The strangeness of some Russian belief system can be seen in the example of Domovoy. Almost every Russian believes in Domovoy. Domovoy is a spirit of a given kin. He protects your ‘rod’ (ancestry) and looks after the house where you live. Never cross Domovoy.
Domovoy remains invisible and it’s considered to be very bad if you see him. He is supposed to make his presence known by sound only or by moving small objects around the house. Have you ever wondered where your coin, or a piece of jewellery disappeared? If you can’t find it, it means that Domovoy probably misplaced it. Domovoy is kind but is also naughty. Stuff gets lost, and he makes strange noises on purpose (maybe, in order to annoy you a bit), such as unexplained bang on the wall or the door, cracking floor, and any other weird sounds. Domovoy is behind all unexplained noises in the house. Yes, it’s him.
Believing in Domovoy is a real particularity of Russian people. It’s also a belief that shows a certain contradiction in Russian culture. Russia is a very Christian nation, but many Russians still maintain pagan beliefs, and believe in God but also in different spirits simultaneously. Domovoy is very important for the Russians. If you often quarrel or bring negativity into the house, Domovoy might leave and you will end up unprotected in your house. Never talk badly about Domovoy, treat him with respect. If you want your Domovoy to be happy (and why wouldn’t you want that?) leave a glass of milk and some treats for the night. He also likes something stronger, such as a glass of vodka. He will drink and eat his treats and make sure that you are also happy. A nice warm household – it’s all possible only thanks to Domovoy, and then Russians move house they need to invite their Domovoy to move with them. You put a shoe out and invite him by saying: ‘Domovoy, Domovoy, let’s go with me!’ He will jump into the shoe and follow you to your new place.
How does he look, if you can’t see him? It’s a very good question but there is an idea. Some draw him as a small elf, or as an old little man with round head. Occasionally he can get a wife, and if you hear some child crying at night, it’s their baby.
You might find belief in Domovoy as weird, but Russians are weird. When Christianity was adopted by Old Rus, its adoption went slowly and happened in parallel with maintenance of old Pagan belief system. Domovoy is not a single entity in isolation. We also have bannik – a spirit protecting a bath house, and different fairy folk living in forests.
Being from Russia I believe in Domovoy. Why not? If you believe in Domovoy, you feel less lonely and isolated, and it’s a good feeling to have, that someone is watching over you and protects your house. Every time I move I invite the little man to join me.
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