Cleaning Up

Nikolai swept the house, cleaned and put away the dishes, and added wood to the fire. Nikolai was a Domovoy, and he loved his family very much.

Folks who don’t live in the Slavic lands are unaware of these house spirits and their importance to each family.

The Domovoy protects the home from evil spirits who wish to cause harm to family members who dwell there.

Each night, Katiana puts a bowl of cream and a spoonful of the family’s food on a small plate, which is then placed behind the stove where the little fellow lives.

The food is removed in the morning and put in the compost pile. The family must never eat it, for it would upset the Domovoy if they did.

Nikolai helps Katiana in many other ways. He helps the bread rise and shells the beans; if he feels good, he might even churn the butter.

It is important to remember that you must never try to see him or give him clothes. The Domovoy would be angered, which would cause him to leave.

If you see him, it is a warning that something awful will happen, so you must be on your guard. The Domovoy has been known to wake families and warn them of fires, floods, or the escape of farm animals.

So if you hear a noise in the kitchen during the night and wake to find your home all spic and span, you just might have a Domovoy living with you.

Remember to keep them happy, and your troubles will be few and far between.