In folk magic and witchcraft, a poppet (also known as poppit, moppet, mommet or pippy) is a doll made to represent a person, for casting spells on that person or to aid that person through magic.[1] They are occasionally found lodged in chimneys.[2][3] These dolls may be fashioned from such materials as a carved root, grain or corn shafts, a fruit, paper, wax, a potato, clay, branches, or cloth stuffed with herbs with the intent that any actions performed upon the effigy will be transferred to the subject based on sympathetic magic.[1][4] Poppets are also used as kitchen witch figures.
Etymology
The word poppet is an older spelling of puppet, from Middle Englishpopet, meaning a small child or a doll. In British English it continues to hold this meaning. Poppet is also a chiefly British term of endearment or diminutive referring to a young child or girl,[5] much like the words "dear" or "sweetie."[6]
Main Purpose of Poppets
Poppets are seen throughout the world as a spirit bridge. A poppet can be designed to be for good, some good wishes that can be manifested through these poppets for health, hoping for an outcome. An opportunity for a position. There is also more of a sinister way to design these poppets. They can be designed to create harm, sickness, an outcome that it's in the cursor's favor.[1][7]
Poppets throughout the World
Throughout the world, each culture has their own version of a Poppet.[8] However, Poppets dolls look differently due to the materials available to a given culture, and, most importantly, the motive and (or) intentions for and of the poppet.[9]
Types of Poppets
German Kitchen Witch
The origin of the German kitchen witch is debated by many. Some people in the area believe that the origin of this kitchen poppet originated from Scandinavia, that is where the first mentions in writing come from England.[10]
The purpose for this Kitchen Witch Poppet is to bring good energy into the home kitchen, out-casting the bad energy by preventing kitchen disasters. Many of these common kitchen errors can include lowering the risk of food coming out bad such as having the meal burnt, or undercooked. In order for these traditions to be upheld a prayer or a ritual will be needed in order to take place dolls due the fact that the kitchen is one of the most important places in the household To have every meal come out right. It is where life continues to happen whether it includes remedies or basic nutrition to maintain the body.[11]
Magical Gingerbread Poppet
Throughout the years of holidays, more specifically in modern times, many people see the end of the year as a way to enlighten themselves in order to have a more prosperous year than prior ones. In order to manifest one’s wishes the Popper-maker would design a figure specifically a Gingerbread man and fill it up with precious stones and natural elements that supposedly have a healing properties.[citation needed]
Love Poppet
For many individuals this poppet can be seen as the most powerful for healing oneself. Others it may be the way they need to love themselves to get past a hard time in their lives at that moment. Where for some it is to show love for their relatives. Also including couples that are in love with each other. Objects that are put inside the gingerbread man can be rose quartz, petals of flowers intended for such person(s) by adding their favorite flowers. The person's small belongings in the poppet can also serve as a way to make the poppet more connected to the intent.[2]
Prosperity Poppet
Many people throughout history have done some sort of manifestation of prosperity since we have a sense of reward ship that is within prosperity. It is seen as a symbol of hope and strength. Very similar to another Healing Poppet. For the Prosperity Poppet, it can be a way to hope for a good outcome in one's life through school, work, physical status, financial status, in addition to enlightenment within oneself. Such objects can be an individual's lucky charms, In addition to gold or silver and diamonds for many depending on their geographical location and metal and precious stone availability the person has.[3]
Healing Poppet
This poppet is cherished my most people, in hopes to grant good health mentally, physically and emotionally. In this poppet it is common to include precious healing stones such as rose quarts. Rose pedals and sage to cleanse the body and mind.[4]
Protection Poppet
These poppets are deigned for spiritual protection of a persons family and loved ones. It also includes outcasting evil eyes, hexes, and all unwanted energy within the universe. Many people will design these poppets as closely resembling their intended person by getting physically realistic. Many items such as hematite and amethyst , in addition to basil, patchouli, and coffee. [5]
Look up poppet in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
