Upside down, inside out

Angered spirits could do great harm to humans. In this reason people were careful not to upset nature in any way. There was a constant give-and-take between humans and nature. Humans gave sacrifices to spirits or before harvest and hunt pleaded good fortune with spells. Instead of altars they used living trees or big boulders. Sacrifice was an symbolic act - it was the thought that counted. Coins, nice ribbons or colorful yarn, some bread or beer - all was good, although each type of spirits had their preferences. 

There is known that spirits of stones and bodies of water preferred coins and liquids, tree spirits liked ribbons hanged on the branches, winds and sky preferred spells and earth favored bread, beer and milk.

Alas! In their attempt to get by with the spirits humans didn't always succeed. Spirits are moody and mischievous, but luckily also pretty easy to fool! A sure way to escape the angry spirit was to turn upside-down or/and inside-out: just turn your clothes inside out, put one boot other way and/or get down on all fours. 

What?!?! Where did you go??? 

The spirit doesn't even recognize you anymore!!! This awkward pitiful creature can not possibly be the magnificent human being!!! Now escape!!!