Русский Мир

The main pagan Slavic holidays were/are:

Kolyada (Коляда) or the Birth of the Sun.

Kolyada, or the birth of the Sun, was celebrated on the day of the winter solstice (зимнее солнцестояние). December 21st has long been regarded as the day marking the beginning of astronomical winter.

After December 21st, the god Kolyada was believed to be born, and a festival (праздник) was organized in his honor, accompanied by rituals. People sang songs and glorified the deities (божества). The ancient Slavs rejoiced that, starting from December 21st, the Sun would shine for longer periods, for which they held him in high esteem. When Christianity became the state religion, Christmas was celebrated on this day. In the pagan circles of the ancient Slavs, this day began to signify (означать) the birth of the gods.

On December 21st, the ancient Slavs rid themselves (избавлялись) of all that was old and made wishes for the new year. The three days before and after the winter solstice were considered particularly potent (сильными), so wishes made on these days were believed to have a higher probability of fulfillment.

Yuletide days (Святки-колядки, also Koliadki) is a multi-day holiday that was divided into two parts. From January 7th to January 14th, on holy evenings, they caroled and arranged girlish fortune-telling (гадания), and from January 15th to January 19th, they continued to have fun but feared the terrible evenings – the time of revelry (разгула) for evil (зло).

Each family eagerly (с нетерпением) awaited carolers, prepared treats for them, and listened to carols with sincere joy.

On Yuletide days, an empty table was considered a bad omen (приметой), so a ritual roll (обрядовый калач) was always present on it, which was offered to those who came caroling. The hospitable (радушные) hosts believed that the more guests gathered in their house, the better the chickens would sit on their eggs.

After a cheerful tour of the houses, the youth (молодёжь) gathered in a communal hut (изба) for a general feast (пир), where they shared and consumed everything that the villagers (односельчане) had given them. Then, dressed in new attire, the young people danced to avoid crop failure, listened to fairy tales, and pondered their fate.

Maslenitsa (Масленица) served as a symbol of the winter season’s farewell (проводы), observed from March 3rd to 9th.

Maslenitsa is one of the most joyous (радостный) holidays of the year, widely celebrated throughout Russia.

It reflects centuries-old traditions, carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation. This is a week-long holiday – a rite (обряд) with round dances (хороводы), songs, dances, and games, dedicated to bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.

In essence (по сути), Maslenitsa is an ancient pagan holiday. It is believed that originally Maslenitsa was associated with the day of the spring solstice, but with the adoption of Christianity, it began to precede Lent and depend on its timing.

In Russia, it has long been customary to celebrate the changing of seasons. Winter has always been a challenging time for people: cold, hunger, and darkness. Therefore, the arrival of spring was particularly rejoiced, and it was necessary to celebrate it. Our ancestors (предки) said that it was difficult for a young Spring to overcome the old, treacherous (коварную) Winter. To help Spring drive away Winter, they organized joyous festivities (гулянья).

Our ancestors revered (почитали) the sun as a god because it gave life to everything. People rejoiced at the sun, which began to appear more and more frequently (чаще) with the approach of spring. Therefore, a tradition arose (возникла) in honor of the spring sun to bake round treats (угощения), shaped like the sun.

Another participant (участник) in the Carnival festivities was a bear. People would dress one of the men in a bearskin (шкуру медведя), and he would dance. Later in the cities, a live bear was also exhibited (выставляли) on the square. The bear became one of the symbols of Maslenitsa and the onset of spring because in winter the bear sleeps in a den (берлога), and in spring, it awakens. The bear woke up – so spring had come.

And, of course, the symbol of the holiday was an effigy (чучело) of Maslenitsa, made of straw (солома) and dressed in bright clothes. The effigy personified (представляло/олицетворяло) the Maslenitsa holiday itself, as well as the harsh (суровую) winter (Morena). On the last day of Maslenitsa, the effigy was burned on a ritual bonfire (ритуальный костёр).

It was always customary (было обычаем) to eat as much as possible and have fun. Our ancestors believed that those who did not eat and did not have fun would live the coming year poorly and joylessly.

Great Day (Велик день) – the day of the vernal equinox (весеннее равноденствие) and the beginning of spring.

