Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 190

The fairy or spirit that looks after saunas, bathhouses and freshwater ponds in Russia. He despises Christian symbols and will not enter any building where they are displayed. It is customary to offer him a pail of water and to vacate the sauna on the third firing of the heater, so that the Bannik may have his own bath. Banniks creep under the sauna bench, hissing and giggling. If he scratches your back, it is bad luck, but if he caresses you while you steam, it a good omen. Sometimes Banniks can be seen if you peer into the steam of the sauna, taking the shape of a known family member. Children were often delivered in the bathhouse, but they were never left there unattended in case they were abducted by fairies. Many people chose not to go to the bathhouse alone for fear of encountering the Bannik who tends to stay out of sight if you bathe in company.