Can you picture the Wicked Witch of the West living in extravagantly expensive New York or San Francisco? No way. Smart in the ways of low cost real estate, that green faced, frugal master cast her evil spells in a castle far beyond the most distant boondocks, where land and tax costs have always been lower than toad stools. And do you think she ever worried that sky high electricity bills could send her to the poorhouse? Not that big cackler. Her castle was packed from rampart to dungeon with environmentally friendly candles and flaming torches to show the way through spooky shadows.
As for the primo witch of all time –the wicked old crone in Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs who tempts the princess with her poisonous apple — did you catch her sad sack, witchy duds? Even by witch standards, they were woefully sub-par, consisting of a shabby, shapeless black shawl and hood to cover her warty face and gigantic hooknose. Clearly that ancient old sorceress positively reveled in her own frugality.
In contrast to her, Professor McGonagall, the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry presented a trim, tidy appearance, her inexpensive yet well put together costumes suggesting she was perhaps a traveler in the thrift shop circuit. The thrift shop scene can be competitive, so McGonagall’s ability to turn into a cat could well have given her an edge in that scenario. Any argument over who saw that great black dress first could be settled by her suddenly turning into a cat and scampering off with the garment as her competitor looked on in shock.
When it comes to food costs, famous witches, like Malficent in Sleeping Beauty, had notoriously cheap eating habits. Never seen eating at pricey restaurants or banquets (although Malficent did attend a royal banquet in order to cast her deadly curse on the newborn princess), they didn’t much hang out at food markets either. Truth is, aside from those cauldrons they were constantly stirring, we’re short on the particulars of witches diets. Yet I think we may safely assume their steaming cauldrons contained (aside from magic potions) copious portions of soups and stews that lasted them for many moons. While short on refrigeration, witches were also heavy enough in the magic potion department to dispel any bothersome ptomaine poisonings.
The frugal styles of these famous witches were beneficial in the transportation environment too. What’s greener and cheaper than flying broomsticks? Plus, what looks like more fun? Imagine zooming over trees and rooftops, taking off when ever and were ever you want. No tokens to purchase. No reservations. No gas to pump, garages to rent, tires to fix, insurance to pay. Beats the subway any day of the week.
Not all famous witches fit into that frugal mode. As you may recall in the Wizard of Oz, Glinda, the Good Witch of the North appeared in a shimmering crown and splendid pink gown that screamed couture price tags. Here was a witch who took a break from frugality, swathed herself in a fabulous gown and chose personal enchantment instead.
Did you have a favorite witch? Mine was the evil stepmother Queen Grimhilde. I loved the way Disney artists drew her in her royal duds. There’s a scene where she’s racing down a castle staircase, her cape flying in soaring curves behind her that knocks me out.
Other posts you might like:
- Upper East Side Ghosts and Halloween Quotes
- Thoreau – King of Frugal Mountain
- Delicious One Dish Meals for a Song
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