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Shulikun
Shulikun is an unclean spirit in Ukrainian demonology associated with watery or swampy places. He is known for his cunning and humorous nature, often luring people into dangerous situations or bullying them. In different regions of Ukraine, he is described differently, but most often he appears as a small creature with demonic features that leads people off the road or lures them into swamps.
According to folk beliefs, Shulikun becomes active during the winter holidays, especially from Christmas Eve to Baptism. At this time, he is represented as very short, with horse legs, and fire is burning from his mouth. Shulikun runs through the streets with hot coals in iron pans or with a red-hot poker in his hands, with which he can capture a drunken man. He can spin it, push it in the mud and even lure it into a pit. Sometimes Shulikun rides on stupas or stoves. He wears self-woven kaftans, belts and pointed hats, which emphasizes his demonic and cunning character.
Shulikun, like many other evil spirits, is activated mainly at night or in foggy weather. His antics can be serious, as he is able to lead a person into a swamp or even drown him.
Protection from Shulikun: To avoid its influence, people tried not to go to water bodies at night or during periods when the evil force is active. They also used holy water, crosses, candles and other amulets for protection. It was believed that Shulikun cannot harm a person who carries with him consecrated objects or prays for protection
As such, Shulikun is a devious spirit that likes to play pranks on people, but can be deadly to those who fall under its power.
According to folk beliefs, Shulikun becomes active during the winter holidays, especially from Christmas Eve to Baptism. At this time, he is represented as very short, with horse legs, and fire is burning from his mouth. Shulikun runs through the streets with hot coals in iron pans or with a red-hot poker in his hands, with which he can capture a drunken man. He can spin it, push it in the mud and even lure it into a pit. Sometimes Shulikun rides on stupas or stoves. He wears self-woven kaftans, belts and pointed hats, which emphasizes his demonic and cunning character.
Shulikun, like many other evil spirits, is activated mainly at night or in foggy weather. His antics can be serious, as he is able to lead a person into a swamp or even drown him.
Protection from Shulikun: To avoid its influence, people tried not to go to water bodies at night or during periods when the evil force is active. They also used holy water, crosses, candles and other amulets for protection. It was believed that Shulikun cannot harm a person who carries with him consecrated objects or prays for protection
As such, Shulikun is a devious spirit that likes to play pranks on people, but can be deadly to those who fall under its power.