The Rusalka Sirens Of The Sea
It was believed in Slavic mythology that a Rusalka was much like a mermaid or siren of sorts leading men astray. They often dwelled in waterways, and as such would be considered a water nymph or type of succubus.
Her main purpose is, however, to lure young men, seduced by either her looks or her voice, into the depths of different types of waterways
These occurrences happened during a specific time period known as Rusalka Week or Rusal’naia Week. All of this would take place upon first the first week of June.
The fascinating thing is a certain ritual was set in place, which consisted of creating effigies of the Rusalka afterwards destroying them. From doing this, they would appease the dangerous spirits with offerings and music. The men would decorate themselves with garlic and walnuts to ward off any interests; whereas the women would leave their hair unwashed.
The Rusalki were believed to be fish-women. Their homes usually consisted at the bottom of rivers. As the story goes and during the middle of the night, they would wander out into the river banks and dance around in the meadows. Often in harsher areas they were wearing nearly no clothing to cover themselves and appeared as large breasted amazons.
