The ancient Slavs believed that the surrounding nature can change its attitude towards people and help or destroy everything around. The pagan god of fertility, who received gifts and asked for help in creating conditions for an excellent harvest, was especially honored. To deserve, the mercy of the Higher Powers, people brought various sacrifices, arranged holidays and demonstrated their respect in all possible ways.
Gods of fertility among the Slavs
In ancient times, people had several deities that had to do with farming and harvesting:
- Avseni . He is responsible not only for fertility, but also for changing the season. This god was often mentioned in carols. Avsene was associated with animals, symbolizing fertility and wealth: a horse, a cow, a goat, etc. They portrayed him as a young man on horseback or walking along a rainbow.
- Belun . They considered this Slavic fertility god responsible for the harvest. They portrayed him in the form of an old man with a light beard in white clothes. Helps Belun and lost people.
- Veles . This god of nature and fertility also was responsible for hunters, traders and animals. They portrayed him as an old man with a huge beard. Velez had several magic objects. For example, he has a goose, and when he played it, everyone around forgot everything. As a sacrifice, Veles was brought bulls and sheep. After the harvest, the Slavs invariably left on the field the last bundle of ears, as it was said "Veles on the beard".
- Herman . In Russia, this god of fertility was most appreciated in the south. To carry out the ritual on the call of rain, a clay doll was used, which had obvious masculine signs. She was buried in a dry land and waited for rain.
- Dazhdbog .
This god answered not only for fertility, but also for the sun. They portrayed him as a young hero in armor with a spear. He moved across the sky in a chariot drawn by griffins. In his hands he holds ritual wands with images of a fern. Different festivals were held in honor of Dazhbog. - Alive . The goddess of fertility was also considered the patroness of life, spring and birth. It resurrects nature in spring and gives fertility to the earth.
- She was bathing . This god was considered the personification of summer fertility. Represented him a young man in white robes. He was decorated with the first spring flowers, and on his head was a wreath. The day of Ivan Kupala, even in the modern world, remains a popular holiday. Slavs in this holiday honored the god and brought them bloodless sacrifices.