Sveḱani

Sveḱani is a term primarily used within Serbian folklore and mythology. It refers to a type of nocturnal spirit, often malevolent, believed to roam at night and cause harm, particularly to sleepers. The precise nature and behavior of Sveḱani vary depending on the region and specific local traditions.

Some accounts describe Sveḱani as suffocating spirits, pressing down on individuals while they sleep, leading to nightmares and feelings of paralysis. In other versions, they are considered to be more mischievous, causing minor disturbances or creating unsettling noises. The origin of Sveḱani is often linked to the restless spirits of the deceased or those who died unnatural deaths.

Protective measures against Sveḱani traditionally include various folk remedies and rituals, such as placing specific objects under the pillow, making the sign of the cross before sleeping, or reciting certain prayers. The belief in Sveḱani, while less prevalent today, remains a part of the cultural heritage and traditional beliefs in some Serbian communities. The term is also sometimes used more generally to denote any type of unsettling or oppressive feeling experienced at night.