Old myths claim owls provide transportation for witches if a broom is not available. Myths claim witches can turn into owls and disappear up the chimney. A hooting owl means witches are approaching or a death will occur. In medieval Europe, both owls and bats were thought to be associated with witches. Owls were associated with death, prophecy, the weather, and folk medicine. In pre-20th century England, an owl calling outside a sick person's window signaled imminent death. In the dark of night, people were helpless and vulnerable because they couldn't see. Darkness and night became associated with death. Because owls with weird haunting calls appear and disappear at night they also became associated with death. Myths claim people were turned into owls as a punishment and that dead owls nailed to barn doors fend off lightning, hail, and evil.

Source: Knox NEWS