Ukrainian Fire Myths, Beliefs, and Superstitions

Hutsul Beliefs about Fire

Source: У що вірили гуцули: звичаї, традиції та вірування

The attitude of the highlnaders toward fire is especially reverent. Signs and superstitions concerning fire are many.

• Going out onto the mountain glad with the flock, the shepherds should also ignite the so-called living fire: the flame is extracted by rubbing together two pieces of soft wood. The bonfire must be maintainted the whole time they are on the glade.
• If bread is passed over a fire to a child, he or she will surely grow up a thief.
• If someone spits into a fire, a blister will form on his tongue.
• It is considred a sin to throw hair into the fire.
• When the fire in the oven is cracking loudly, the Hutsul will say that an angry person will come into the house.

A Ukrainian Fire Legend

Source: UkrainianBooks.com Про Вогонь

The fire of one master found itself with the fire of another master, and they began to speak amongst themselves. The first says: “Life is good with my master, for he treats me well – when needed, he lays some kindling, and not needed, he takes a clean water and douses me. So it is good for me.” The second says: “For me, things are bad, for my master gives me poor quality firewood, and when I am not needed, pours washwater over me. I want to make him aware that I shall walk over his farm.” The first one says: “When you walk, do not burn the wheels of my master, which are found in your master’s yard.”

And so it happened that at night, a fire started at the homestead of the second master, and everything burned down, but the wheel of the first master rolled away and survived.

Do you know other Ukrainian fire lore? Beliefs from other traditions? I’d love to hear. Comment below.