The Varied Symbolism of the Bat: A Mini-Essay

     The only flying mammal, bats have become synonymous with Halloween, with works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula making them a staple in vampire lore. Yet, even prior to the 1897 publication of Stoker’s novel, the bat had a long association with witchcraft in many European countries, as many believed witches could either turn themselves into bats or use bats as their familiars to enact misfortune on others.[1] In fact, Cornish folklore dictates that anyone who sees a bat should offer it bribes of bread and cake to prevent it from bringing bad luck.[2] Outside of Europe and the United States, though, the bat possesses a positive symbolism. In China, for example, the sighting of a bat indicates a long and happy life.[3] Likewise, certain tribes in Africa perceive the viewing of a bat as a sign of good fortune.[4]

Works Referenced

Doran, Laura Dover. The Big Book of Halloween. New York: Lark Books, 2000.

O’Connell, Mark, and Raje Airey. The Complete Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols: Identification and Analysis of the Visual Vocabulary that Formulates Our Thoughts and Dictates Our Reactions to the World Around Us. London: Hermes House, 2005.

Pickering, David. Dictionary of Superstition. London: Cassell, 1995.
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[1] O’Connell and Airey, 209.
[2] Pickering, 22.
[3] Doran, 17.
[4] O’Connell and Airey, 209.