Often in the form of a big black cat, Ovinnik was very feared since he could set the barn on fire. Which meant destroying the food source for the village.

To please the Ovinnik peasants would offer him roosters and bliny (Russian pancakes).

On New Year's Eve, Ovinnik's touch could determine your fate.

The warm touch would bring you happiness in the upcoming year, while the cold touch would bring you pain and misfortune.