BUKA — a fantastical monster used to frighten children; a mysterious creature in empty buildings and deep in the forest.

"If a child won't obey, you say: 'Sleep, sleep, the buka is coming.' And if you ask what kind of buka, why, it's wearing a fur coat, turned wool-side out" (Onega region); "They used to frighten children with the buka; it means a bear" (Vologda region);

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