Tradition: Russian Mythology, Polish Mythology
Alternative Names: Chabernica, Habernitsa, Cornflower Wraith, Lady Cornflower, Cornflower Witch
Category: Demon
The Myth
Habernitsa is a noon demon who appears as a young, slender woman dressed in azure, with cornflowers woven into her hair. She wanders along the boundaries of fields at midday.
She becomes angry with people who trample the grain or work with sharp tools in the fields at noon. Those she considers deserving of punishment are put to sleep by her whisper.
Once they have fallen asleep, Habernitsa causes them terrible pain and injuries. She can inflict headaches, paralysis, and severe pain in the lower back. In some cases, she attacks more violently, breaking the victim’s arms, legs, or neck.
To avoid Habernitsa’s wrath, field workers must stop working and take a break at midday, at the time of the Angelus.
Sources
“Cornflower Wraith (Habernitsa).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornflower_Wraith