Kitchen witch

A Norwegian kitchen witch

A kitchen witch, sometimes called a cottage witch^[1] or a "Scandinavian" kitchen witch doll, is a puppet or homemade doll resembling a stereotypical witch or crone displayed in residential kitchens as a good luck charm.^[2] and ward off bad spirits.^[3]

History

There is some debate over the exact country in which the kitchen witch originated, some claiming Norway and others Germany,^[4] but consensus points to it stemming from older European customs.

The poppet is supposed to depict a "good"^[5] witch who inspires productivity and safety in a kitchen, but also counteracts any ill-will directed to the home.^[6] It is considered good luck to give a kitchen witch to a friend or family member. So that those unfamiliar with the kitchen witch can understand its meaning, sometimes a note will be hung around the witch's neck^[7] stating something similar to:

"The Legendary Secret of Goof-Proof Cooking: The Famous Kitchen Witch

For centuries, Norwegians have hung this good witch in their kitchen. They believe she has the power to keep roasts from burning, pots from boiling over, and sauces from spilling."

In England

Although largely unknown in modern England, the Kitchen Witch was known in England during Tudor times. The will of John Crudgington, from Newton, Worfield, Shropshire, dated 1599, divides his belongings amongst his wife and three children, "except the cubbard in the halle the witche in the kytchyn which I gyve and bequeathe to Roger my sonne."^[8][9]

See also

• Amulet
• Good luck charm
• Apotropaic magic
• Folk religion
• European folklore

References

Also see:

• Murphy-Hiscock, Arin (2009). The Way of the Hedge Witch: Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home. Avon, Massachusetts: Provenance Press. ISBN 1-59869-974-1.