Berchta

Berchta moves through Central European folklore through many guises. Like most ancient figures, she never quite fits into any single definition. Across the region she is called by a whole constellation of names—Frau Holle, Gode, Herke, Perchta—but the heart of her lore beats strongest in Bavaria, where she was once honored as a goddess of abundance.

She lives in the borderland between life and death. Older stories say she watches over anyone who dies without proper rites or remembrance—unbaptized infants, miscarriages, stillbirths, those who died from heartbreak,  and many general restless spirits. Supposedly she will remove troublesome ghosts in the home if you evoke her presence. 

With the arrival of Christianity, this beloved goddess was recast as a frightening figure. The Church painted her as a queen of demons, a night wanderer who punished misbehaving children during the winter season. Parents were warned to baptize their babies so they wouldn’t fall into her realm. Yet even through this distortion, her older nature still shows brightly: she brings gifts to the kind, and leads the Wild Hunt as a guide to the wandering souls she protects.

Her candles were rolled in various ever greens and birch scraps. Her name is linked to the birch tree, a symbol of renewal across the North. Evergreen branches, holly, wild berries, flax, and mayflower are also tied to her story. In some Alpine villages, offerings of food are still placed on rooftops for her midwinter rides.

ɪᴛᴇᴍ ᴅᴇsᴄʀɪᴘᴛɪᴏɴ: 6" taper candles rolled in locally sourced herbs corresponding to Berchta such cedar, pine, fir, and birch. Sold in pairs of 2.


𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓: These candles melt beautifully and are safe to burn indoors, however, PLEASE be wary of the flame. The more herbs, the bigger and taller the flame will be. Always supervise your candles while burning. These candles have very burnable botanicals. Some herbs may crackle when caught on fire, such as cedar and juniper.