Himmelsbrief
A divine letter promising protection at a price.
A Himmelsbrief, or heavenly letter, is a religious document believed to have been authored by God or a divine agent. It promises protection from all evil and danger to its bearer, but imposes a cost for that safeguard. Such letters are often described as having miraculously fallen from the sky, and they encourage replication while threatening punishment for those who doubt.
Quick Facts
- Alternate names
- heaven's letter, heavenly letter
- Earliest mention
- Hippolytus of Rome, third century
- Earliest full text
- Latin, 6th century
- Notable bearer
- Jacob, organizer of the Shepherds' Crusade (1251)
Facts from the source article.
Pennsylvania German
Within the Pennsylvania German community, Himmelsbrief are part of the Pow-wow tradition. These letters incorporate Bible verses and other charms, assuring owners of safety from death, injury, and misfortune. Their text follows a long-established formula, leading some to consider Himmelsbrief the original chain letters. Practitioners of Pow-wow charged substantial fees for these magical letters, with the price depending on the practitioner's reputation, though some traditions require the letter to be given free of charge. A hand-written letter from a respected Hexenmeister or Braucher is regarded as a powerful talisman. Himmelsbrief may also be written to communicate with the departed or to request divine assistance.
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