What is peller?
Peller
A peller, in the context of folklore and folk magic, is a person believed to have the ability to counteract curses, heal illnesses, and offer protection against evil spirits. The term is most commonly associated with communities in East Anglia, England, although similar figures exist in other cultures under different names.
- Role and Function: Pellers were sought out by individuals and families experiencing misfortune. Their services encompassed a range of practices, including divination, the creation of charms and amulets, and the performance of rituals designed to break spells or restore health. They operated often outside the purview of the church, relying on local knowledge and traditions.
- Beliefs and Practices: Peller's practices often involved a blend of Christian and pre-Christian beliefs. They might invoke the names of saints, use herbal remedies, or employ incantations with obscure origins. The specific techniques and the source of a peller's power varied depending on local customs and individual aptitude.
- Social Status: The social standing of pellers was often ambiguous. While some were respected members of their communities, others were viewed with suspicion or fear. Their association with magic made them vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft, particularly during periods of heightened religious anxiety.
- Decline: The influence of pellers diminished as modern medicine and secular forms of problem-solving gained prominence. However, remnants of folk healing traditions and belief in the power of charms and blessings continue to persist in some areas.
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