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In Balkan folklore, it is believed that the zmey (dragon or serpent-like being) can abduct young maidens or youths. Those taken under its influence are said to become ill, grow weak, and gradually waste away. To protect a household from a zmey entering the home, the following talisman is made by weaving a wreath from wormwood.
Wormwood is traditionally known as a dragon's herb or samodivas's herb, believed to possess protective and banishing properties that ward off evil forces.
At dawn on the day of a full moon, one goes into the forest to gather fresh wormwood. A small wreath is then woven from the herb. While weaving it, the following words are recited constantly upon it:
"As I weave this wormwood,
so may the zmey's tail be bound,
and may it never enter this home!"
Once the wreath is made, it is hung on the outside of the front door. In this way, the home will be protected from the entry of a zmey, and it won't be able to approach it.
Wormwood is traditionally known as a dragon's herb or samodivas's herb, believed to possess protective and banishing properties that ward off evil forces.
At dawn on the day of a full moon, one goes into the forest to gather fresh wormwood. A small wreath is then woven from the herb. While weaving it, the following words are recited constantly upon it:
"As I weave this wormwood,
so may the zmey's tail be bound,
and may it never enter this home!"
Once the wreath is made, it is hung on the outside of the front door. In this way, the home will be protected from the entry of a zmey, and it won't be able to approach it.