2/1/13

Ivan Bilibin, Ovinnik (Овинник)

Ivan Bilibin, Ovinnik illustration
Date: 1934
Technique: Unknown

The Ovinnik is a malevolent spirit of the threshing house in Slavic folklore. He is prone to burning down the threshing houses by setting fire to the grain. To placate him, peasants would offer him roosters and bliny. On New Year's Eve, the touch of an Ovinnik would determine their fortune for the New Year. A warm touch meant good luck and fortune, while a cold touch meant unhappiness.

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