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Nichnytsya
Nichnytsia is a sinister creature of Ukrainian demonology that appears at night. She appears as a shadow or ghostly woman with dark, long hair and a pale face. Her eyes can glow in the dark, giving her an eerie appearance. Dressed in dark, inconspicuous clothing, the night owl moves silently and almost imperceptibly, blending into the shadows of the night. In some legends, she can take the form of a large night bird with outstretched wings and luminous eyes, similar to an owl.
Night owls became the souls of women who died suddenly or experienced severe grief. These could be women who died a violent death, committed suicide out of desperation, or lost their children. Sometimes women who committed a grave sin, such as killing their children, became night owls. Their souls did not find peace due to deep experiences or tragic circumstances of death, and remained attached to the world of the living, turning into night owls. They wander in the darkness of the night, as if seeking peace or atonement for their deeds.
Night owls were credited with the ability to cause various harm. They could come to people during sleep, causing nightmares, insomnia, or even cause a feeling of heaviness and suffocation, as if sitting on the sleeping person`s chest. Especially often they scared children, causing them restless dreams, sudden crying or illnesses. For adults, nightlights could be a source of pollution at night, luring them into dark places. It was believed that nightshade can drain vital energy, leaving a person exhausted and weak.
To protect themselves from night owls, people used various amulets, performed rites and recited prayers, especially near the baby`s cradle or before going to bed. Her image reminds of the fears of the night, the unknown and the unpredictable power of darkness.
Night owls became the souls of women who died suddenly or experienced severe grief. These could be women who died a violent death, committed suicide out of desperation, or lost their children. Sometimes women who committed a grave sin, such as killing their children, became night owls. Their souls did not find peace due to deep experiences or tragic circumstances of death, and remained attached to the world of the living, turning into night owls. They wander in the darkness of the night, as if seeking peace or atonement for their deeds.
Night owls were credited with the ability to cause various harm. They could come to people during sleep, causing nightmares, insomnia, or even cause a feeling of heaviness and suffocation, as if sitting on the sleeping person`s chest. Especially often they scared children, causing them restless dreams, sudden crying or illnesses. For adults, nightlights could be a source of pollution at night, luring them into dark places. It was believed that nightshade can drain vital energy, leaving a person exhausted and weak.
To protect themselves from night owls, people used various amulets, performed rites and recited prayers, especially near the baby`s cradle or before going to bed. Her image reminds of the fears of the night, the unknown and the unpredictable power of darkness.