It was celebrated on March 21st; at this time, the day is equal to the night – the vernal equinox. It was customary to lead round dances, various games, and praise pagan gods. On this day, a wheel in flames was launched from a mountain or any high point of the landscape. It was considered a symbol of the Sun, and the flames carried forth (несли) the tongues of light.

The birds on March 21st held special significance since it was believed that the souls of the departed inhabited (обитали) the birds. To appease (умиротворить) the ancestors, the birds were fed grains and breadcrumbs. In the late afternoon, people gathered on the hills and feasted with the souls of their ancestors.

The holiday played a significant role for those who decided to get engaged. March 21st in ancient times was considered the most popular for holding a wedding. In addition, even now this day is very popular for couples to commit to marriage. There is an old Russian proverb about this, which reads as follows: “The one who gets married on a Great day will never get divorced.”

The holiday was also called Krasnaya Gorka. On March 21st, no one worked; people rested throughout the day, as work was considered a sin. The entire day had to be spent outdoors with a cheerful company.

Mermaid Week (Русальная неделя) – held before June 21st.

It is believed that the period from June 14th to June 20th was a time for the unrestrained (необузданных) forces of darkness, which involved (подразумевало) divination (гадания). They were primarily (в основном) divining about the future. In addition to divination, the ancient Slavs made wishes and prayed to the forces of nature to bestow (даровать) generous gifts. This week was particularly (особенно) special for girls because it was considered most auspicious (благоприятной) for foretelling marriage.

Swimming in lakes and rivers was strictly forbidden during this week. The reason being (причина) that these days were dedicated to sea deities: mermaids and other minor (мелким) gods.

The week was celebrated merrily, primarily on the banks of rivers (на берегах рек), lakes, as well as in forest groves (лесные рощи). People believed that at night, in the moonlight, which is brighter for these evil spirits than for them, mermaids, swinging on the supple (гибких) branches of trees, called out (вызывали) to each other and sang quiet, drawn-out (протяжные) songs. Sometimes they arranged games, running through forest glades and groves, and where such a water inhabitant ran, according to legend, the grass grew thicker and juicier than on other parts of the earth.

And, although they seem fragile and harmless in appearance, one should expect much more danger from this evil than good. After all, when mermaids splashed in the water, they did not forget to entangle (запутывать) fishing nets. They would send storms and torrential (проливные) rains to rural fields and lands, ruining young green shoots, and could even summon (вызывать) hail that would break all the roofs of the villagers.

Also, according to popular belief, they were very fond of stealing from negligent (небрежных) housewives who scattered their belongings, yarn, and linen canvases anywhere, especially if such a hostess, upon going to bed, did not cross her house on four sides, following the example of pious Christians, while reciting the prayer “May God rise again.” They would unravel the stolen yarn, swinging on trees, and boasting about their loot (добыче) in front of other undead (нежити).

And, although they seem fragile and harmless in appearance, one should expect much more danger from this evil than good. After all, when mermaids splashed in the water, they did not forget to entangle fishing nets and spoil millstones. They would send storms and torrential rains to rural fields and lands, ruining young green shoots, and could even summon hail that would break all the roofs of the villagers.

Despite the strictest prohibitions of the Church, it was not possible to finally eradicate (искоренить) such beliefs among the people. Even in the strict times of the Middle Ages, people in some places continued to celebrate Mermaid Week. This state of affairs was strongly condemned by the Hundred-Domed Cathedral, which met in Moscow in the spring of 1551, attended by Ivan the Terrible himself. But that didn’t help either. And even in the 19th century, there was still a tradition in Russia, in some remote provinces, to celebrate these mystical days.

Ivan Kupala Day (День Ивана Купала) – Summer Solstice

The summer solstice was celebrated quite magnificently (великолепно), with many pagan rituals. A large bonfire was built, and people jumped over it all night, while round dances were performed around the fire.

By jumping over the fire, people were cleansed, and in addition (кроме того), such a rite served as a talisman against evil forces.

On June 21st, swimming was permitted (разрешалось)—such bathing had a ritual character. For unmarried girls, Kupala was a special day because it was an opportune (благоприятный) time to find a betrothed (суженый). Flower girls wove wreaths (цветочницы плели венки) and set them afloat (пускали) down the river. The guy who caught the wreath was destined (суждено) to become the husband of the girl who launched it.

