Also called Skrzatek, Skřítek, Škrat, Szkrat.
Their story
In Polish, Czech and Slovene folklore the skrzat, skřítek or škrat is a small household spirit. He sometimes appears as a bedraggled bird like a wet chicken and brings grain or money to the house that feeds him, though he may steal from neighbours to do it. If mistreated or not given his dish he will leave or turn to mischief. In Slovene tradition the škrat can also be a mountain or mine sprite.
Best times to give to them
- Koliada
- harvest
- moving into a new home
What they like being given
- scrambled eggs (jajecznica)
- a bowl of porridge
- bread and milk
How to honour them
- Leave a small bowl of food on a special night as thanks for the home's luck.
- Keep the house tidy and quarrel-free, which skrzaty were said to prefer.
How they can help you
- household luck
- prosperity
- a happy home
Symbols
- a small bird like a wet chicken
- a tiny man in a red cap
- grain in the store
Sources
- Oskar Kolberg, Lud
- Aleksander Gieysztor, Mitologia Słowian