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Poterchata
The lost in Ukrainian demonology are the souls of unbaptized children who cannot find peace after death and are forced to wander the earth. Since they were not baptized, they do not go to heaven or hell, remaining between the worlds. They look like small, naked children with big, shiny eyes and blue bangs on their heads. Their cries or croaks resemble frog sounds, which they use to attract the attention of travelers and lure them to ponds or swamps where a person may perish.
The tatters symbolize the tragic fate of children who did not receive religious protection through the rite of baptism, and remind us of the importance of this ritual. They also represent the lack of peace for those souls who remain between the worlds due to the violation of religious traditions. The meeting with the ragtags was considered dangerous, as their presence could lead to tragic consequences for travelers.
In order to avoid the influence of the tarchata, people carried crosses or holy water with them. It was believed that prayers or a promise to help souls find peace, such as through baptism or burial, could appease the afflicted and allow their souls to leave the earth.
The tatters symbolize the tragic fate of children who did not receive religious protection through the rite of baptism, and remind us of the importance of this ritual. They also represent the lack of peace for those souls who remain between the worlds due to the violation of religious traditions. The meeting with the ragtags was considered dangerous, as their presence could lead to tragic consequences for travelers.
In order to avoid the influence of the tarchata, people carried crosses or holy water with them. It was believed that prayers or a promise to help souls find peace, such as through baptism or burial, could appease the afflicted and allow their souls to leave the earth.