Q: OK, now explain the flying broomstick. A: Witches didn’t always ride broomsticks. In the 15th and 16th centuries, illustrations show them riding goats, stools, even cupboards.

In Britain, the witch-craze hit later, but was rewarded with numerous pamphlets and ballads devoted to salacious details of devilish mischief. More pointy hats and demons, and also a broomstick.

This is the moment a witch on a flying broomstick soared above Piazza Navona in Rome. Footage shows Befana descending from the sky with the help of a fire department ladder, sharing gifts, treats ...

So there you have it, rye to flying brooms. But "witches" in the cultural imagination, of course, don't necessarily need re-purposed cleaning supplies to be accused of sorcery.

Witches flying broomsticks in Swaziland above 150 metres will be subject to arrest and a hefty fine of R500 000, civil aviation authorities said, according to a report. Witches’ broomsticks are ...

Swaziland – Witches flying broomsticks in Swaziland above 150m will be subjected to arrest and a hefty fine of R500 000, civil aviation authorities say, according to a report. Witches' broomsticks are ...