Symbols of Halloween: The Black Bat

There are many symbols of Halloween. The bat is one of the most recognized. The silhouette of this animal is almost always associated with the holiday of Halloween. It has also been associated with the dark side of superstition for hundreds of years. This could be why it has come to symbolize a holiday that is considered dark and evil by many people.

The first instance of bats being associated with witches was during the Middle Ages. This was probably because it was thought that witches were in league with demons who transformed into animals. It was believed that one of the forms commonly used by these demons was the bat. Witches at that time did use bats and their blood for potions and spells. So, when witches came to be associated with Halloween, so did bats. This is why bats are still feared today and thought to be evil by many cultures.

There are many superstitions that involve the bat. It is believed that if a bat flies around a house three times, flies into a window, or flies into a house then someone in that household will die soon. It is also terribly bad luck for the newly married couple if a bat shows up at the wedding. If a bat flies straight up and then back down, then the witching hour has arrived. It was also thought that bats were actually witches who had disguised themselves for their own protection.

During the fires that were lit for Samhain celebrations in pre-Christian times,the light of the flames would draw moths, as could only be expected. This provided a wonderful source of food for bats. When it became the custom to burn witches, this was also the case. Moths and bats were drawn to the fires. These occurrences helped the bat to be associated with witches, and therefore, evil.

There are also cultures that believe that the bat is a symbol of good luck. Citizens in Poland and China believe the bat to be a symbol of happiness and a long life. The Aborigines of Australia believe the bat to be very powerful. They will not kill a bat because they believe this act will considerably shorten the person's life.