What is lady midday?

Lady Midday, also known as Poludnica or Południca, is a figure from Slavic mythology who is said to appear at noon on hot summer days. She is often depicted as a tall, slender woman with a pale complexion, dressed in white or green robes, and carrying a scythe or shears. Lady Midday is believed to be a spirit of the noonday sun and is associated with heatstroke, exhaustion, and madness.

According to folklore, Lady Midday would appear in open fields or along roadsides, punishing those who dared to work during the hottest part of the day. She would cause delirium, headaches, and sometimes even death to those who crossed her path. It was believed that the only way to escape her wrath was to hide in the shade or to show her respect by bowing or greeting her politely.

Lady Midday's origins can be traced back to ancient Slavic beliefs about the power of the midday sun and its effects on human behavior. She is a cautionary figure, warning people of the dangers of overexertion and heat exposure during the peak of the day.

In some Slavic countries, Lady Midday is still a popular figure in folklore and is sometimes invoked to explain cases of sunstroke or heat-related illnesses. She serves as a reminder to respect the power of nature and to take appropriate precautions when working or traveling in the heat of the day.