Slavic culture has a home spirit named Chuma, who is conflicted. This ghost is said to be a frail older woman who may even be seen toting about a baby—characterized by large eyes, a propensity for unruly hair and a penchant for grimy fingernails. This type of house spirit sneaks into homes through unused vents or voids, such as chimneys or attics.
Its skeleton is often surrounded by rotting flesh, making it look like it came from the deepest parts of the abyss. It is said that Chuma brings pain and death and leaves a feeling of sadness and hopelessness wherever it goes. People think that Chuma has a lot of power over sickness and epidemics and that she could send devastating plagues to whole communities or areas. It is said to roam the land, spreading its evil and making people sick, from fever and plague to diseases that can’t be cured. The touch of Chuma is feared because it brings death and sorrow.
Chuma came about because people used to fear sickness and how fragile life was. Since the Slavic people depended a lot on farming and lived in small, close-knit groups, they knew all too well what a terrible effect an epidemic could have. Chuma became a symbol for all these diseases, and his story serves as a warning and a lesson of how important health and well-being are. In Slavic mythology, different rites and practices were done to keep Chuma from taking over. Some were protective charms, prayers, and gifts meant to calm the evil spirit. Communities often gather to do ceremonies and practices to clean the air and ask good gods to protect them from Chuma’s anger.
Even though Chuma is a scary and sad part of Slavic folklore, he is also a reminder of how strong and brave the Slavic people are when they face problems. In stories and legends about Chuma, there are often heroes and women who bravely fought against the plague and looked for cures and treatments to save their communities from the terrible effects of the disease. Through the stories of Chuma, the Slavic people tried to make sense of the deep secrets of illness and death and find ways to deal with them. The tale of Chuma is a warning story that shows how important it is to take care of your health, practice good hygiene, and help each other in times of trouble.