Slavic mythology RPG

Paganism Of Ancient Russia

The system of pre-Christian ideas about the world and man among the ancient Eastern Slavs, the official and dominant religion in the ancient Russian state before the Baptism of Russia in 988. Until the middle of the 13th century, despite the efforts of the ruling elite, a significant part of the population of Russia continued to confess. To denote the features of the religious and cultural traditions of the ancient Slavic tribes, the term "paganism" began to be used a little later. The beginning of the formation of Slavic paganism in Ancient Russia dates back to the I-II millennium BC, that is, to the times when the tribes of the Slavs began to separate from the tribes of the Indo-European group, settle in new territories and interact with the cultural traditions of their neighbours.

Pantheon of Gods in the Paganism of Ancient Russia

Rod—In the paganism of Ancient Russia, the Rod was considered the supreme god, commanding everything existing in the Universe, including all other gods. He headed the top of the pagan pantheon of gods, was the creator and ancestor. It was the almighty god Rod who influenced the whole cycle of life. Horse in the paganism of Ancient Russia was the son of the god Rod and the brother of Veles. In Russia, he was called the god of the Sun. His face was like a sunny day - yellow, radiant, dazzlingly bright. Horse had four incarnations: Caroll; Yarilo; God of rain; Svarog—In the paganism of Ancient Russia, the god of war Perun occupied a special place, with his right hand he squeezed the sword-rainbow, with his left he held arrows-zippers. The Slavs said that the clouds were his hair and beard, thunder - his speech, the wind - his breath, raindrops - the fertilising seed. He was the son of Svarog (Svarozhic) with a difficult temper. He was considered the patron of brave warriors and all those who made efforts in hard work, gave them strength and luck. Stribog—in the paganism of Ancient Russia was worshipped as a god who commanded other deities of the natural forces of nature (Whistle, Weather and others). He was considered the master of winds, hurricanes and blizzards. He could be very kind and very angry. If he was angry and blew into his horn, then the elements were walking around for a joke, when Stribog was in a good-natured mood, the leaves just rustled, streams murmured, the breeze swayed the branches of the trees. The sounds of nature formed the basis of songs and music, musical instruments. He was prayed for the end of the storm, he helped hunters pursue sensitive and timid beasts. Veles—was worshipped as the god of agriculture and cattle breeding. He was also considered the god of wealth (he was called the Hair, the Moon). The clouds obeyed him. In his youth, Veles himself herded the heavenly sheep. Angry, he could send torrential rains to the ground.

Pantheon of Gods in the Paganism of Ancient Russia (2)

Lada—is the goddess of love and beauty. In the paganism of Ancient Russia, she was revered as the patroness of the home. The snow-white clouds were her clothes, the morning dews were her tears. In the pre-dawn hours, she helped the shadows of the deceased to move to the other world. Lada was considered the earthly incarnation of Roda, a high priestess, a mother goddess, surrounded by a retinue of young maids.The Slavs described Lada as smart, beautiful, brave and dextrous, flexible staff, speaking loud flattering speeches. People turned to Lada for advice, she talked about how to live, what to do and what not. She blamed the guilty, justifying those who were accused in vain. God of the Slavs Black God—In the paganism of Ancient Russia, many legends were made about swamp evil, only a part of them have survived to this day. The patron of evil was the powerful god Black God, he commanded the dark forces of evil and whims, serious ailments and bitter misfortunes. He was considered a god of darkness, living in terrible forest thickets, ponds covered with a squaw, deep puddles and swamps. He commanded numerous evil forces. Mokosh—The goddess of trade was called the goddess of the window (Makesha) in the paganism of Ancient Russia, she was like the ancient Roman Mercury. In the Old Slavonic language, mokosh meant "full wallet". The goddess disposed of the harvested crop with benefit.Another purpose of Mokoshi was to be destiny management. She was interested in spinning and weaving; with the help of spun threads, she wove human destinies. In the paganism of the ancient Morena— was considered the ruler of evil, incurable diseases and death. It was she who caused severe winters in Russia, rainy nights, epidemics and wars. She was represented as a scary woman with a dark wrinkled face, deeply sunken small eyes, a fallen nose, a boney body and the same hands with long curved nails. Marukha herself didn't leave, she could be chased away, but she was still coming back.

Deities-monsters.

