The ancient name of the god of water is the field of miracles. Sea deities and water mythological creatures
Betrayed the course of time, making the world mobile. Among other things, during the creation of the world, the elements were conceived: fire, water, earth and air.
The personification of the earth is Mother Earth, fire element represents Semargl, air - Stribog. But with the water element, everything is much more complicated. Water occupied a huge part of the world of reality, here are seas, oceans, rivers (mountainous, flat), springs and springs, a swamp, heavenly and rainy moisture. Each water has its own character and purpose. Then the demiurge of our planet allowed many gods, deities and spirits to occupy the water element. Since then, it has become customary that a single god of water does not exist. Each god of water occupies a specific place and performs separate functions. Let's try to figure it out a bit.
List of lords of the water element
Any settlement of ancient people was at the source of water: river banks, lakes, springs, springs. Different tribes and settlements revered their water god depending on geolocation.
What Slavic gods of water are known to the modern world:
Vodan, Vodyanoy, Vodyanik;
Sytivrat (Sitivrat);
Eurynome in ancient times was considered the goddess of underground waters;
Sea lizard.
Dana (Dana);
Kostroma;
Niy (in the west Niptun);
Perun, the lord of thunder, was revered as the giver of rain;
Interloper - the god is especially revered by sailors;
Each deity or spirit has its own character and veneration occurs in different ways. Let's try to figure out what dates the honoring of the overlords falls on water element.
What dates are the water holidays among the Slavs
Vodokres - modern traditions as a legacy of the ancient world.
There are many holidays dedicated to water directly or indirectly. The brightest day dedicated to the healing power of life-giving moisture is celebrated to this day only under a different name. Everyone knows baptism, this holiday passed precisely from the Slavic religion and has been preserved to this day.
- M scarlet Vodokres from January 6 to 7.
- January 19 big watercress- Vodosvet, on this day, water in all sources acquired the most correct structure, and by dipping into it one could get health and purification. People swam in the hole and doused themselves with water, also on this day they wished each other mental and physical health until the next water light.
- 3
april venerable water dayor vodopol it was believed that on this day the water one awakens. people And cajoled the owner of the rivers so that he And ril mermaids and they did no harm. The fishermen also honored the merman so that the fishing was successful, there was enough fish to feed the family and there was no misfortune on the water.
On April 3, an ice drift is usually observed and the rivers overflow, carrying moisture to the surrounding areas.
The offering was pancakes, milk, eggs, which the Slavs threw directly into the water.
The millers especially honored the grandfather of the water miller, cajoled in every possible way and asked that the mill wheel spin well. As a gift they carried various pastries and grain.
- April 16-22 is the time of the first mermaids.At this time, the girls carried various gifts to the rivers and guessed for the future, for the betrothed.
- May 26 to 2 June Rusalya week beganor green mermaids(June 1st Whit Monday). On this date, our great-grandfathers invited the spirits of their dead ancestors to visit. Birch logs were laid out in the corners of the dwelling, personifying a strong bond within the clan.It was on the second mermaid week that eggs were dyed and beaten with them.On the spirits of the day, the mermaids were also activated, which became the drowned women.
Throughout the week, trebs were brought to the banks of the rivers: clothes and towels embroidered with their own hands, they also gave treats. To prevent the spirit from entering the human body, amulets with overcoming grass were used. Celebrations were held, the girls led round dances along the banks of the rivers.
The time of the mermaid week is the time of honoring water. It was considered that the greatest Magic force the water element is observed all week. People used the power of water for healing, love spells, through various divination knew the future. Water in the days of mermaids is a powerful conductor between the worlds (Right, Yavu and Navu), this force was used by the girls for their own purposes.
- On June 19-22, Kupalo was celebrated, where, in addition to honoring the sun, there were rites dedicated to water.On this day, the reunion of fire and water was celebrated.
- On October 4, Vodyanoy was seen off for hibernation (until April 3). Thanks for the good fishing. It was believed that on this day Vodyanoy and the mermaids began to prepare for bed.On this day, they thanked the aquatic environment for the harvest. In the offering, one could often see roasted duck, honey and pancakes.
June 23 Agrafena Swimsuit. This holiday marks the beginning of the swimming season. People drowned the bathhouse, plunged into open water bodies in order to restore energy and health. The offerings were embroidered shirts (and other clothes of the Slavs), they also brought silver items with protective symbols.
August 2 is the day of the god of thunder - Perun. As a sacrifice, they brought bread, kvass, wine to the god's chur or to an oak grove. On this day, the Slavs called for rain necessary for a good harvest and made amulets for their relatives and loved ones.
In addition to certain dates, offerings to the gods and spirits of the water were offered at will or need, for example, sailors before a long voyage and upon return, fishermen asked for a blessing when they went fishing, and upon returning they thanked them for a good catch.
