Nature in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Times

Praising Perchta as the Embodiment of Nature’s Cycles: Worship and Demonization of Perchta and Holda in Medieval and Early Modern Culture

William Mahan

Abstract

Those familiar with Perchta typically think of a Krampus-like creature as part of Alpine traditions preserved through folklore and, especially costumes, or in some cases the name brings to mind a ‘Christmas Witch.’ This paper examines Perchta as a goddess, depicted in medieval and early modern texts as an embodiment of nature’s elements including the Winter and Spring seasons. Religious and other sources condemned the worship of Perchta and demonized the goddess, but in folklore and customs surrounding Perchta, she is honored as a protectoress and as part of nature, often having ...