The Church preaches that all things good come from God whereas all things evil are the work of the Devil. Everything from bad butter to disease, childlessness and marital problems is part of the Devil’s evil plotting.
The hours of the day are divided between good and evil: The night and the darkness belongs to the Devil, while the day and the light belongs to God. The town gates are closed at sunset, not only to keep unwelcome characters out but also to keep the Devil at bay – because at night, all sorts of wickedness and witchery is at work.
The threat of evil also makes people mark their houses with magic signs – symbols carved out in bricks, metal and wood to protect people, livestock and buildings against evil. You never know who or where it may strike.