With the holidays sorted out a bit, now it's time to get acquainted with the lords of the water element.
Agidel
Agidel is the Slavic goddess of water who gives health, strengthens the spirit and enhances beauty. Holiday Slavic goddess Agidel is combined with Kupalo, it is for her that the girls weave wreaths and float on the water. Young girls turned to the goddess that they were looking for a betrothed for themselves. According to the wreath, they predicted to get married in a given year or not. 
Agidel was honored as a life-giving force capable of washing away fatigue, taking away an ailment, strengthening health, getting drunk on the way. In the understanding of our ancestors, this is a kind and bright goddess carrying grace and love. Thanks to the rain, timely seed germination is possible, a good harvest, and hence prosperity.
Attributes of the water goddess Agidel
The symbolism of the girl of the river:
a wreath woven from flowers and herbs that the maidens on Kupalo let down the river;
tree - willow;
white swan - a bird;
flowers served as an offering, but the water is clean;
amulet Agidel
The ancient Slavs saw the goddess in the water and did not create special amulets. The goddess has a chur, a beautiful maiden carved from a tree, to whom young maidens turned to beauty and health asking. The sign of the patroness of the water element - "heavenly abyss" can be used as a talisman.
The strength of the sign "Abyss of Heaven":
save from the troubles of various and worries,
will take away failures;
Yes, thoughts from darkness will protect.
Except protective properties the symbol of the goddess Agidel will help develop intuition, preserve spiritual purity and bring good luck to the house.
Legend of Agidel
The granddaughter of the heavenly father Svarog sacrificed herself for the sake of life and prosperity on earth, turned into pure waters.
The legend tells how it happened. The hydra blocked the flow of the world with a black stone, stopped the movement of the water, the seas and oceans began to shallow, the rivers dry up, the springs bend. Don came - the lord of rivers and lakes to the heavenly father Svarog and told sadness about what had happened.
The gods turned to for help for advice: how to cope with trouble. The great goddess told that only the granddaughter of Svarog is able to overcome trouble, this granddaughter turned out to be Agidel, the daughter of Svarozhich.
The gods helped the mistress of the waters in any way they could, the goddess Makosh gave a magical amulet to help and said that he would tell you what to do. bow with arrows magic gave. And the Goddess went to fight against the drought.
She came to the cave, saw the stone of the asp blocking the stream and shot an arrow from the bow presented by Horse, the stone cracked, turned into dust and life-giving water gushed. At that moment, the goddess heard Makosh's voice "run, bring water for yourself" and fulfilled her destiny.
Agidel ran out of the cave, and the waters immediately rushed after her, the goddess understood everything, said goodbye to the gods, turned around and led the life-giving streams after the red sun. The goddess ran for a long time through the forests, mountains, and meadows. Where her foot entered, a spring formed. After soaring up, turning into a bird. 
So the goddess sacrificed her life for the sake of saving others. And the people of the legend folded the goddess of water and epics, and so the glory of the sacrifice in the name of life has come down to us.
Water
Merman was considered evil spirit water. According to Slavic legends, the water man lived in lakes, rivers, wells and personified evil inclination and water hazard. The image also speaks of the negative role of the merman: a naked, gray-haired old man with fish eyes and a tail, a long beard and a green mustache. Often the merman was depicted with horns and large paws covered with mud.
The millers kept a black rooster or a goat on the farm, so they protected their farm from the tricks of the water.
Why is water dangerous? It was believed that he lures people into a river or a well and enslaves them. The bruises and abrasions of the drowned people were interpreted as marks from the paws of the merman, obtained at the time of drowning.
Millers in Rus' got along well with watermen, because the miller always settled near the water.
Ancient people believed that a person bathing after sunset, as well as at noon, could become a victim of the evil spirit of water. To appease the deities, black animals were sacrificed.
In Russian folklore, many scenes are described of how the hero falls into the clutches of a water deity and must complete 3 tasks or remain at the bottom as a slave.
There are legends de the origin of the merman is associated with the fall of an angel from heaven during their expulsion by a god.
Danube god of rivers and patron of fishermen
Danube god of river water, patronized the fishermen.
About the Slavic god of rivers - the Danube, on the Internet, it was not possible to find detailed information or any legends, all that is reference Information. The Danube was considered the patron saint of rivers, the largest river is named after him. Fishermen turned to him, they also brought trebes. Porridge, honey, nuts, eggs were suitable for offerings. The God of rivers did not refuse silver coins or other silver products.
The Danube is known as the husband of the Water Goddess Dana, the father of mermaids, and the half-brother (or named) for Svyatogor and Svyatibor.
Dana goddess of water and mistress of spring thunderstorms
Dana was a bright goddess bestowing grace. Through the waters, people received healing of bodily and mental ailments.