In the paganism of Ancient Russia, the Slavs considered the lord of the underground and underwater worlds - the Snake - to be one of the most formidable deities-monsts. He was represented as a powerful and hostile monster, which can be found in myths and legends of almost all peoples. The ideas of the ancient Slavs about him have reached our days in fairy tales.The pagans of the north honoured the Snake - the lord of underground waters, his name was the lizard. The sanctuaries of the lizard were located among the swamps, on the shores of lakes and rivers. His coastal sanctuaries were characterised by a perfectly round shape, it symbolised perfection, contrasting the order with the formidable all-destructive power of this deity. For sacrifices, the lizard was used not only black chickens, which were thrown into the swamps, but also young girls. These beliefs were reflected in fairy tales and legends. For all Slavic tribes who worshipped the lizard, he was the absorber of the sun.

Sanctuaries and priests in the paganism of Ancient Russia

To honour the "high" gods, more than one tribe gathered, people created special temple complexes, chose priests capable of communicating with deities.Since ancient times, Slavs have chosen mountains for their prayers, "bald" mountains, on the tops of which trees did not grow, were especially revered in the paganism of Ancient Russia. On the top of the hills they arranged "caples", that is, places where a cap - an idol was installed. Around the temple, a shaft was poured, resembling a horseshoe in shape, on top of which sacred bonfires were burned - steals. In addition to the inner shaft, there was another one that marked the outer border of the sanctuary. The space formed between them was called a trebish, it was here that the pagans of ancient Russia ate sacrificial food. Ritual feasts assumed that people and gods would dine together. Feasts were held both in the open air and in specially erected structures, they were called choroms (temples). Initially, only ritual feasts were held in the temples.Pagan priests were called magici. They were called to perform rituals in sanctuaries, create idols and sacred objects, with the help of magic spells they asked the gods to send abundant harvests.The Magi knew how to make amulets, that is, special jewellery for men and women, on which spell symbols were written.

Holidays and rituals in the paganism of the ancient Slavs in Russia

Winter, summer, autumn - every season of the year deserved to be celebrated. The beginning of each season was the point of the calendar year that inflected agricultural work, construction, rituals aimed at strengthening friendship, love, family well-being.Among the pagan rites of ancient Russia are known: 1) A wedding ceremony that included a dressing ritual, and on the day of the wedding itself - the bride's kidnapping and her redemption. The bride's mother had to bake a chicken coop and take it to the groom's hut. And the groom was supposed to bring a rooster to the bride's parents. At the time when the young were married around the old oak tree, the groom's hut was preparing a wedding bed. As required by the paganism of Ancient Russia, a large and generous feast usually ended with games. 2) The Rite of Name-Denunciation was performed if a person needed to be given a Slavic name. 3) Children under the age of seven were subjected to the rite of shearing. It was believed that at the end of the ritual, the babies passed from the care of the mother to the care of the father. 4) With the help of rituals dedicated to the beginning of the construction of the house, they fought against evil forces that prevented the owners or interfered with the construction through natural phenomena. 5) The rite of Trizna consisted in glorifying the soldiers who fell on the battlefield, during the ceremony they resorted to songs, competitions, games.

Amulets, amulets and talismans in the paganism of Ancient Russia

According to the ancient Slavs, amulets or amulets, on which there was an image of a revered deity, allowed to cope with problems and achieve the desired.In Ancient Russia, everyone had amulets and amulets: both old people and babies. Natural phenomena frightened, diseases and family disorders saddened. People wanted to have an impact on what was happening around them. This is how the gods and beliefs in them appeared. The gods had their own spheres of influence, and their images and symbols were sacred. Deities were depicted on small objects that could not be parted with. Carrying his amulet with him, the man believed that in this world he was helped by strong and wise celestials. The meanings of talismans in the paganism of Ancient Russia became known thanks to archeological excavations. The sources of information about the life, customs of the ancient Slavs were bronze or metal household items.

Winter holidays

Karachun: According to Slavic beliefs, Karachun, an underground god who commands frosts and blizzards, rules at this time. It was said that this night the line between the worlds of people and spirits is erased - and the darkest entities make their way to the living.In Slavic culture, there was a custom associated with fire. A big bonfire was made on Karachun, all the lights were extinguished in the house before lighting it. They re-lit the stove and candles from the new bonfire, taking home a corner or a ray.In order not to get into the world of people, it was necessary to go to the bathhouse in Karachun and thoroughly clean the house. This was done to cleanse the body and home of dirt and negative thoughts. Kolyada: According to legends, with the beginning of carolls, spirits come into the world and the evil force begins to have fun. It was believed that at this time it is best to guess - so you will get the most honest answers to all questions.People dressed up in completely unimaginable outfits and went to the yards in the evening for treats. They made masks of animals (cows, horses, bears, goats) and fairy-tale monsters. They tried to dress in such a way as to scare others as much as possible: they smeared their faces with soot, screwed horns out of wood and even cut out false teeth from turnips. And the more generous the treat was, the more wishes of prosperity the donors received.

