In
folk magic
In religious studies and folkloristics, folk religion, popular religion, traditional religion or vernacular religion comprises various forms and expressions of religion that are distinct from the official doctrines and practices of organized ...
and
witchcraft
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have ...
, 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.
They are occasionally found lodged in chimneys. 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.
Poppets are also used as
kitchen witch figures.
Etymology
The word ''poppet'' is an older spelling of ''
puppet'', 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 ...
''popet'', meaning a small child or a doll. In
British English
British English (BrE, en-GB, or BE) is, according to Lexico, Oxford Dictionaries, "English language, English as used in Great Britain, as distinct from that used elsewhere". More narrowly, it can refer specifically to the English language in ...
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 or girl,
Random House Unabridged Dictionary
Random House, Inc. 2006. 17 Nov. 2006. much like the words "dear" or "sweetie."
See also
* Corn dolly
* Corn husk doll
* Hoko doll
* Motanka doll
* Voodoo doll
* Witch bottle
References
{{witchcraft
Talismans
Amulets
Anthropology
European witchcraft
Traditional dolls
Dolls
English folklore
Magic items
Cunning folk