The name of the Slavic goddess of water is associated with fresh springs. It was believed that the Goddess heals the soul and body through water, her name is translated as Water - Mother. People who worshiped her left dishes at fresh water sources so that tired travelers could drink life-giving moisture.In addition to the healing power of Dana water, they have vitality, spilling onto the ground with spring thunderstorms, such water contributes to the germination of seeds.
The patroness of life-giving moisture was especially revered on January 6. The day of the week is Friday. It is considered a tribute to the decoration of trees with colorful ribbons around a source with healing properties.
According to some sources, Dana was the wife of Dazhdbog, according to others, the Danube.
Kostroma patroness of lovers
The whole life of Kostroma is connected with water...
Kostroma was considered the embodiment of water, feminine energy and beauty.Kostroma was revered as the goddess of fertility, solar warmth, summer and love. She was born together with her brother Kupala on the day summer solstice. Father - Semargl, who is the guardian of the solar disk and the lord of fire. Mother - the goddess of the summer night Bathing suit. By ancient legend it was on their birth that Perun gave a fern flower as a powerful amulet endowed with the power of protection from all evil. Later, Perunov color was presented to people as a symbol of love and protection from the evil eye, damage and slander.
Niy god of the seas and oceans. Shipping patron
The god of the seas and oceans, Niy, was especially revered by the peoples of Ukraine, it was believed that he patronizes the Ants, the ancestors of Ukrainians and Little Russians.
The image of Niy is transferred to the modern Neptune (Poseidon). They portrayed him with a trident and a shell in his hands. With the help of a trident, the God of the ocean could cause or pacify a storm, influence the course or change the weather.
The shell was a modern walkie-talkie through which Niy could summon dolphins, killer whales and whales that made up his army.
It is believed that Niy did not live directly in the sea, there was a water palace that he visited only occasionally. Niy spent most of his time in the heavenly chamber.
Perun
He is the master of thunder and belongs to the water element. However, he was more revered as the patron of warriors and princes.
Clue
The god of the Eastern Slavs Pereplut refers to the water element and fertility. Mention of him is found in several sources, for example, in the Word of St. Gregory. However, no detailed information has been preserved.
Mermaids
Mermaids belonged to the evil spirits of water capable of lime a person. According to Slavic legends, they possessed a bewitching singing that men could not resist. With the help of a magical song, they lured the careless traveler and took away his life energy. Mermaids became drowned girls, as well as children and girls who were cursed by their relatives and did not receive forgiveness.
Now you can often find a description of mermaids in the form of beautiful maidens with a fish tail. In ancient times, the mermaid belonged to evil spirits and the image was far from beautiful. Most often, mermaids appeared in the form of a wrinkled, unkempt old woman with rotten teeth and ugly hands. More often, instead of hands, hooks are presented with which mermaids captured travelers.
Mermaid is just one of the names, in different nationalities they were called in their own way:
In addition, in various sources, the hares are called Patchwork. Dead people. Mavkami, Navkami.
IN ancient faith mermaids were considered an unclean force, harmful and dangerous.
Sitivrat god of blessed rain
Sitivrat was born by Perun and refers to the deity of the water element, namely the rain necessary for a good harvest.
Farmers worshiped Sitivrat. The attributes of the lord of blessed rain were a squirrel, a bumblebee and a magpie.
Keeper of waters and patron of agriculture - Lizard
The lizard was the son of Kashchei and one of the drowned girls became his wife. According to the surviving legends, the lizard belonged to a deity associated with the kingdom of the Navi, they were afraid of him and made sacrifices.The exact meaning of this deity has not been preserved, it is only known that he was worshiped even after the adoption of Christianity.
Conclusion
Water occupied a special place in the life of the pagans. Having tremendous power, she could heal from an illness, betray strength at a moment of extreme fatigue, quench her thirst. Without water, there could be no question of a good harvest. In dry years, people performed various rituals to call for rain. In each of them there was an appeal to a certain god of water, the Slavs turned to different patrons of this element.
A single written source about the Slavic deities of water has not been preserved. Information is restored according to legends, myths, tales, epics, fairy tales and other sources of folklore that have come down to our times.
There are many patrons of the water element, each has certain functions and differs in character.
At the time of the baptism of Rus', the assembly of Slavic pagan gods was headed by Rod - the universal abolition, a single many-sided god, different from other gods that dominate the mythologies of various peoples. He embodied white and black, fire and water, feminine and masculine. At the same time, he could appear both as the god of water and as the god of war.
The Slavs are one of the oldest ethnic groups that inhabit the earth to this day. And for such a long time, both the bright goddess Dana and the Water One were considered the patrons of the waters.
However, more ancient water deities are also known, the cult of which, according to some sources, dates back a million years.
