Table of contentsClick link to navigate to the desired location
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Ukrainian mythology – is a bottomless well of amazing creatures intertwined with folk beliefs, fairy tales and even everyday life. Some of them still live in our sayings, folklore and even modern slang. One of the most striking themes in demonology is the nature spirits – mermaids and meows, as well as the mysterious chugaister, who, despite his terrifying appearance, can be a savior in the forest. How did they affect the Ukrainian language? Let's figure it out.
Mermaids – water spirits laughing and crying
When we hear the word «mermaid», imagines a beautiful girl with long hair living in water. But in Ukrainian folklore, mermaids – are not romantic creatures at all. They are the souls of dead children, drowned girls or victims of tragic love. According to legends, they could lure people with their singing and laughing to drag them into the water.
Ukrainians believed that mermaids go ashore in mermaid week (end of May – beginning of June). That is why the saying appeared among the people «walk like a mermaid on the shore» <TAG1> that is, aimlessly wandering as if looking for something. Or «mermaid laugh» <TAG1> when the fun seems unnatural, hides something evil.
It is interesting that in some regions of Ukraine mermaids were called mavkami, although the monkeys had their own characteristics.
Babies and monkeys – forest spirits with the voices of temptresses
The – witches are woodland spirits similar to mermaids, but they are not tied to water. According to legends, meows were the souls of girls who died an unnatural death. They looked like beautiful young women with long hair, but without shade. It was believed that if a person saw a meow, he could be enchanted and lost in the forest.
Hence the folk sayings:
- «start like a meow in a thicket» <TAG1> confuse, lead astray;
- «meows like meow» <TAG1> about a man with a thin, manly voice.
In the Carpathians and Polissia, monkeys were often imagined as spirits of nature that could help or harm people. Numerous folk tales and even literary works are dedicated to them, for example, Lesya Ukrainka's drama extravaganza «Forest song», where the mavka appears as a symbol of freedom and love.
Chugaister – is a white giant who doesn't like meows
Chugaister – is one of the most interesting figures of Ukrainian demonology. He is a giant forest spirit that looks like a hairy grandfather in a white fur coat. It does not harm people, but on the contrary, helps travelers in the forest and protects them from meows. Chugaister likes to have fun, dance and can even invite a person to dance. If you refuse –, you may be offended, but usually it is not aggressive.
In the vernacular, the image of the chugaistra is less common, but his name is sometimes used to refer to large, clumsy people: «walks like chugaister» <TAG1> about a tall and stocky man.
Ukrainian demonology in the language today
Despite the fact that the modern world seems far from magical creatures, the demonological characters have not completely disappeared. Mermaids, meows and chugaister left a mark on folklore, sayings and even literature. For example, references to these creatures are increasingly appearing in movies, books, and music.
From ancient beliefs to everyday language –, demonology continues to live among us even if we don't notice it. Perhaps the next time you hear someone's mysterious laughter in the forest or feel an inexplicable fear near the water, it is worth mentioning that Ukrainian mythology has not yet said the last word.
This post doesn't have any additions from the author yet.
