations transformed its connotation, associating it with malevolence.
This rich evolution reflects the interaction of languages, cultures, and beliefs throughout history.