The lizard is the Slavic god of water. His name, changing into Yasha, Fyashchura, in itself speaks of hoary antiquity, being modified into Ancestral. The god of water himself, acquiring new features, finally appeared in the form of a crocodile. Traces of worshiping him in large quantities are found throughout the territory of the Slavic tribes. For example, the village of Spas-Krokodilino, which is not far from Klin, the villages of Bolshaya and Malaya Pangolins, located in the Leningrad Region. Most often, the name of the Lizard is mentioned in the names of various rivers, streams and lakes (the Lizard River and Lake Yashchino). Temples dedicated to him are most often found in the northern regions, and they are located, as a rule, on the banks of reservoirs. One of the discovered altars is located on a small granite island, shaped like a crocodile, of the Ros River. The main place of worship of the Sea Dragon, as it is believed, was located on the shore of Lake Ilmen.
Fishermen and sailors worshiped him earnestly, composed songs (“... after all, he rules in the deep sea, the ancient guardian of the Lizard-Dragon ...”), made sacrifices, because the god of water among the Slavs, along with others, demanded them. long time the victim was a girl who, thrown into the water, was given to the Lizard as a wife. This custom allowed Academician Rybakov to identify the Slavic merman with Greek Hades- Ruler of the underworld. Archeology testifies that the world of the ancient Slavs was divided into 3 parts, one of which was the underwater-underground world. Its rightful owner, responsible for waterways and wealth, was the foot-and-mouth disease, and its main function was the nightly absorption of the luminary, and its release into heaven every morning. To the ancients, this spoke of the greatness of the sea monster, the worship of which is reflected in the absolutely round shape of the temples, which spoke of the perfection attributed to the Lizard.
However, offerings changed over time, becoming more humane. They began to throw dolls depicting a young girl into the water, somewhere nuts poured into the mouth of an idol served as a victim (according to some sources, the nut Savior is dedicated to this deity), somewhere they sacrificed a horse decorated, anointed and smeared with honey. She was taken to the center of the lake, accompanied by chants, and the god of water, the Lizard, accepted this fragrant gift.
The popularity of this deity is evidenced by numerous finds in the form of various metal cloak fasteners that came from those times (the so-called brooches), various vessels for drinking and storing water, bearing the symbols of the Sea Dragon, which, in turn, served as a talisman. The famous Sadko's harp was made in the shape of a lizard.
At the same time, the Slavic god of water, along with Kashchei, Korchun and Chernobog, belonged to the hellish deities. That is, to dark forces, was considered a marine reptile. In a word, the water god Fyodor was diverse, like life itself, combining both light and darkness in equal proportions.
Water is one of the elements that plays an important role in human life. The most famous gods of water among the ancient Slavs are Pereplut and Dana. People revered them, asked for help, especially for a good harvest. Water is given to man in order to illuminate and purify both the body and the soul.
Facts about the god of water Pereplut among the Slavs
They represented him as a kind fat man who constantly ate something. He also had a beard. It was believed that Pereplut patronizes the earth, abundance and seedlings. They believed that the watermen were subordinate to him. In general, the existing data on this god is not enough, therefore it is impossible to define its functions more widely and completely.
Slavic water goddess Dana
She represented a girl-river. She helped the travelers get drunk and watered the ground so that the seeds would sprout. She was revered as a bright goddess, giving life to all life on earth. Dana can be considered a holiday, since it was at this time that she was most revered. This goddess is glorified near the rivers, which were previously cleaned and decorated with ribbons around the perimeter. The Slavs believed that such water becomes healing. This pagan goddess of water was also called upon by young girls to find their soul mate. It supports health and beauty, since water plays such a role in the life of the Slavic people.
Dana is the wife of Dazhdbog, who helps to free her when winter hinders her movements. The union of the opposites of Water and the Sun is blessed by the gods. In order to cause rain and ask Dana for help, the Slavs sacrificed bread to her, since it was he who was considered the most valuable and best gift from a person. sacred tree this goddess is a linden, and the best day for conversion is Friday. Was with the Slavs
Slavic gods water
IN Slavic mythology little information about water deities has been preserved. From the epic about Sadko, it is known that the god of the seas was called the Miracle of the Sea, the Sea King, the Bottom King, the Waterman. The myths often feature the name of the Danube, the god of rivers and fishing, who was considered the father of all mermaids. The Slavs gave his name to the most big river. Plut among the Slavs performed the functions of the god of the sea and navigation, the owner of the mermen, and was Dana's father. Eurynome was the goddess of the undersea world and underground springs. Perun, in addition to his main functions, played the role of a rainmaker, and his son Sitivrat was the god of rain and fertility. Yara-God was the guardian god of nature, to whom the guardian spirits of reservoirs obeyed. But the most significant deities and mythological creatures associated with the element of water were Kupala, Niy, water and mermaids.
