FRAU HOLLE - a photo on Flickriver

FRAU HOLLE

            Januray 6th, DAY OF FRAU HOLLE. Frau Holle is also known in various regions as Holla, Holda, Perchta, Berchta, Berta, or Bertha, in Italy Befana, in Styria Pudelmutter. She was initially a pre-Christian female legendary figure who survived in popular belief well into the 19th century. Frau Holle figures in some pre-Christian Alpine traditions that have survived to modern times. During the Christmas period in the alpine regions of Germany, Austria and northern Switzerland, wild masked processions are still held in a number of towns, impersonating Holda, Perchta, or related beings, and the wild hunt. Later canonical and church documents characterized Perchta as synonymous with other leading female spirits: Holda, Diana, Herodias, Richella and Abundia.Regional variations of the name include Berigl, Berchtlmuada, Perhta-Baba, Zlobna Pehta, Bechtrababa, Sampa, Stampa, Lutzl, Zamperin, Pudelfrau, Zampermuatta and Rauweib.

In the 16th century, the Perchten took two forms: Some are beautiful and bright, known as the Schönperchten ("beautiful Perchten"). These come during the Twelve Nights and festivals to "bring luck and wealth to the people." The other form is the Schiachperchten ("ugly Perchten") who have fangs, tusks and horse tails which are used to drive out demons and ghosts. Men dressed as the ugly Perchten during the 16th century went from house to house driving out bad spirits.

According to Jacob Grimm and Lotte Motz, Perchta is Holda's southern cousin or equivalent, as they both share the role of "guardian of the beasts" and appear during the Twelve Days of Christmas (25.12. - 6.1., Raunächte), when they oversee spinning.

Taken on: January 5, 2025

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