Domovyk
The domovyk, also known as the Guardian, protects and supports the family and household where he lives. He is the main domestic spirit, while all others only assist him and obey his power. The domovyk draws strength from harmony within the family. With these forces, he shields the home from uninvited guests, evil spirits, and enemies.
Appearance
He looks like a small old man with large eyes that change colour. His body is usually covered in fur, often matching the hair colour of the household owner. Thick fur is a sign of good fortune. A bald domovyk may indicate poverty or a tense atmosphere in the home.
Moving Domovyk
When people decided to move to a new house, they performed several rituals:
- The Chest Ritual: They opened a chest at night and said the magical words: “Housekeeper, move with us to the new home.” After the night, the chest was closed, carried to the new house, and opened, releasing the domovyk into the new home.
- The Hearth and Threshold Ritual: Before moving, the housewife would light the stove one last time and burn the threshold of the house. The ashes from the threshold were then placed in a pot or bowl, which erased the boundary between the home and the otherworld and invited the family spirits into the new house so they could continue protecting the family.
- The Bread Ritual: The housewife baked bread one final time. After the evening meal, she placed a piece of it on an embroidered towel and left it on the stove, where herbs dried or people slept. The bread absorbed the home’s aura and became a guide for the domovyk. On moving day, each family member touched the stove three times, saying: “Move with us, housekeeper, to the new home.” They carried the bread to the new house. Before entering, a black rooster and hen were released inside to drive away evil spirits. The bread itself was never eaten but kept as medicine and a talisman.
Origin of the Domovyk
People believed a domovyk could be “born” in different ways. In the distant past, a human sacrifice might be offered — often the least attractive family member or a volunteer. They thought the sacrifice appeased the spirits of the land where the house stood, and the soul of the sacrificed person became the domovyk.
Other offerings included bread, herbs, and incense. As people transitioned to bloodless offerings, they believed that the first to enter the new house should be a cat or the eldest person, as they thought the first human to enter might die soon.
Behaviour and Mischief
Although the domovyk was honoured as a protector, he sometimes misbehaved. He might break dishes, move objects, or hide items. If this happened too often, the family sprinkled holy water on thresholds and corners. If that failed, a knowledgeable person performed a ritual on a special night.
Families could also negotiate with him. If he took an item, someone offered a ribbon in exchange, saying: “Domovyk, friend! You’ve played and bathed enough, now please return it!”
The domovyk could also help. On Thursday evenings, family members asked him to find lost items. He often responded by showing them exactly where the missing thing was.