Poppet
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2015) |
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 English popet, 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."
See also
References
- ^ a b Scott Cunningham (2000). Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 13. ISBN 0875421229.
- ^ "1166 - Poppets". Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
- ^ The encyclopedia of witches, witchcraft and wicca. 2009-03-01.
- ^ Stephen Fry (presenter), John Lloyd (creator), Ian Lorimer (director). "Divination". QI. Season D. Episode 10. BBC.
- ^ Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2006. 17 Nov. 2006.