Spring holidays

The rituals, which were held during the spring Slavic holidays, were aimed at requests for a harvest and warm weather. Spring equinox, On the eve of the equinox, it was customary to carry out general house cleaning to get rid of negativity. It was believed that on this day it is necessary to make peace with loved ones and spend it as joyfully as possible.The equinox was celebrated with a large bonfire, which was lit at night. It was customary to leave offerings to the gods: treats, pancakes or just fresh bread. There were also household signs: for example, women were not allowed to cut their hair at that time - it was believed that this way women's strength would go away. Shrovetide, During the spring equinox, the Slavs celebrated another holiday. It was called Komoeditsa (in the modern version - Shrovetide). It was celebrated for a long time: seven days before the day of the spring equinox and another week after.Komoeditsa was a holiday of two Slavic gods at once: Yarilo, who personified the sun, and Koma, the Bear God. We walked on a grand scale - abundant feasts were accompanied by numerous entertainments: skiing down the slides, dancing, fistfights, etc.The most famous rite on Komoeditsa was the burning of a woman's stuffed animal, which symbolised Morena (Mara) - the Slavic goddess of death and winter. She reigned on earth in the cold season, and she was driven away by bonfires and called on Jarilo, the god of the sun. The custom of burning the wheel was also popular. He was wrapped in rags, set on fire and lowered from the mountain. The wheel symbolised the sun, and it was believed that this is how the god Jarilo was called, who would bring light and warmth. Red hill:Krasnaya Gorka was also considered a day of choice of brides and grooms, as well as weddings.A bench was installed on the hill in advance, where the most beautiful girl in the village was then seatedAround which they danced, sang her songs of praise and brought gifts: milk, bread, butter..

Summer holidays

Summer solstice: At this time, the day becomes as long as possible, and the night becomes very short. They started celebrating after sunset: they made a huge bonfire in the glade and jumped over it. They did it both alone and in pairs, holding hands. It was believed that if two did not squeeze their hands at the moment of the jump, they would live a long and happy life together. Ivan Kupala's night: On Kupala they burned bonfires, through which they always jumped - to cleanse themselves of all bad things. At dawn after the bathing holiday, women were always washed with dew. It was believed that it relieves diseases, gives beauty and youth. Water on Ivan Kupala was given magical power and necessarily bathed in water bodies.Another important ritual was related to herbs. For the holiday, the girls always wove wreaths and guessed on them: they let them through the water and watched where they would swim. Perov's day: It was considered mainly a men's holiday.On the morning of Perunov's day, all the men of the village gathered together. Everyone had to bring a gun. After the general gathering, the men made a solemn procession with praise songs to Perunu, and then the rite of consecration of weapons began. The custom was quite bloody: a rooster or a bull was sacrificed to God, and the magi "marked" the face of each man and the weapon brought with their blood.Then the games began, among which there were mandatory competitions in brave power and distances: fist fights, fights with cold weapons, etc. But necessarily without bloodshed - it was believed that Perun did not approve of it.

Autumn holidays

Autumnal equinox: Another Slavic holiday that symbolises the change of seasons. At that time, almost all field work was coming to an end, so the autumnal equinox was also considered a harvest day.They celebrated widely: they lit a big bonfire, brought treats for the gods. Bread, milk, honey, grain and other products were taken as offerings. Around the bonfire there was a big round dance with songs that praised nature and its gifts. A traditional treat at the autumn equinox holiday were pies with lingonberries and honey. Veles night:People tried not to leave their homes that night. It was believed that all roads and paths change direction and take travellers to the other world. For the same reason, it was forbidden to talk to strangers - the Slavs believed that troubles and misfortunes come with strangers.In order to prevent evil spirits from entering the house, they put clusters of mountain ash on the windowsills and thresholds and burned candles all night. They also put a fire on the window - it served as a "lighthouse" for the spirits of ancestors who wanted to come to their descendants. On the night of Veles, the family necessarily gathered at the same table. Before the meal, part of each dish was postponed for the spirits of deceased ancestors. It was necessary to behave at dinner as quietly as possible: not to quarrel, not to swear and to avoid loud sounds. They necessarily remembered and honoured all our ancestors. And after the meal, delicious offerings for the spirits were put over the threshold. On the night of Veles, you could ask for help from your ancestors. Before going to bed, it was necessary to introduce the deceased relative and tell him about the problem. If you dreamed of him later, it means that he will definitely come to the rescue.

