T.E. W. (terez93) reviewed Half Spent Was the Night (Ami McKay's Witches, Bk 2) on + 273 more book reviews
I've been reading a fair number of what I think you could call modern fairy tales of late, this one by a very capable author who has written several books incorporating elements of European fairy tale and supernatural traditions into her novels, mostly set in the late nineteenth century, this no exception. Her books are, in fact, a very eclectic collection of stories and folk tales, recipes and traditional incantations which cleverly encourage readers to participate, so the stories are actually tangible. I've yet to attempt any of the sweets or concoctions, but may give the ones herein a try over the holiday, as I love elderberry syrup in particular. I'm glad I read this one when I did, as the Christmas season approaches.
This tale of McKay's three witches incorporates elements of old Swiss and German folklore, specifically a deity they refer to as the Queen of the Witches, sometimes known as Perchta or Berchta (Bertha), an ancient goddess in Alpine tradition, who is also associated with Berchtentag, or the Feast of the Epiphany, which incorporated later Christian traditions. She was particularly known for her ability to shape shift into animal form, like the masked ball revelers in the story. Jacob Grimm, in fact, wrote about her in his voluminous works, noting particular the geographic breadth of this particular figure, perhaps speaking to her popularity. Grimm also wrote of the Wild Hunt, which was usually led by a male deity, that "heathen goddesses, too, may head the furious host," which may have included Perchta.
In fact, in many ways, Perchta is still with us: she was said to roam the countryside and to enter into homes during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (especially on Twelfth Night), but not particularly down chimneys! There, she rewarded the virtuous, who had been dutiful all year, but also to punish the lazy and dishonest, in the manner described in the story. Thus, the female Perchta was something of the precursor of the Santa Claus figure. She's also associated with spinning and weaving, in particular.
People still wear animal masks in festivals in the mountainous regions of Austria, in memory of this ancient tradition. The beautiful animal masks are thought to bring luck and wealth, while the more hideous ones are intended to drive out demons and ghosts. Perchta is still popular in Austria, especially in Salzburg, where she is said to wander at night (especially in the Hohensalzburg Castle, where I think I saw some information about her when I was there, more than 20 years ago). The wooden animal masks made for the winter festivals are still called Perchten in her honor.
Stories like McKay's still remind us that the ancient past is still with us, which, to me, like her beloved witches, is always comforting. They also encourage modern readers to delve into traditions of the past, like the origins of the Santa Claus mythology, which, simply put, just makes life fuller and richer.
This tale of McKay's three witches incorporates elements of old Swiss and German folklore, specifically a deity they refer to as the Queen of the Witches, sometimes known as Perchta or Berchta (Bertha), an ancient goddess in Alpine tradition, who is also associated with Berchtentag, or the Feast of the Epiphany, which incorporated later Christian traditions. She was particularly known for her ability to shape shift into animal form, like the masked ball revelers in the story. Jacob Grimm, in fact, wrote about her in his voluminous works, noting particular the geographic breadth of this particular figure, perhaps speaking to her popularity. Grimm also wrote of the Wild Hunt, which was usually led by a male deity, that "heathen goddesses, too, may head the furious host," which may have included Perchta.
In fact, in many ways, Perchta is still with us: she was said to roam the countryside and to enter into homes during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (especially on Twelfth Night), but not particularly down chimneys! There, she rewarded the virtuous, who had been dutiful all year, but also to punish the lazy and dishonest, in the manner described in the story. Thus, the female Perchta was something of the precursor of the Santa Claus figure. She's also associated with spinning and weaving, in particular.
People still wear animal masks in festivals in the mountainous regions of Austria, in memory of this ancient tradition. The beautiful animal masks are thought to bring luck and wealth, while the more hideous ones are intended to drive out demons and ghosts. Perchta is still popular in Austria, especially in Salzburg, where she is said to wander at night (especially in the Hohensalzburg Castle, where I think I saw some information about her when I was there, more than 20 years ago). The wooden animal masks made for the winter festivals are still called Perchten in her honor.
Stories like McKay's still remind us that the ancient past is still with us, which, to me, like her beloved witches, is always comforting. They also encourage modern readers to delve into traditions of the past, like the origins of the Santa Claus mythology, which, simply put, just makes life fuller and richer.
