When Witches Go Riding and Black Cats Are Seen: The Halloween Poem That Inspired These Spooky Finds

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween is a simple short piece of beloved folklore that immediately brings the season to life. A rhyme with author unknown. Often marked simply: Anonymous. It creates an entire scene usually presented in four short lines and conjures up pictures of witches riding on broomsticks, black cats and a personified moon. It’s playful rather than frightening. Child friendly even.

After some research, the mysterious history continues. I do not know who wrote those lines or when they were written or first appeared. That information does not seem to be documented, but nevertheless the poem has taken on a life of its own and I was delighted to find a few interesting items that you can buy today that feature this ever-so-slightly spooky poem. Follow along as I review a few of these bewitching items.

APRON

One of the simplest ways to celebrate Halloween during the month of October is to wear a Halloween-themed apron. I love this embroidered apron by Remi Louise of The Threaded Stitch Co. on Etsy. It features the poem and is available in five colors and seven sizes, including one for children. The design captures an old-fashioned feeling with a bit of whimsy. It’s perfectly seasonal and perfect for Halloween, although one pleased reviewer says she wears hers all year long.

Remi says that this apron is perfect for fall and Halloween baking and cooking, for anyone who loves Halloween poetry, for kitchens with a witch theme, for fall and October décor fans and, of course, as a seasonal gift and most definitely for someone who enjoys celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October. Available on Etsy from The Threaded Stitch Co. by clicking here.

T-SHIRT

Another practical gift that declares your love of Halloween and this poem is this fun t-shirt from Steeped in Puns on Etsy. It is made from quality cotton fabric, making it comfortable and durable. Perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. Like the poem, this t-shirt captures the essence of Halloween and is ideal for someone who loves an old-fashioned Halloween, vintage and spooky graphics and witch-and-black-cat designs. It features vintage-style typography, a witch on her broom, a black cat, a crescent moon and the verse and is available in five colors and sizes from XS to 5XL from Steeped in Puns Shop on Etsy by clicking here.

ARTWORK

Perfect for your Halloween décor, this charming Halloween piece has a wonderfully vintage-inspired feel, featuring the imagery that we associate with the poem. The black border and old-fashioned lettering add to its nostalgic character and the poem gives the piece a whimsical touch. A fun seasonal accent for anyone who loves vintage Halloween imagery, old-fashioned Halloween poetry, or a little spooky charm in their home.

This print, like the other items on this page, appeals to those of us who enjoy old-fashioned Halloween décor. It has a nostalgic, storybook quality, which would be lovely in a Halloween decoration collection or a witch-themed room. It is a piece of vintage-style artwork that includes the images associated with the season but a bit more nostalgic and sophisticated than some pieces, making this one an unusual choice. Click here to buy this framed Halloween picture from the Handmade Haven Sign Co. on Etsy.

DIE-CUT WITCH

This vintage Hallmark Halloween die-cut wall decoration features a whimsical witch riding on her broomstick with her black cat. Her outfit and grin give her a cheerful demeanor. She is a fun piece of nostalgia, possibly from the 1980s, for your Halloween collection and for people who collect vintage Hallmark, die-cut Halloween decorations, witches and other Halloween ephemera.

She doesn’t feature the poem but I think she is a fun addition to this page. There aren’t many vintage items with the poem and this is a piece that has the feel of the poem. After all, witches, broomsticks and black cats are what you think of when you think of this classic Halloween verse. She’s just one of many die-cut options. Click here to discover a whole coven of witches on broomsticks and black cats on eBay. To find this exact image, you will have to add Hallmark to the search.

THE MAGIC IS JUST BEGINNING

I hope I’ve inspired you to add one of these items - the apron, the t-shirt, the artwork or a die-cut witch - to your Halloween collection. If you happen to know more about who wrote this poem or when it first appeared, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE HALLOWEEN READING:

Pumpkin Themed Halloween Gifts for You and Your Children

Hocus Pocus Halloween T-Shirt

Not To Scary Movies for Tweens

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales

The Book and the Record: The Haunted House and other Spooky Poems and Tales

When I was in elementary school, I purchased "The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales".  One of the most exciting events during the school year was selecting our book purchases from the scholastic readers.  I remember pouring over those pamphlets, marking books I wanted and then having to go back and choose which ones I could buy that month.  I honestly don't remember my parents putting a limit on how much I could spend, but there must have been some type of limit because I clearly remember having to make those difficult choices.

My all time favorite selection was a book and record set entitled "The Haunted House and other Spooky Poems and Tales."  I spent hours reading the stories and poems in the book and when I really wanted to scare myself, I would listen to the vinyl record.

Oh, how I loved that book and record!

The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales Book

Review Written by Sylvestermouse

This is such a great little book.  We still have the book and I used to read stories from it to my children when they were little.  I believe this book currently sits on my son's bookshelf.

"The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales" book has all of the tell-tale signs of being read over and over again.  In places, the ink is smudged from use and some of the pages are loose from the spine, but they are all still there even though they are yellowed from age.  I have copied two of the pages in the photo on the right.

It seems a little odd that this little paperback book would be such a treasure to our family, but everyone loves it.  Some of the stories are eerie, actually quite scary, but some of the poems are hilarious.  I still have one of the silly poems memorized.

"Here lies the body of Anna, done to death by a banana.  It wasn't the fruit that laid her low, but the skin of the thing that made her go!"

I know it is down right ridiculous, but it always made me laugh.  I envisioned poor Anna in a long, black Victorian style dress with lace trim, all prim and proper, slipping on a banana peel.  In my mind, as she was falling, her face registered shock and indignation over the annoying banana peel on the floor just waiting to do her in.  I bet she cut the fruit up into a fruit salad earlier that day and the peel was just seeking revenge.

The Story Exactly as Written on the Pages Copied Above

The Flattered Flying Fish (The Shark and the Flying Fish)

 

Said the Shark to the Flying Fish over the phone:

"Will you join me tonight? I am dining alone.
Let me order a nice little dinner for two!
And come as you are, in your shimmering blue."

Said the Flying Fish: "Fancy remembering me,
And the dress I wore at the Porpoises' tea!"

"How could I forget?" said the Shark in his guile;
"I expect you at eight!" and rang off with a smile.

She powdered her nose; she has put on her things;
She is off with one flap of her luminous wings.

O little one, lovely, light-hearted and vain.
The Moon will not shine on your beauty again!

E. V. Rieu

The Haunted House and Other Spooky Tales Record

Sadly, I no longer have this album, but I remember the voice of the gentlemen reading the stories was enough to send me shrieking under my bed covers.

I found excerpts from the record on YouTube.  These stories still send chills down my spine. I have included them below. Listen to them for yourself and let me know what you think.

The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales ~ 

Video I

Includes: "The Haunted House" Poem, "Winter Moon", "Sir Roderick's Song" Poem, "The Young Lady from Glitch", "Ruth & Johnny" Poem and more.
 It also includes "The Bat" and the tale, "The Velvet Ribbon", two of my personal favorites!

The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales ~ 

Video II
Includes: "The Earl King" poem (this is the hardest for a parent to hear), "Dust" poem, and the story, "The Cradle that Rocked by Itself"

So What Do You Think? Does the Reader's Voice Alone Send Chills Down Your Spine?

Want Your Own Copy of the Book or Record? 

These records are hard to find. I sure wish I still had mine.

There is absolutely nothing better than the original vinyl records.

 

 

 The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales [7" 33-1/3 RPM] The Haunted House and Other Spooky Poems and Tales

You may wish to check Ebay by Clicking Here for these hard to find items.

The Photos used in this article were all scanned from my original book 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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