Niy. In Slavic mythology, he was the god of the oceans and seas, the patron of navigation and fishing. The image of this deity and the functions performed by him are similar to the role played by Neptune and Poseidon. In the images he holds in right hand a sacred trident, which allows him to control the winds, storms and weather at sea, in the left - a shell used to call his army - dolphins, whales and killer whales. Niy spent most of his time in the Heavenly Chamber with his many daughters, but sometimes he went down to the underwater palace at the bottom of the ocean. He was considered the patron of the Slavic kind of Ants - modern Ukrainians and Little Russians.
It is known from the chronicles ancient name Volga - Ra. It is assumed that the Slavs identified the sun with the river, into which it went every day at sunset and rose from it at dawn. According to another theory, it is related to the sacred bull of the Egyptians: "ox" - a bull, "ga" - the path, the road to God, that is, "the divine moving ox." According to another version, this river was a large trade road ("Bolga"). The Eastern Slavs also called her Itil and Mother Volga.
Water. This is Slavic water deity lived mainly in rivers, lakes, streams and wells. He personified the negative, negative beginning of the element of water and was often associated with the Sea King. In fact, our ancestors considered Vodyanoy an evil spirit. He was portrayed as a naked old man with bulging eyes, a gray beard, a long green mustache, horns on his head, a fish tail, large paws and entangled mud. The objects and animals sacrificed to the Waterman were black (roosters, goats). Millers, in order to appease him, kept in their household animals that had mainly this color. It was believed that the mermen deliberately frighten the swimmers, then drown them and carry them to the bottom. Often they overtake their victims when they drink water from a well and a stream. In Russian folklore, many fairy tales with a similar plot have been preserved. The mermen have a peculiar sense of humor, they like to play pranks, scaring people, pretending to be a fish, a log or a snag. People believed that those who do not overshadow the water and themselves with the cross, who bathe in the reservoirs after sunset, at midnight or noon, become their prey. The victims of this deity at the river bottom become slaves and are forced to senselessly pour water or wash sand. The bruises, wounds and scratches found on the corpses of the drowned, as the Slavs believed, testified to their stay in the mighty paws of the water. The people believed that he leaves the drowned animals at the bottom of the reservoir for his own meal, and sometimes returns people. Some legends say that the mermen were angels expelled by God from heaven and fell into the reservoirs.
Mermaid. IN Slavic myths she is a representative of evil forces, and in Russian and foreign literature she is a charming girl with long flowing green hair and a fish tail. Mermaids live in the water, and at midnight they come ashore and lure belated travelers with their wondrous singing. The southern Slavs called them pitchforks, the western ones called them undines. The romantic image of mermaids existed in the works of Western European writers and poets, while the people's attitude towards them was different. For example, in the Volga region, they looked completely unromantic - with a big belly, shaggy mane, hump and iron hook, with which they attracted passers-by. In Belarus, mermaids (waterwomen, swimmers) turned into dirty and evil old women with a stick. In Pomorye and the Urals, mermaids were called jokers or devils, in Ukraine they were called rags, and in the southern regions they were dead, mavkas or navkas. Consequently, our ancestors emphasized their belonging to the evil spirit.
It was believed that unbaptized children and drowned girls who did not have time to get married, as well as missing, cursed by their parents and unforgiven, turn into mermaids. They were the souls of dead people. There was also a strong belief that a girl who was born during the Mermaid Week becomes a mermaid after death, just like the girl who died at the same time.
According to popular beliefs, mermaids spend most of the year in various reservoirs or underground and occasionally appear in a field, forest or near the water, combing their long hair or washing clothes. They are very fond of riding the mill wheel, but at the sight of a person they hide in the water. Mermaids are activated during the Mermaid Week - from Spiritual Day on Trinity to All Saints' Day. They run through the fields, frolic on the surface of water bodies, penetrate into people's homes, lead round dances, sing songs, swing on birches and oaks that bend down to the water. During this week, people could see mermaids in unclean places: at crossroads, bridges and near swamps. At the same time, the Slavs believed that in the fields where mermaids frolicked, the grass became thicker and greener, and the harvested crop was more abundant, although it was also likely that it could be ruined by heavy rains or hail.
Since mermaids belonged to forces hostile to man, rituals of getting rid of them were widespread in Rus': driving (through the village), seeing off (outside the outskirts), symbolic funerals or exile.
Kupala. On the night of July 23-24 (old style), almost all of Europe was covered in lights. The spectacle was so impressive that it was impossible to understand where the earth ends and the sky begins. The Slavs celebrated on this day the holiday of the sun and fire, or the day of Ivan Kupala, and believed that the union of fire and water helps to increase soil fertility.
For most Eastern Slavs, a white flower plucked on a festive night was personified with the name of Kupala. They called him a bath. On Midsummer Night, the girls collected white flowers, wove a wreath from them and lowered them into the water, and then closely watched his movement. If he drowned, the girl was not destined to marry her beloved this year. But there were several hundred such wreaths, so there was always hope that good luck and happiness lay ahead.
