What does the return of the Bart Simpson pattern in December mean for Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) price fell below the $90,000 support level once again over the weekend, as increased volatility continues to define the trading landscape in December.

Several traders have noted that the so-called “Bart Simpson” pattern has repeatedly appeared on Bitcoin's price charts. In particular, it seems to be forming now and could dictate BTC price action in the coming days.

Bart Simpson Pattern: December Influence and Revival

The Bart Simpson pattern is named after the popular cartoon character Bart Simpson because its shape resembles the character's hair. It is formed when Bitcoin moves sharply in one direction, either upward or downward, within a short period of time.

Price then pauses and trades sideways within a range. The market then quickly moves back toward its previous price range. Although its name is playful, this pattern presents real challenges for participants in volatile markets.

Over the last month, multiple traders have recorded this happening frequently. One analyst shared a graph showing three patterns from December 10th to 12th. Other observers highlighted the occurrence of five or more cases from late November to mid-December.

Against this backdrop, one analyst suggested that Bitcoin may be completing a new Bart pattern. If confirmed, the formation could be followed by an even higher leg.

However, the sustainability of this surge remains questionable. The analyst added that a breakout followed by another reversal is a “likely scenario.”

“Bart pattern + weekend order book = stop-hunt bingo. My base case is that both sides get clean before the direction is clear. Sunday/Monday is more of a 'liquidity event' than a 'prediction',” Paweł Waskarzewski said.

Liquidity and market mechanisms

On the other hand, analysts pointed out that the Bart pattern is not a new phenomenon and has repeatedly appeared throughout Bitcoin's trading history.

The analyst said this formation tends to emerge under certain market conditions, particularly when liquidity is thin. He added that these settings often occur at the same time as the activities of large market participants.

Retail traders start chasing momentum after sudden price changes. At the same time, the stop loss level becomes clearly visible.

“When liquidity is low, prices crash, everyone starts tweeting their targets, and confidence comes back… then it goes straight down and completely retraces. People will stare at charts that look like rulers and claim this is 'organic price discovery.' Love it or hate it, Bart never misses,” the post reads.

Other analysts suggest that repeated Bart patterns often act as short-term volatility traps. Such rapid price movements can cause rapid reversals and shakeouts, forcing short-term traders out of their positions as momentum quickly wanes.

“The Bart pattern is meant to emotionally exhaust traders. Long-term holders hardly notice these movements,” the market watcher added.

Therefore, as Bitcoin continues to trade in a reactive environment, the repeated emergence of the Bart pattern highlights the role of liquidity and market structure in short-term price action. Although these formations can cause sharp moves or rapid reversals, analysts note that they tend to have limited significance beyond short-term positioning, with broader trend direction dependent on sustained liquidity and participation.

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