Russian bathing tradition stretching back centuries has historical roots. Yet there was no Christianity in Russia, and the room had already been, and, of course, the surrounding views of the afterlife, which was here and now.
This is the main feature of the mythological world seems strange to people of our time, but some people's beliefs and omens would do well to adopt and modern bath.
The owner of the bath
According to ancient ideas, man is not the absolute master of what surrounds it. Even built his own hut or felled bath not entitle sole proprietorships. This is due to the fact that all human reality inextricably been linked with what we call the supernatural. And if in the house hosted a house, and in the forest - devil, the bath was an estate Bannik - the spirit that carried her supervision, and in the same strands.
When Christianity spread in Russia, pagan pantheon was completely superseded and replaced by. But pandemonium - that is simple, dark forces, living side by side with a man - is preserved. And so if Svarog and Perun do not believe for a long time, the goblins, mermaids and frights believed practically until the mid XX century.
Bannik had anthropomorphic appearance - looked like the usual undersized peasant, only overgrown with dense hair. However, hardly anyone saw it in its natural form.
Regulatory when visiting bath
In order to heat up the bath and relax in it, it was necessary to adhere to certain rules. Otherwise Bannik could offend, and then regret it. Let us dwell on the ban.
It is believed that before the bath supposedly read a prayer. Most likely, this is not true. After all, the room was left for the Russian people, "a dark place". There crucifix removed and hung icons. Thus, the demonic forces could live there free. By itself, the swab, as the house was neither good nor evil - all depended on how to build a relationship with him. Earlier in Russia bath never consecrated.
The systematic violation of the mandatory procedures could cause severe revenge on Bannik. Ugorevshie and burned to death in the bath to be a victim of the spirit, which angered hard.