Spirits of Diseases in Russia. Fever Sisters, Mother Smallpox, and the Beetle in Little Boots

From cholera, they placed a police guard and drank kerosene with tar. You can escape from the maiden fever by dressing up with her — or simply chop her down with an axe. But smallpox must be appeased with bread and salt. All of this is not random curiosities, but beliefs of Russian peasants from a couple of centuries ago.

In the book by folklorist Anton Nelikhov, for the first time, with the involvement of a large number of archival materials and publications from pre-revolutionary newspapers, the folk demonology of diseases is described in detail: about the demons of cholera and smallpox, various types of fevers, spoilage and the evil eye. You will read about mystical "meetings" with diseases and learn many unusual — and sometimes dangerous — ways to get rid of them: from letting out "bad blood", crazy remedies, spells and incantation songs to amulets and clever ways to deceive disease.

What do these spirits look like? Who is Maria Irodovna and what diseases fly on the wind searching for people? What is the difference between the evil eye and the bewitching? Who are the "ore carriers" and what is "navel hernia"? Why is it better that no one knows about the upcoming birth? Why was the smallpox vaccination considered the "mark of the Antichrist"? Finally, which methods of fighting the spirits of diseases have survived and are still in use?

Answers to these and many other questions about peasant beliefs, folk medicine, and traditional customs can be found in this unique work.


Who is this book for?
- For everyone interested in the life of the Russian village, peasant customs, and Slavic folklore.
- For all who are fascinated by folklore, myths, and their legacy in modernity.
- For those curious about culture in its unusual aspects.