Every house has its own patron, called a host, domovik or saibia. This is a household spirit, considered by some to be the spirit of a deceased relative. It was believed that he was so attached to his home and heirs during his lifetime that after his death he remained to inhabit the ancestral house, to watch over and take care of future generations. His main concern is maintaining the family fire, which is why he inhabits the hearth or the oven, the stove. Sometimes he takes the form of a non-poisonous snake or other animal. Usually he protects the family from pain. If such a snake is killed or dies, people believed that the owner of the house will soon die too.
You can read more about the customs and traditions of the old Bulgarians here.
Folklore collection "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians"
To show their respect and honor to the home spirit, people would set aside some of their food and offer prayers to it. The housekeeper helped the people in the house, if they were a good family, looked after the children and their household, when the owners of the house started an argument or a conflict situation was imminent, the housekeeper would start breaking or pushing objects in the house to make them stop. This creature loves family comfort and comfort, and if the owners of the house are bad – he is also bad with them. He punishes them with illness, death, and sometimes, while they are sleeping, he sits on top of them and strangles them. He loved to joke with the inhabitants of the house, hide their belongings and have fun while they look for them.
Symbolism in our folk art – Bread
More about the symbolism and supernatural beings in our folklore
When some trouble is about to happen in the house, the housewife starts howling or creating a commotion around her, makes the dogs bark incessantly, objects fall, groans and unusual sounds are heard at night. And if some joyful event is coming, melodies are heard, flowers bloom, the atmosphere is pleasant and cheerful. When moving to a new home, the landlady would take live coals from the old hearth, take them to the new home and ask the house spirit to settle there.
If you dream of a Farmer: the spirits of our loved ones watch over you, you have a strong connection with the family and traditions. Those around you feel good in your presence. In work relationships - your boss will be pleased with you, as long as you do your job well. If you are wondering whether to sell a home or buy a new one - the answer is yes. But if your old home brings back more good memories, keep something from it - this way you will transfer the "master" to the new place and he will continue to watch over you.
© 2024 Iliana Dechkova