| Bannik | |
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| Slavic
spirit that lives in the bathhouse (bania). The
Bannik can often be seen through the steam, and if
someone were gently touched by one, it would be a sign of
good fortune. However, if the Bannik were to claw a
person, it meant impending misfortune. The Bannik also
splashes a bather with hot water, sometimes killing him.
The Bannik have also been known to do away with
unbaptized infants, so children were often watched
carefully as they entered the bathhouse. To please a
Bannik, the bathouse should be kept clean and offerings
of soap, water, and fir branches should be given. The female counterpart of the Bannik is the Bannaia. |