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Abbeyleix Heritage House
Abbeyleix Heritage House is Laois' biggest history museum, community centre and business hub.
đ»HAUNTED HOUSEđ»![]()
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Our Haunted House event is kicking off TODAY at 4:30pm! Thank you to all who have booked in so far, many of our time slots have been filled. However, there are still spaces available across today and tomorrow, to book in please contact: info@abbeyleixheritage.com or 057 871 4944. Booking is essential, and fancy dress is encouraged!![]()
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HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!#abbeyleixheritagei#abbeyleixheritagehouseh#abbeyleixheritagetowne#pumpkinm#Draculaa#thingstodoinlaoisl#HauntedHouseh#familyfriendlye#jackolanternn#TrickorTreatt#hauntedu#Halloweeno#halloweengamesgames
Why are broomsticks connected to witches?![]()
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Broomsticks seemed to have been associated with witches for centuries. One of Irelandâs few witches, Alice Kyteler, was accused of having a broomstick that she would fly on during the 14th century. She was accused of greasing a staff with ointment; ointments were often believed to have been created by witches and put on sticks to make them fly. A Frenchman, by the name of Guillame Edelin, confessed to flying on a broomstick while being tortured, after being accused of witchcraft in 1453. In the wider world, the Islamic story âThe Persuaderâ by Ibn QudÄmah makes reference to witches flying on broomsticks, dating back to the 11th century. The belief that witches used broomsticks for transport seems to have been a widespread belief, though its exact origins remain somewhat unknown. ![]()
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There are many theories of how the tale of witches flying on broomsticks came about. One such theory is that the belief dates back to early pagan rituals. A Canadian anthologist Robin Skelton stated that farmers used to jump over broomsticks as part of rituals during a full moon in the hopes of accelerating crop growth. Skelton states that the practice may have been intertwined with stories of witchcraft. Skelton died in 1997, and practised Wiccan (currently one of the largest modern pagan/neo pagan religions, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica) during his lifetime. ![]()
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The belief that most witches were women, and womenâs connection with the home and domesticity, may have also played a part in the belief that witches flew around on broomsticks. Most women would have had a broom of some sort, and if accused of witchcraft, they would have had a sure way of flying about the area. ![]()
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All in all, the exact origin of the idea that witches flew on broomsticks is shrouded in obscurity. ![]()
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Image via GettyImages.![]()
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#abbeyleixheritagehouse #abbeyleixheritagetown #Laois #halloweenhistory #Halloween
TRIVIA THURSDAY![]()
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This week's quiz is a Hallowe'en Film Quiz! Give it a go either through the link, or over on our instagram stories @ abbeyleixheritagehouse
HAUNTED HOUSEđ»![]()
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We still have spaces available for our Hallowe'en Haunted House experience! Some time slots already fully-booked, to grab your place please contact us at info@abbeyleixheritage.com or at 057 871 4944. đ![]()
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Family fun event, suitable for young children.#LaoisL#familyfunl#Halloweeno#TrickorTreatt#halloween2024n#thingstodos#thingstodoinlaoisl#Abbeyleixy#abbeyleixlaoisl#abbeyleixheritagehouseh#abbeyleixheritagetowne#abbeyleixheritagei#happyhalloweenoween
REMINDER![]()
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Spaces are filling up for our Hallowe'en Haunted House! For queries/bookings, please contact: info@abbeyleixheritage.com or 057 871 4944. đ»
