Your favorite glass ornament has a magickal origin story. Witch balls (aka yule balls or faerie balls) are an ancient pagan custom brought over to the U.S. from England in the 17th century. A ...

Indeed, the first glass spheres, called "witch balls," were hung year-round in windows and doors in 17th-century England and later in the United States. Their purpose was to ward off witches, ...

It looks like a giant Christmas tree bauble, but the witch’s ball is said to have qualities far more powerful than those of a pretty adornment. News you can trust since 1873. Sign In.

Step through the doors of Besom Apothecary in Bay City’s Midland Street Business District and you’ll see colorful glass witches’ balls hanging from the ceiling, display cases filled with ...