Short Answer: The Hocus Pocus sisters’ Names are Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson.
The Hocus Pocus sisters are the main antagonists in the 1993 Disney movie “Hocus Pocus”. They are three witches who were executed in Salem in 1693. Their names have become iconic in popular culture and are often referenced during Halloween season.
Unveiling the Secrets: How the Hocus Pocus Sisters Got Their Names
Hocus Pocus, the beloved Halloween movie that has stood the test of time since its release in 1993, introduced audiences to the three witch sisters: Winifred, Sarah, and Mary. These comedic and terrifying characters were brought to life by actresses Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy respectively. However, have you ever wondered how these characters got their unique names? Let’s take a deep dive into the origins of the Hocus Pocus sisters’ names.
Starting with the eldest sister Winifred Sanderson, her first name is derived from Old English meaning “blessed peace” or “holy reconciliation”. This might be ironic considering that she’s known for causing chaos rather than bringing about peace. Her last name Sanderson derives from New England Puritan culture where surnames based on trades were common. The family is portrayed as being skilled in alchemy and witchcraft so it makes sense that they would take on a name that was fittingly esoteric.
As for the middle sister Sarah Sanderson played by Sarah Jessica Parker, her first name originates from Hebrew meaning “princess”. Funny enough, this particular character is far from royal and most likely acquired her manipulative skills through her charms and seductive ways rather than outright power. Although given her striking looks she could still pass off as princess material! Her last name also comes from New England Puritan ancestry but this time honoring medieval-era Englishman William de Sancta Cruce who had a house built on what would later become Sandy Hill Road in Salem Massachusetts.
Finally we have Mary Sanderson portrayed by Kathy Najimy who played an endearing yet ditzy character who relied heavily on her siblings’ guidance throughout Hocus Pocus. Not much is know about where her first name comes from apart from potentially having biblical roots related to Miriam. As for her surname Sanderson it seems to just fit generically with her siblings but also harkens to the “sand” element of earth which can be associated with grounding and balance. This is a subtle contrast to her zany persona, making it all the more amusing when she exclaims lines like “amok, amok, amok!”
In conclusion, the creative geniuses behind Hocus Pocus certainly put a lot of thought into giving each of their characters unique and meaningful names that added to their overall personalities. Winifred’s name suggests they were hoping for her to be the glue holding everything together but as we saw…not so much. Sarah’s name gives off an aura of royalty contrasting comically with her lack of common sense while Mary’s name subtly highlights how down to earth she wants to appear even in life after death.
So next time you rewatch Hocus Pocus (which let’s be honest will probably be very soon) take note of these fascinating details on how these beloved sisters got their names!
Step-by-Step Guide: Discovering the Hocus Pocus Sisters’ Mysterious Names
When it comes to Halloween, there are few movies that capture the essence of the holiday quite like Hocus Pocus. The 1993 classic follows the story of three witches who are resurrected on Halloween night, wreaking havoc on Salem, Massachusetts. These witches- Winifred Sanderson (played by Bette Midler), Sarah Sanderson (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary Sanderson (Kathy Najimy) – are sisters with a mysterious past. As fans of the movie, we’ve all been left wondering about their unusual names and how they came to be known as the infamous “Hocus Pocus Sisters”.
If you’re just as curious as we were, then you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to unlocking the secrets behind each Hocus Pocus sister’s name.
Step 1: Look at the origin of their first names
Winifred, Sarah, and Mary are all fairly common names for women during that time period in history. However, there’s more to their origins than meets the eye.
Winifred is derived from Welsh roots which mean “blessed peace,” while Sarah comes from Hebrew roots which translate to “princess.” Mary is also of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved” or “bitter.” While these meanings might not give us any direct insight into our spooky sisters’ personalities or magical powers, it does add an interesting layer to their identities.
Step 2: Consider their surnames
All three witches share the same surname – Sanderson – which may hint at another clue about their backstory.
One theory suggests that Sanderson is merely a nod to Salem’s Puritan past – many Puritans had surnames based on occupation and location – making it possible that they were previous occupiers of a dramatized version of Sanderson’s Bay.
Step 3: Break down “Hocus Pocus”
The phrase “Hocus Pocus” is often used as a general term for magic words or spells. The origins of the phrase itself goes back to the 1640’s, during which an English magician called “Johannes Cyprianus” would use the phrase “Hoc est corpus meum” during his performance before transforming objects into food.
In other words, Hocus Pocus may not hold deep meaning in regard to our witches’ names, but rather just a general association with what they do best – magic!
Step 4: Analyze their personalities and characteristics.
Now that we have analyzed some interesting aspects of each witch’s name, we should also consider the individual traits and characteristics displayed by each sister throughout the movie.
Winifred Sanderson – As the oldest sister and leader of the group, Winifred is authoritative, quick-witted, manipulative yet ultimately resourceful as she rallies her sisters to help take down protagonist Max Dennison.
Sarah Sanderson – Sarah’s power lays with her enchanting singing voice so its no
Top 5 Surprising Facts About the Hocus Pocus Sisters’ Iconic Names
Hocus Pocus has been a Halloween staple since its release in 1993, and the Sanderson sisters have become some of the most iconic witches in pop culture history. But did you know that their names hold hidden meanings and connections to history?
Here are the top 5 surprising facts about the Hocus Pocus sisters’ names:
1. Winifred Sanderson – Named after a real-life witch
Winifred Sanderson, played by Bette Midler, is the leader of the trio. Her name may sound whimsical but it actually holds a dark history. Winifred comes from the Old English words “wine,” meaning friend, and “frið,” meaning peace, which was also a popular name for nuns during medieval times. Interestingly enough, Winifred was also the name of a real-life Welsh saint who was decapitated by pagan Saxons – making her somewhat of a martyr in Christian tradition.
2. Sarah Sanderson – Inspired by historical figures
Sarah Jessica Parker portrays Sarah Sanderson, who is known for her seductive powers over men (and cats). But did you know that her name actually has roots in literary and religious history? Sarah is Hebrew for “princess” or “lady,” which makes sense given Sarah’s confidence and charm. Additionally, in Jewish tradition, Sarah was also a wife to Abraham – one of the patriarchs of Judaism.
3. Mary Sanderson – A nod to Salem witch trials
Kathy Najimy plays Mary Sanderson – best known for her eccentric quirks and brutal honesty. Her name may be less complex than her sisters’, but it still holds an interesting connection to both Salem witch trials and Shakespearean plays. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible – a play that dramatizes accusations of witchcraft in Puritan Massachusetts – one of the accused witches is named Mary Warren. Additionally, Mary refers to herself as a “donkey” in the film, which is a nod to Shakespeare’s character Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
4. Thackery Binx – Named after a real-life inventor
Thackery Binx, played by Sean Murray, isn’t one of the Sanderson sisters but he still holds an important role in the film as the cursed cat who helps Max and Dani save the day. His name may sound like it was plucked from thin air but actually has roots to history. Thackery is derived from Old English and means “place of the thatch roof,” while Binx is derived from Benjamin Binx – who patented a machine for knitting stockings back in 1589.
5. Black Flame Candle – Based on alchemy symbolism
Lastly, we can’t forget about the Black Flame Candle – which kicks off all of the events in Hocus Pocus as it awakens the Sanderson sisters from their centuries-long slumber. The candle’s name may seem straightforward but actually holds roots in alchemy symbolism. The concept of “black
