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Veselytsya
Veselitsa in Ukrainian demonology is a spirit or mythical creature that symbolizes joy, lightness and vital energy. She was imagined as a young woman in colorful clothes, girded with a rainbow belt. It was believed that Veselitsa draws water from rivers, lakes and wells with the help of a rainbow in order to fill the clouds with it. Together with the water, it could sometimes drag frogs or stones that fell to the ground with the rain. People believed that she was able to lift even giants into the sky.
To appease Veselytsa, people followed several rituals. When a rainbow appeared in the sky, it was customary not to point a finger at it, as this could offend the spirit. Instead, they uttered words of thanks or turned to her with requests for rain and fertility. They also threw gifts — flowers, grain, or bread — into the water or on the ground to win her favor and ensure a good harvest. People believed that such rites bring favorable weather and protection from natural disasters.
However, like most spirits, she could also have a dark side — in case of offense or violation of sacred traditions, Veselitsa could influence events, bringing certain instability or failures, in particular during periods of celebration.
To appease Veselytsa, people followed several rituals. When a rainbow appeared in the sky, it was customary not to point a finger at it, as this could offend the spirit. Instead, they uttered words of thanks or turned to her with requests for rain and fertility. They also threw gifts — flowers, grain, or bread — into the water or on the ground to win her favor and ensure a good harvest. People believed that such rites bring favorable weather and protection from natural disasters.
However, like most spirits, she could also have a dark side — in case of offense or violation of sacred traditions, Veselitsa could influence events, bringing certain instability or failures, in particular during periods of celebration.