“one of the reasons witches were often depicted with a broom was because women had traditionally been the main brewers of ale and beer, which were stirred with a besom—a bundled broom. When hung over the door or window of an ale house, it showed the street that a new batch was ready. Likewise, the pointed hats associated with witches came from the habit in earlier times of alewives wearing them at market to be seen over the crowd, so that thirsty types would know where to go.”