It is assumed that initially Kupala was a goddess, not a god, which is confirmed by the phonetic structure of the word (the ending “a”) and its semantic meaning (“water” is a feminine word). Subsequently, after the introduction of Christianity, the pagan ritual rite coincided with the celebration of the birth of John the Baptist. Since John the Baptist, having proclaimed the appearance of the Savior and the coming of the Kingdom of God, called on people to repent and perform the rite of purification by immersion in the water of the Jordan River, the names overlapped each other. Over time, the holiday absorbed pagan and Christian elements: the name from John the Baptist, the act of ritual bathing - from Kupala. Until now, the people perceive this holiday as a triumph of paganism. Initially, the name of the deity was associated with the element of fire: kupalo (bonfire), bathing suit (fire in the field), kupalenka (fire at night), kupavka (burning buttercup, having a bright pink color), vitriol (fern with fiery red flowers).
The pagan ritual of worshiping fire was performed on the day of the summer solstice, dividing the year into two parts, which corresponded to the ancient agricultural calendar. This day was the longest of the year - the sun reached the peak of its activity. People knew that after the day of Ivan Kupala it “turns to winter”, the days are shortened, and the nights are lengthened. The sun was seen off at sunset and met at dawn, and at night they burned fires and worshiped water.
The main moment of the festival was the kindling of ritual bonfires. They were laid out mainly on the banks of rivers and other reservoirs, as well as on hills. The honor to kindle the Kupala fire belonged to the elders of the community or the most dexterous and strong young people. Fire for him was obtained in the most ancient way - by rubbing wooden planks, so he was called alive. All preliminary actions pointed to the involvement of the ritual in the rites of the cult of fire.
In some Slavic tribes on Kupala, they burned an effigy on a ritual fire outside the outskirts - the mythological character Maru (Kupala), after which they jumped over the fire and sang songs. Among other peoples, a tree (spruce, pine) or a pole was placed in the center of the fire, on which they hung everything that came to hand, but there were always wreaths of ears and flowers. Such trees were called "kupalo". In the Pskov province, it was forbidden to make a fire on the ground, so a decorated wheel was raised on a pole or tree, and then set on fire. It symbolized the sun. Sometimes a burning wheel was lowered from hills and other hills. The fire was perceived as a bright and generous sun and warmth, which were supposed to multiply the harvest.
Young people gathered at the Kupala fire, they sang here, danced round dances, set up swings, and gathered a common table. The most important moment of the ceremony is jumping over the fire. They did it in pairs and one by one. It was believed that by jumping over a fire, a person acquires good health and good luck, and the height of the jumps corresponds to the level of productivity. A girl and a young man, jumping over the fire and not opening their hands, could soon become newlyweds and find happiness in marriage. In addition, the Kupala fire was endowed with cleansing properties, so sick old people and children were carried through it, their linen was burned, and livestock was driven away. The ashes from the ritual fire were symbolically scattered in all directions to protect crops from evil forces and increase productivity. In the morning the sun was greeted by the whole world.
Rites with water were an obligatory component of this holiday. The effigy of Mary, accompanied by songs and dances, was taken to a river or pond and drowned. The central place at the festival was given to washing with water. It was carried out in any form: mass immersion in a pond, washing, dousing, bath procedures. All residents without exception took part in this action. Those who refused were considered as persons involved in witchcraft. As a rule, they entered the water without clothes. The people believed that Kupala ablution would give health. After the meeting of the sun, women and girls performed a ritual of washing with dew. They collected it with a tablecloth, squeezed it into a vessel, and then used it for washing. Kupala dew made the skin smooth and velvety, drove away ailments, including eye diseases. Under the morning dew, the housewives put out bowls for kneading dough and empty milk jars so that the bread would rise high, and the milk and sour cream would be thicker. The youth amused themselves by "playing in the water", pouring it over everyone they met day and night. It is assumed that this custom was a way of making rain.
Rites against evil spirits were also performed on Ivan Kupala. Since this night was the shortest of the year, it was at this time that the boundaries between our world and evil forces disappeared, and sorcerers, witches and the undead harmed people, crops, livestock. Peasants often guarded their fields on the night of Kupala and laid out Kupala bonfires. In the villages in front of the barnyard they put Aspen stake, drew crosses on the gates, turned over the harrow, and also scattered armfuls of stinging nettles. No one slept on the night of Kupala in order to prevent the harmful actions of evil spirits in time.
