Perchta or Berchta, also known as Percht, is a goddess in Southern
Germanic paganism found in the Alpine countries and means "the bright
one".
The word Perchten is the commonly used when speaking of her
entourage; it also refers to the type of masks worn in the mountains of Austria
that are animal or fantasy-like.
During the 16th century
it was believed that the Perchten took two forms, some were beautiful and
benevolent bringing prosperity and good fortune to the inhabitants.
However, there is a darker more demon-like variety of Perchten known as
'Schiachperchten' who were terrifying. They possessed ugly faces,
protruding eyes, sharp fangs and tail of a horse; these were the ones that were
called upon to drive out any demons or ghosts from the village.
A form of exorcists for home security, this particular form of
Perchten were invited into the home in order to find and drive out any
ill-spirits that might be hiding, causing misfortune and havoc for the
inhabitants.
The tradition continues as part of the holidays of Salzburg and
Austria today.
No comments:
Post a Comment