Economy of Ancient Russia

Ancient Russia was based on the economy on feudalisation and agrarian economy. The main fund (if such a concept can be used in relation to such an early state) was concentrated in the hands of the Grand Duke. Earlier, the national lands began to gradually completely pass into the possession of the prince, and the people who lived and worked on these lands (free peasants were called "people" before enslavement) became the property of the prince himself

Clothing of the ancient Slavs

Slavs' clothes were sewn from woollen, linen or hemp fabrics of home-made fabrication. It was characterised by a loose cut and was a long shirt with pants for men or with a skirt for women. Children usually wore only shirts. On the collar, sleeves and hem, clothes were often decorated with embroidery with coloured threads, which had an aesthetic, but also a ritual, most often protective function.

Births in ancient Russia

At a time when 30% of births ended in the death of a woman, it was a risky activity. But there was no choice. This was the mission of women given to them by the Goddesses of Rozhanitsa many centuries ago.Only the ancient Slavic women never gave birth at home. They usually did it in the bathhouse.The ancient Slavs considered the bath a special, sacred place. Man was there under the patronage of all 4 elements: water, fire, air and earth. In the bath, a person was not cleansed not only physically, but also spiritually. Therefore, the woman in labour not only felt protected by the elements themselves, but also could go through the first ritual stage of purification after childbirth.As soon as the woman felt the approach of labour, all the locks in the house were unlocked, the windows opened, the knots were untied. The woman herself was braided. This gave a sign to the Universe that it was necessary to help a woman to open up.Axes or knives were placed on all thresholds. On the one hand, to provide an extra level of protection. On the other hand, to cut the woman's pain.The woman took with her to give birth a doll-amulet of the Goddess Lada, which she crafted herself at the beginning of pregnancy.It was believed that the amulet doll absorbs all the negativity directed against the woman in labour. After giving birth, the doll was burned. The child's umbilical cord was tied with a special thread woven from the hair of the mother and father with the addition of flax. They kind of shared their power with a defenceless creature.She was cut on a weapon if a boy appeared, on a spindle if a girl.After the process was completed, the woman took the first cleansing (as described above) in the bathhouse and moved into the house. There, a specially fenced and curtained place was prepared for her, where she was supposed to stay for 6 weeks.

In addition

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Mythological creatures

In Slavic mythology, the following mythological creatures existed: Domovoy- is the patron and master of the house, in folk beliefs he was considered the spirit of the deceased ancestor. Leshy- is the mythical patron of the forest.Mythological stories appear in the form of a plant, animal or anthropomorphic creature. He was described as a giant or a dwarf; there are beliefs that he could change his height.If the lesh is dressed, then in general the same as a normal person. Often he is accompanied by a strong wind, or he himself can present himself as him. Lesh has no shadow. He can become invisible.The attitude towards the lesh in the people was ambiguous: On the one hand, he was classified as a hostile person and a dangerous evil force for him.On the other hand, Lesh was considered a fair owner of the forest, who will not harm just like that, but can punish for improper behaviour in his possessions, and can help a person.Leshy could warn about the danger, drive away from the place where the tree falls, show the berry places, take care of the child left unattended. Mermaids- are the goddesses of waters and forests.She has the appearance of a woman with loose blonde hair in white clothes.Initially, in Slavic folklore, these are the dead, died an impure death (witches, suicides or those who died before marriage) and have no rest in the other world. They were patroness of fields, forests and waters.According to some ideas, mermaids appeared in the summer in the form of a long-haired woman in a cereal field, in the forest, by the water. They harassed people they met (especially women and children), could lure, drown, tickle to death The snake is a mediator between heaven and earth, considered both a dangerous and virtuous spirit. Ghouls-are creatures of lower mythology who drank human and animal blood.He represents a dead man who gets up from the grave at night. The ghoul harms people and livestock, drinks their blood, damages the farm.It was believed that ghouls bec

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