cauldron

A cauldron is a large metal pot used for cooking over an open flame or hearth. Traditionally made of cast iron, cauldrons are deep with a rounded body, a wide mouth, and one or two handles; many rest on legs or a trivet to elevate the vessel above the heat. Some include a lid to retain heat and moisture. They are suited to boiling, stewing, and simmering large quantities of food, often in outdoor settings or large kitchens.

Historically, cauldrons were widespread across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. They appear in archaeological finds and in folklore and literature as practical vessels for communal meals. In Celtic and Scottish traditions, cauldrons symbolize abundance and transformation, appearing in myths such as the cauldron of Dagda or other tales that grant sustenance or rebirth. In modern popular culture, the image of a cauldron is closely associated with witches and witchcraft.

Materials and construction: most cauldrons are cast metal, typically iron or steel, with some antique examples in copper or bronze. Thick walls help retain heat, while design variations include flat bottoms, legs, or skirts for stability. Proper care includes seasoning or oiling iron vessels to prevent rust and thorough cleaning to remove food residues.

Modern uses: in cooking, cauldrons remain part of festival demonstrations and large-scale food preparation, and in ritual or ceremonial contexts they may serve as symbolic vessels. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a place of intense activity or creative blending.

Etymology: the word cauldron derives from Old French caldron, caldron, from Latin caldarium, meaning hot bath or warm vessel.