WELEDA
[Wa-lay-da]

The name Weleda was chosen by Dr. Steiner to honor the ancient tradition of Celtic women healers. "Weledas" were Celtic wise women who guided their followers to an understanding of nature. Historical remnants of these people can be found in Ireland, Germany and France.

According to the Roman historian Tacitus, the last individual to bear the name Weleda was a priestess of healing and a prophestess who lived at the beginning of the Christian era. She belonged to a tribe of Brukturers and lived near Eastern Stones, a famous sanctuary on the banks of the Lippe River in modern day Germany. People came from distant places to seek her advice and her blessing for contracts and agreements. Under Weleda's influence, the Brukturers joined forces with other Germanic tribes, repelling Roman invaders, until the Romans finally captured them.

Ultimately, peace was established, but the Romans feared the influence that Weleda had over their people, so they took her captive in Rome, where she remained highly honored until 80 A.D., when she died.

Weleda became revered as a renowned title of distinction and the designation of a powerful leader. True to its original name, Weleda strives to heal and nurture others, spreading our ideals throughout the world through our premier personal care formulations.