Die Perchten von Soj
The Perchtenlauf is an ancient pagan tradition in the Alpine regions of Austria and Bavaria. It is meant to drive out the evil ghosts of winter. Masked creatures run through the villages during pre-Christmas time and the Rough Nights. One of the biggest and famous Perchten groups in Bavaria is called Perchten von Soj. Here are some pictures of them running through the town of Grafing bei München on 17th December 2023.
Die Percht
The Percht empodies the primordial goddess Perchta. She has two faces that represent all opposites in life: good and bad, beautiful and ugly, warm and cold, day and night, living and dying, and even men and women.
Die Haberngoaß
The Haberngoaß is another representation of the Percht. The old Bavarian term Haberl means bulls testicles while Goaß stands for goat. With her monstrous movable mouth, the Haberngoaß is collecting money during the Perchtenlauf.
Die Klaubauf
The Klaubauf are representing the four elements, the four seasons and the circle of life. Many of them have animal faces, look like devils, dragons or werewolves. The Klaubauf are dancing around the Percht while the Schönperchten play their music.
Die Holzmandl
The Holzmandl are typical forest spirits. Their masks show everything the forests has to offer: animals, plants, ferns, roots, mushrooms, et cetera. While singing recitatives, the Holzmandl are forming a pentagram of hazelnut ruds: the Drudenhax.
Die Schönperchten
The Schönperchten are a special feature of the Perchten of Soj group. They empody the light, the day, the becoming, the New Year, and the order of things. The Schönperchten look like human, are wearing medieval dresses and playing music with drums, chimes and some unusual music instruments.
Happy New Year…
Photographer: Sven Hähle. All rights reserved.
