The Evolution of Wizard Attire: A Comparative Study Between New York and Europe

How is it that the wizards in New York are all muggled up and only a very few wear wizard robes, but the ones in Europe are still dressed in dated robes generations after the incidents portrayed in the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? This intriguing question uncovers the rich layers of cultural and historical context surrounding magic, specifically in the American colonies and the United Kingdom.

Historical Context of Magic in the American Colonies

Magic in the American colonies was considered bad and dangerous, a sentiment deeply rooted in the puritanical mindset that accompanied the early settlers. The cultures around them, including the Native American tribes and the scathing witch trials, contributed to a societal aversion to anything supernatural. This aversion is reflected in early American literature, such as The Devil and Daniel Webster, Young Goodman Brown, and The Maypole of Merry Mount.

The Puritans and the Struggle Against Magic

The Puritans who came to the American colonies brought with them a strict religious and moral code that considered magic a sin. This is evidenced by the proposed bannings of books like The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. These books were deemed too close to magic for the comfort of the puritanical society.

The Emergence of Scourers in the U.S.

The Scourers were a group that actively hunted down witches and wizards during the early colonial period. They were heavily influenced by the puritanical mindset and played a significant role in maintaining the fear and suspicion of magic within American society. Their actions contributed to the suppression of any magical practices that did not fit within the puritanical worldview.

Colonial Clothing Fashions

The need for practical and streamlined clothing in the early American colonies was driven by scarcity and the desire to fit in quickly. Clothing in the colonies was limited to whatever was brought over from Europe. The absence of vintage clothing meant that the wizards in New York City had to adapt to modern dress norms as quickly as possible. This is why, in the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the wizards are seen wearing 1920s clothing - a time when immigrants were eager to shed their old-world ties and blend into the fabric of a new society.

Historical Context of Magic in the United Kingdom

In contrast to the American colonies, magic was often a part of the British landscape and culture. Even after the implementation of Secrecy Laws in 1692, the population had retained a sense of magical history through family stories and local lore. Characters like Herne the Hunter, Ariel, and Caliban were deeply embedded in the English and Welsh traditions, as reflected in works like The Fairy Queen and Merlin.

The Role of the Scourers in the U.K.

While the Scourers existed in the U.K. as well, their impact was less pronounced compared to their counterparts in the colonies. The British attitude towards magic was more nuanced, with it being a part of folklore and rural culture. Wizards in the U.K. could don old family heirlooms or purchase second-hand items from quaint shops, making them blend seamlessly into the countryside or blend in with eccentric individuals.

Type of Clothing in the U.K. vs. U.S.

The difference in attire is stark. While wizards in New York City wore practical, modern clothing, wizards in the U.K. could wear robes that could date back generations. This explains the contrast in the movie, where the wizards in the U.K. are seen in dated robes, reminiscent of the wizard traditions that have been maintained through family history.

Modern-Day Implications

Even today, the cultural remnants of the past continue to shape the world of magic. In the U.S., the need for practical and modern attire is still prioritized, while in the U.K., the magical traditions of the past are celebrated and integrated into daily life. This cultural divide is a fascinating exploration of how history and culture shape the way magic is perceived and dressed.

Keywords: wizard attire, Scourers, colonial America, magical traditions