American Missionary Lorenzo Warriner Pease commented on the local folklore tale of the kalikantzaros (καλικάντζαρος):
The people have an idea that there is a kind of hobgoblin which frequents houses whose usual shape is part man and part donkey, but can turn itself into a large man, a child, a flea and a multitude of shapes besides. It does not seem to have a very malicious disposition, except that it does not like to have people work nights, especially before Christmas. It is a special enemy to cotton. The Greek priests sprinkle all parts of the house, even the roof and the yard at τα φώτα for the purpose of expelling it. If you can catch it and tie its ear with a linen thread or tie it in any other part you can make it your willing servant.