In ancient times, magical beings appeared in the fields, and thus close to human dwellings. These beings were connected to the earth, but at the same time, they were closely tied to humans and their environment. These entities might have originally been considered fairies or dwarfs, or perhaps spirits or demons.
The magical beings of the fields were generally kind and friendly towards humans, and their arrival often signaled a good harvest, as was the case with the being known as SPORISH - SAVINGER. This field spirit most often appeared as a young man dressed in a bright white tunic, and for this reason, he was sometimes called BELONY - WHITEE. In addition to the tunic, he was often described as having white hair and bright eyes. It is possible that this being was an embodiment of one of the agrarian deities, such as Polevik or Jarilo. Alternatively, the origin of this being might be connected to the spirit of an ancestor of the family or community.
However, not only good beings appeared in the fields; there were also entities or rather apparitions that caused trouble during work or punished people for not following traditional work customs and rules. One such being was SERPOLYNICA. Sometimes she appeared as a beautiful maiden, other times as a hunched old woman. A common feature of both manifestations was a sickle, which was said to be used for cutting off heads.
In cases where there was, for example, a prohibition against working at noon, POLUDNICA would appear in the field and punish people with sunstroke, illness, or injuries that could lead to death.
If Serpolynica, Poludnica, or another dangerous-looking creature appeared in the field, it was never a good sign. It foretold misfortune in the form of damage to the harvest or even a work-related injury, often with fatal consequences. To avoid the arrival of such field demons, the farmer would perform required rituals on festive days, such as torchlight processions, ceremonial plowing, or the execution of sacred dances, songs, and blessings.
Various amulets, magical symbols, and herbs were also hung in the middle of the fields or along their borders. These protective measures were placed on scarecrows, which then guarded the field and drove away not only harmful animals but also evil field demons.
On the other hand, the appearance of Sporish was a blessing from the gods or ancestors. He usually appeared in the fields in the spring, but perhaps even more often before the harvest and the gathering of crops. Sporish was also considered a protector of the fields and the entire blessed property, guarding it not only from thieves but also from fire and other natural disasters. In times of danger, Sporish would appear in dreams tothe farmer. In the case of this being, it is evident that, in addition to agrarian attributes, there is also a connection to household spirits or human magical beings.
Of course, the field was blessed primarily in the name of the goddess Mokosh and her husband Veles, who combined agrarian magic with the power of the ancestors. Their sons, Polevik and Kurent, were also involved.
