The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE BELIEF IN HOUSE DEMONS IN THE OLD DAYS OF LITHUANIA WAS
VERY STRONG, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE FARMERS. IF A FARMER WAS
SUCCESSFUL IN HIS FARMING AND BUSINESS, THEN PEOPLE STARTED TALKING
THAT HE HAD A HOUSE DEMON FOR A FRIEND. IT WAS BELIEVED THAT
THE DEMON FLEW VERY FAST, JUST LIKE LIGHTNING. AND NO ONE KNOWS
EXACTLY HOW HE LOOKED. IF A FARMER BEFRIENDS A DEMON, THE DEMON
WILL STEAL CORN AND GRAIN FROM OTHER FARMERS AND BRING IT TO HIS
FRIEND. THEIR FAVORITE KIND OF FOOD IS SCRAMBLED EGGS. THE
FARMER WHO WISHES TO BEFRIEND A HOUSE DEMON SHOULD LEAVE A PLATE
OF SCRAMBLED EGGS EVERY NIGHT OUTSIDE BY HIS OWN DOOR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Date learned: 01-19-1972