On Midsummer Night, the highest flowering of nature was observed: the sun shone brightly, the water in the reservoirs was warm, fruits ripened, flowers bloomed. It was believed that plants, absorbing the energy of all the elements, at the moment have powerful healing properties, therefore, throughout Rus', medicinal herbs were collected on Ivan Kupala and bath brooms were prepared. Legends about the amazing properties of this or that plant were passed from mouth to mouth. Especially popular was the legend of the fern, which blooms only once a year. The Slavs believed: whoever finds his flower that night will be able to easily find treasures hidden in the ground. On the day of Ivan Kupala, rituals were performed to increase the yield of grain crops. Girls and boys went around all the houses in the village, singing special songs that the people considered as a magical means to increase the fertility of the earth.
Initially, Kupala games were held in honor of the wedding of the god of the moon and fire Semargl and Kupalnitsa (solar wedding). The bathing of the sun in the waters was considered an act of the wedding ceremony, and the bathing suit called Semargl, guarding evil, to love games in the Ra-river, which were called Kupala.
The lush flowering of nature was associated among the ancient Slavs with youth, beauty and love, therefore, on the Kupala night, special activity was inherent in young people. Emotional upsurge and an excess of vitality forced them to commit unthinkable, reckless pranks, which usually people of the older generation looked through their fingers. It was believed that if a person, towards whom this or that playful action was directed, showed anger and dispersed the youth, then he was in the power of evil spirits and was a sorcerer.
The main archaic feature of the pagan night of Kupala was the lifting of any prohibitions on relationships between men and women. Christianity sharply condemned the revelry of carnal feelings, which was violently manifested during this night. However, this action was perceived by the pagans as a ritual aimed at the fertility of the earth and nature in general.
The night of Ivan Kupala is the brightest and most beloved holiday by the Eastern Slavs, the main features of which were preserved among the people until the middle of the 20th century, despite the prohibitions and persecution of believers by the Church and the state.
This text is an introductory piece.Slavic talismans and amulets In the Slavic pagan tradition or, as it is called today, in Rodnoverie, there are two ways spiritual development: The Desny Way and the Shuyny Way. The right hand of the Slavs was called the “right hand”, hence the Desny Way takes its name, literally - the Way
Slavic werewolves The ancient Slavs called the wolf-werewolf a wolf-dlak, volkolak or volkulak - a wolf-man who himself is able to turn into a wolf, and then into a man, and also turn other people into wolves. Legends about werewolves among all Slavic tribes
Slavic talismans Talisman of the god Rod. This god embodies family and clan. He is the supreme guardian god. Rod was addressed with the words: “Great god Rod, you are our patron! May your help never fail! So be, so it is, and so it will be.” This talisman bestows a blessing
Slavic runic system. By Anton Platov. Interpretation of the meaning of the runes according to Anton Platov, " Slavic runes". MirBelbog, the inner "I", the World Tree of the Rune of the White God - one of the most complex images of Slavic mythology. In the German Futhark this rune is called "Madr"
Slavic Vedic Rites
Balkan and Slavic vampires GreeceOne of the oldest sources contemporary view myths and legends about vampires Ancient Greece(we have already mentioned lamias), as well as modern Greek folklore. In Greece, as in Romania, they talked about bloodsuckers-strigas (all
Slavic peoples The Slavs of Eastern and Central Europe have the right to be proud of the fact that it is they who have developed the legends and myths about vampires in the most detail - and it is they who most often meet real vampires. Outbreaks of vampire hysteria among these peoples in the 17th and early 18th
Chapter 12 Water is one of the key components of human life. The water is poisonous, the water is healing. Improvement of the house and the human body with the help of water. Purification of amulets and talismans with water Water is one of the universal symbols of the universe. The Chinese, for example, believed
Days of water (signs of the elements of water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Nature does not skimp on rainfall, and sometimes their monthly rate falls. High humidity is not conducive to comfort and good mood. The position of the Moon in Zodiac circle also has an impact on
indian gods water In India, there are many gods and goddesses who personify this element. The most important of these are Apas, Varuna and the goddess Ganga Apas. In Vedic mythology, the images of Apas (from the Sanskrit apas - “water”) are associated with the element of Water. They represent
Slavic runes and their meanings World Key words. Belbog; inner self; The Tree of the World. The rune of the White God is one of the most complex images of Slavic mythology. In the traditional pagan view, man is the image of God, his incarnation. But God is the whole world, and therefore
Gods of the Vedas The Vedic pantheon has evolved over thousands of years. Indian mythology, like many other branched mythological systems, resembles a large hospitable house at a crossroads. The composition of its inhabitants was constantly changing. Some, as soon as they settled, disappeared,
PART TWO. “GODS, MY GODS!..” - Can one word really mean so many things! Alice said thoughtfully. “When I give the word a lot of work,” Humpty Dumpty said, “I always pay him overtime. L. Carroll, "Alice Through the Looking-Glass" - 1. "IN A WHITE HAIR OF ROSES ..." Through the mouth
During its existence, Slavic paganism went through three stages of development. Each stage had its own deities and mythology changed. Each new stage of development left old traditions and added new ones to them.
