An 18th century tradition; a glass sphere hung in windows to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Christian concept of the Christmas tree ornament came from.

True witch balls were a hollow ball of swirled parti-colored glass, two to seven inches (or more) in diameter. Originated in England and was used by superstitious glassmakers to ward off the evil eye, by hanging in a cottages window. The eighteenth century tradition developed into one of hanging many on a tree or candletrows at Christmas or Twelfth night.

globe, usually about 4", hung in windows or outdoors to keep away demons or simply as an inexpensive colorful decoration. Originally a bottle to hold some holy water (AG-M, GGNJ). Recently things made with glass threads across the inside have been "defined" as witch balls. Not seen in older ones. ornament

This article is about the magical witch ball, not the puffball fungus used by Native Americans. For information on mushrooms, see mushroom.