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Perchta
She checks if children have been good and if women have finished their spinning. Those who fail her test have their bellies slit open and stuffed with straw. Perchta knows if you've been bad.
Ancient - Present
Austria and Bavaria
1000+ witnesses
Perchta is a goddess/witch figure from Alpine folklore who rewards the diligent and punishes the lazy during the Christmas season.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Perchta:
- Appears during the Twelve Days of Christmas
- Checks on children and spinners
- Rewards the good
- Punishes the lazy horribly
- May be an ancient goddess
Description
Perchta appears in two forms:
- Beautiful, white-robed woman
- Hideous crone with long nose
- Sometimes with one large foot
- Often carrying a knife
- Accompanied by spirits
The Test
Perchta checks if:
- Children have been good
- Women finished their spinning
- Houses are clean
- Proper foods are eaten (fish, gruel)
- The 12th Night rules are kept
The Punishment
For those who fail:
- Belly is slit open
- Organs are removed
- Stuffed with straw and pebbles
- Sewn back up
- A horrible death
The Wild Hunt
Perchta sometimes:
- Leads the Wild Hunt
- With her army of dead children
- Through the winter sky
- The Perchten accompany her
Rewards
The good receive:
- A silver coin
- Good fortune
- Health for the year
- Her blessing