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Martyr
A penitent in Ukrainian demonology is a spirit that lives in a house and is associated with the domestic space, in particular with the place of penitence — the holy corner of the house, where icons were traditionally located and where the family gathered for prayer. The penitent is considered the patron spirit of the family, which monitors order, protects the house from evil forces and brings prosperity. He has a close connection with the ancestors of the family, he was often perceived as a spirit-messenger from the ancestors, watching over the well-being of the family.
In some beliefs, penitents were associated with the dead who, because of their sins, cannot find peace in the afterlife. These are souls who, because of their crimes or moral faults, have not received forgiveness and cannot pass to another world. They are forced to wander between the worlds, enduring various sorrows according to the magnitude of their sins, until they themselves atone for them or until one of their relatives performs purification rites. In such cases, the penitent can manifest himself through signs or phenomena in the house, reminding relatives of his unfinished mission.
It was especially important to honor the penitent during holidays and important events in family life. They always maintained cleanliness during penitence, and on important days treats were left for the penitent: bread, salt or other food. To help troubled souls, relatives held memorial rites, prayed for them or made sacrifices. It helped such souls find a way to peace and eventually release themselves from their suffering.
In some beliefs, penitents were associated with the dead who, because of their sins, cannot find peace in the afterlife. These are souls who, because of their crimes or moral faults, have not received forgiveness and cannot pass to another world. They are forced to wander between the worlds, enduring various sorrows according to the magnitude of their sins, until they themselves atone for them or until one of their relatives performs purification rites. In such cases, the penitent can manifest himself through signs or phenomena in the house, reminding relatives of his unfinished mission.
It was especially important to honor the penitent during holidays and important events in family life. They always maintained cleanliness during penitence, and on important days treats were left for the penitent: bread, salt or other food. To help troubled souls, relatives held memorial rites, prayed for them or made sacrifices. It helped such souls find a way to peace and eventually release themselves from their suffering.