Berchta

Berchta, or Bertha (O.H.G. Perahta, bright), corresponded in the ancient superstitions of South Germany to the goddess Hulda in the North. She was, however, of a more stern and forbidding character than her northern sister, and her festival was a fast prescribed under severe penalties. Her personality has been a little mixed up with that of historical Berthas, and enters into many local legends. Perhaps through the attribute "brightness" she was especially associated with the feast of the Epiphany.