Groundhog Day is so much more than the spectacle on display in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February 2nd, it marks the beginning of a time of forward-focus, preparation, hope, and renewal. Though our ancestors did not forcibly pull furry rodents from their peaceful slumber at ungodly hours to appease the masses, the groundhog did become an icon for Pennsylvania Dutch weather lore as our ancestors looked to their kind this time of year to predict the onset of Spring, as farming was central to the livelihood of those residing in rural communities, and planting of crops at the optimal time was imperative. The emergence of the groundhog from their dens, their movements, and behaviors were analyzed, and the coming year's crops were foremost on the minds of our forefathers.
Among the numerous tasks and chores of this time of preparation, the creation of der Butzemann is one of the most important. "Butzemann" literally means "Boogeyman," but more about that part later. "Butzemann" related to Pennsylvania Dutch tradition means "spiritually activated scarecrow." Before the scarecrow is "spiritually activated," it is called a "Lumbemann," which means "scarecrow." The featured picture is my der Lumbemann. His muslin body is full of natural materials and plants from the land he will be protecting this year. His hat and ears are mushrooms cut from trees on the land. Braucherei believes plants have spirits, and we have the ability to connect to the healing, protective spirits of plant life. His face is not yet finished. He will be named and activated this weekend, at which time he will become der Butzemann. He will then watch over my land, and bring forth good fortune in the garden, until the end of October, at which time he will be ceremoniously burned and returned to the earth.
It is believed that der Butzemann must be burned by October 31st when Holle leads the Wild Hunt through the realms, or else the spirit of der Butzemann will be gathered by Holle, leaving only the shell behind, which may be vulnerable to less desirable, or even troublesome spirits who may then inhabit the shell; hence, the spin, "Boogeyman."
by Gretchen Swank; 1/31/2023
Further Reading:
Deitsch Mythology: The Legend of Delbel the Butzemann- A retelling of a Deitsch folk tale by Robert L. Schreiwer. http://deitschmythology.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-legend-of-delbel-butzemann.html?m=1
O'Driscoll, D. 4/16/22. The Butzemann (Magical Scarecrow) Tradition at Imbolc and through the Light Half of the Year. The Druid's Garden. https://thedruidsgarden.com?2021/01/2024/the-butzemann-magical-scarecrow-tradition-at-imbolc-and-beyond/
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