Controversy over the pantheon of gods
In Russian history, one of the most controversial topics is the dispute about the Slavic gods. A lot of information has been accumulated about the pantheon of deities, and often some sources contradict others. The gods have many names. So, the god of water in different sources is called differently. Why so many discrepancies? The fact is that the mythology of the Eastern and Western Slavs was somewhat different. Plus, over time, the ideology of the ancient Russian peoples changed, and the chroniclers wrote down legends, rituals and traditions, each in their own way. Further, the writers each wrote their own story. And now scientists are trying to isolate true information from all this folk epic and literary sources. But even here their opinions differ.
The problem is also that there are practically no ancient Russian literary monuments in which deities would be described. Basically, Scandinavian cultural monuments and Viking annals have come down to us. Thus, everything that we know about the religion and deities of the ancient Slavs is already drawn from the later sources of Christian times.
God of water from the epic
In the epic about Sadko it is said that the god of the seas was Vodyanik or otherwise the Pallet Tsar. He was also called the Sea King and the Miracle of the Sea. However, historians believe that this king is not true, there was a god of water among the Slavs named the Lizard, so he was rethought in the epic about Sadko.
Also in ancient myths, Pereplut is found, who was the patron saint of sailors and the owner of mermen. And another name of the god of water is mentioned - the Danube. He was considered the lord of rivers and fishing, as well as the father of all mermaids, and the largest river was named after him. Danube, according to legend, was the son of Pereplut.
In addition to them, the son of Perun is also mentioned - one of the main gods - Sytivrat or Sitivrat. Among the Western Slavs, he was considered the god of rain and crops.
lizard
The god of water and seas, the lord of the Underwater Kingdom among the ancient Slavs. There is little information about him. It is known that a drowned girl became his wife, and Koschey was his father. The lizard was worshiped on lakes, swamps, sacrifices were made to him. One of the chronicles says that he ate those who did not bring gifts to him and did not worship him.
Young girls and black chickens were sacrificed to the sea god. Because of this, he was also associated with death and the underworld. Later appeared new rite sacrifices. For three days the horse was fed only with bread, then they smeared its head with honey, put two millstones on it and drowned it in the river.
The lizard was the guardian and protector of the waters. According to some data, this information is about a million years old. Among the Eastern Slavs, the god of water was transformed into the image of a crocodile and at the same time was considered the patron of agriculture and the devourer of cattle.
According to chronicle sources, it can be judged that the cult of the Lizard existed even after the adoption of Christianity. Information about him was preserved until the 12th century, and a lot of jewelry and household utensils of the ancient Slavs with images of the Lizard were found. In this regard, it can be judged that this deity played a big role in their lives.
Slavic goddess of water
The lizard is one of the oldest in the Slavic pantheon. He is the god of sea water. But also existed among the ancient Slavs and the goddess of fresh springs Dana. She was depicted as a young fair-faced girl and was a bright goddess who gives life to everything on earth and heals travelers with her water. She was also worshiped and offered prayers. It was believed that water cleanses not only the body, but also the soul. So, according to legend, the gods bequeathed to people. The Slavic prayer to the god of water and other deities related to life-giving moisture has survived to this day. She read to sanctify the water. The light-faced goddess was also mentioned in this prayer: "Dana-Voditsa, living spring." The rivers Dvina and Dnieper were named after the goddess. In addition, she was the embodiment of bodily beauty and was also revered as the goddess of light and the mistress of spring thunderstorms.
Lesser water deities
From childhood, everyone knows fairy tales and epics about water and mermaids. These fabulous creatures also came out of ancient Slavic mythology. They were lower deities, but, nevertheless, their people respected and worshiped them.
The merman was a water spirit and lived in rivers and other bodies of water, mostly in dark places and forests. Depicted as an old man in mud and a cap of seaweed. He rode a catfish and ate crayfish. He took with him into the water those who swam after sunset. When angry, he drove the fish away and smashed the windmills. To appease him, they gave him geese and poured oil on the water. In winter, the merman slept under the ice, in the spring he woke up hungry and angry and broke the ice. The waterman was the owner of the mermaids and Ischetik, his assistant, who did the menial work for him, for example, such as erosion of the banks and breakage of dams.
Mermaids or Beregini were water maidens. Later they began to be considered the souls of drowned women. Mermaids combed their hair with a magic comb, and water flowed from them, so they could flood even a hitherto dry place. But the river maidens did not go far from the reservoirs, since their hair could dry out and then they died. The mermaids could tickle to death, the only way to escape from them was wormwood, if you throw grass in their faces.
Another water deity whose holiday we celebrate to this day is Kupala or Kupala. God of dew, moisture and summer. On the night of the summer solstice, Kupala Day was celebrated in honor of the deity himself, the sun and fire. Hence the tradition of swimming in ponds and jumping over a fire on this day.