Domovoi
Household Guardian Spirit
Characteristics
- Protects the household
- Lives behind stove or threshold
- Can shapeshift into animals
- Warns of impending danger
Appearance
- Small, hairy old man
- Beard made of moss
- Sometimes has horns/tail
- Wears traditional peasant clothes
Description
The Domovoi is a protective house spirit in Slavic mythology, believed to inhabit every home. He is generally benevolent but can become mischievous or even dangerous if angered by the household's behavior.
When a family moves to a new home, they perform special rituals to invite their Domovoi to come with them. He is said to follow the family's bread or broom to the new location.
Behavior
A happy Domovoi helps with household chores, protects livestock, and warns of danger by knocking or groaning. An angry Domovoi may break dishes, hide items, pull hair, or even start fires.
He is particularly concerned with maintaining household traditions and may punish families who abandon old ways. The Domovoi is said to dislike mirrors, whistling indoors, and swearing in the house.
Cultural Traditions
Families would leave offerings for their Domovoi - usually milk, bread, or porridge placed near the stove. Special rituals were performed on moving day and during important household events to keep the Domovoi content.
After Christianization, some aspects of Domovoi worship were transferred to household saints, though many traditional practices survived in rural areas well into the 20th century.