Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

perchta

Noun

/ˈpɛrxtə/

Definition

Perchta is a figure from Germanic folklore, often associated with the winter solstice and the ritual activities of the Twelve Nights (the period from Christmas to Epiphany).

Examples

The villagers would prepare for the arrival of Perchta by cleaning their homes and completing their winter chores.
During the festival of Perchta, people would dress up in costumes to celebrate her influence over the harvest.

Meaning

In folklore, Perchta is depicted as a goddess of fertility and the protector of the home and livestock. She is known to reward the hardworking and punish the lazy during the winter months.