In folk magic and

witchcraft Witchcraft is the use of Magic (supernatural), magic by a person called a witch. Traditionally, "witchcraft" means the use of magic to inflict supernatural harm or misfortune on others, and this remains the most common and widespread meanin ...

, a poppet (also known as poppit, moppet, mommet or pippy) is a doll made to represent a person, for casting spells on them, or aiding that person through magic. They are occasionally found lodged in chimneys. These dolls may be fashioned from materials such as carved root, grain, corn shafts, fruit, paper, wax, a potato, clay, branches, or cloth stuffed with herbs, with the intent that any actions performed upon the

effigy An effigy is a sculptural representation, often life-size, of a specific person or a prototypical figure. The term is mostly used for the makeshift dummies used for symbolic punishment in political protests and for the figures burned in certain ...

will be transferred to the subject based on

sympathetic magic Sympathetic magic, also known as imitative magic, is a type of Magic (paranormal), magic based on imitation or correspondence. Similarity and contagion James George Frazer coined the term "sympathetic magic" in ''The Golden Bough'' (1889); Rich ...

. Poppets are also used as kitchen witch figures.

Etymology

The word ''poppet'' is a variant of ''

puppet A puppet is an object, often resembling a human, animal or Legendary creature, mythical figure, that is animated or manipulated by a person called a puppeteer. Puppetry is an ancient form of theatre which dates back to the 5th century BC in anci ...

'', from

Middle English Middle English (abbreviated to ME) is a form of the English language that was spoken after the Norman Conquest of 1066, until the late 15th century. The English language underwent distinct variations and developments following the Old English pe ...

''popet'', meaning a small child or a doll. In

British English British English is the set of Variety (linguistics), varieties of the English language native to the United Kingdom, especially Great Britain. More narrowly, it can refer specifically to the English language in England, or, more broadly, to ...

it continues to hold this meaning. ''Poppet'' is also a chiefly British

term of endearment A term of endearment is a word or phrase used to address or describe a person, animal or inanimate object for which the speaker feels love or affection. Terms of endearment are used for a variety of reasons, such as parents addressing their ch ...

or diminutive referring to a young child, much like the words "dear" or "sweetie."

Purpose

Poppets are commonly believed, in folk magic, to serve as spirit bridges. A poppet can be designed for benevolent purposes, such as the wishing of good health or opportunities on the recipient, or for more malicious intents, such as bringing harm onto the person they represent.

Poppets throughout the world

Throughout the world, each culture has their own version of a poppet. Poppet doll materials vary across cultures, and, most importantly, the motive or intentions for the poppet.

Types of Poppets

German kitchen witch

The origin of the German kitchen witch poppet is debated by many. One suggested location for the kitchen poppet's origin is Scandinavia, although the first mentions of it poppet in writing come from England. The kitchen witch poppet is intended to bring good energy into the home kitchen, and prevent 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 intentions to be upheld, it is believed that a prayer or a ritual will be needed, due to the idea of the kitchen being one of the most important places in the household, as the source of remedies or basic nutrition to maintain the body.

Love poppet

A love poppet may be used for the healing of oneself, for displaying affection to loved ones, or to foster relationships or couples. Objects that are put inside the poppet could be rose quartz, petals of the recipient's favourite flowers. Small belongings of the intended person, placed within the poppet, can also serve as a way to make it more connected to the intent.

Prosperity poppet

The prosperity poppet could be used in hoping for a good outcome in one's life through school, work, physical status, or financial statu

Healing poppet

Healing poppets may be intended to grant good health mentally, physically and emotionally. In this poppet it is common to include objects traditionally associated with healing, such as rose quartz, rose petals, and sage to cleanse the body and min

Protection poppet

These poppets are designed for spiritual protection of a person's family and loved ones, and the removal of supposed curses or bad luck. These poppets may be designed to physically resemble their intended person. They may also include items such as

hematite Hematite (), also spelled as haematite, is a common iron oxide compound with the formula, Fe2O3 and is widely found in rocks and soils. Hematite crystals belong to the rhombohedral lattice system which is designated the alpha polymorph of . ...

and

amethyst Amethyst is a Violet (color), violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the Koine Greek from - , "not" and (Ancient Greek) / (Modern Greek), "intoxicate", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from Alcohol into ...

, in addition to

basil Basil (, ; , ; ''Ocimum basilicum'' (, )), also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a hardiness (plants), tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" r ...

patchouli Patchouli (also spelled patchouly or pachouli; ; '' Pogostemon cablin'') is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, commonly called the mint or deadnettle family. The plant grows as a bushy perennial herb, with erect stems reachin ...

, and

coffee Coffee is a beverage brewed from roasted, ground coffee beans. Darkly colored, bitter, and slightly acidic, coffee has a stimulating effect on humans, primarily due to its caffeine content, but decaffeinated coffee is also commercially a ...

References

6.
All About Love Magic
February 9, 2020 7
What is Lodestone?
April 4, 2019 8
Gods and Goddesses of Healing
April 26, 2019 9
Protection Magic
June 25, 2019{{witchcraft Talismans Amulets Anthropology European witchcraft Traditional dolls English folklore Magic items Cunning folk