Bathing in rivers and lakes was permitted. It was believed that Kupala night was magical; at this time, the line between the real world and the otherworld was the thinnest. People believed that animals communicated with other animals that night, just as plants communicated with plants. They even believed that trees could walk that night.

Sorcerers on Kupala prepared special potions, mostly love potions. The herbs on Kupala were particularly potent (сильны).

Harvest Festival (Праздник урожая) – Autumn Equinox.

The ancient Slavs celebrated rituals on this day, built large bonfires, and performed so-called autumn dances around them. People welcomed autumn and bid farewell to (провожали) the warm summer. This day was spent having a great time and cooking delicious dishes. There were mostly large pies, which symbolized (означали) a good harvest in the next year.

People wished each other all the best and hoped that everything they desired would come true in the new year. Additionally, the Slavs renewed the fire in their huts: the old one was completely extinguished, the ashes were raked out, and a new one was kindled (разжигали).

Everyone knows about Halloween, but what do you know about our native dark holiday on the same day? October 31st?

Veles’s night, October 31th / Велесова Ночь3

Veles’ Night is the time from sunset on October 31 to dawn on November 1. It was believed that at that time all living nature plunged (погружается) into sleep, the earth went to rest, in which it would remain until the first spring thaw (оттепель) woke it up. All the work in the garden and field should have been completed by this day.

This ancient (древний) holiday is unusual (непривычен, необычен) for a modern person. It is not accompanied by cheerful and noisy festivities. On the mysterious night of Veles, people try to keep quiet and not leave the house once again. This holiday is a time of transition (переход) from light to darkness, a night when the borders between the worlds open, and the roads do not lead at all to where expected.

Ancient Slavic legends say that on the last night of October, the God Veles unlocks the door between the worlds. It is located in the middle between Nav (Навь) and Prav (Правь) – in the world of Reality (Явь).

The world of Yav (Мир Яви) is the most understandable, close to a person. People, animals, and birds live in the world of Reality.

The world of Nav is the most mysterious, frightening world. There are Gods in Nav, whom we used to call the dark ones. Often the task of the Nav Gods is connected with the destruction of what no longer has a place in the world of Reality. Souls go to the world of Nav after death.

The world of Rule is the world of light Slavic Gods. Slavic myths say that the Yav (Правь состоит) consists of nine heavens. On the seventh are the mansions of Svarog, the Heavenly Father, the judge in the disputes of the Slavic Gods. Other Slavic Gods also live here. The gods of Rule help people develop, master new crafts, and act honestly.

On the threshold of this door, the twin brothers Belobog and Chernobog meet. In the autumn, Belobog gives Chernobog the Number of the year as a sign that darkness has defeated light and will rule in Reality for six months. After that, in the spring, the door will open again, and the number of years will return under the control of Belobog.

Veles’s night should be spent at home, with his family. This evening is an evening of reflection, reflection on the past summer. Let’s thank God Veles for all the benefits given to him, let’s remember our Ancestors. But now, unlike the holidays of their Grandfathers, they are not invited to the table – they leave treats for the spirits of their Ancestors on the threshold or on the window outside the house. Inside the house, you need to leave a gift to the Brownie (= Domovoi, домовой), appreciate him for his help and protection of the family. It’s good if a live candle flame burns in your house all night, driving away the darkness.

What should I do on Veles’ night?

On the night of November 1, the boundaries between the worlds thinned, so not only evil entities could get into the world of the living, but also the spirits of deceased relatives. Slavs believed that deceased family members returned to the house. Therefore, our ancestors tried to spend a day at home to be with the deceased.

In Russia, it was believed that on Veles’ Night, the spirits of relatives who visited the living could teach, give protection and warn about something important. However, one can only hear the instructions in a dream, so it was necessary to go to bed as early as possible. Ideally, before sunset.

Another tradition of the Veles Night is also connected with the ancestors: they definitely need to be presented with a treat. However, unlike most other celebrations, the souls of the deceased do not need to be allowed at the common table. Treats for them were left on the doorstep, because this is another mystical symbol. The threshold represented the border, the transition from one world to another, from the summer time of heat and sun to the winter time of darkness and cold.

It was considered the right decision to respect the brownie – to leave a treat for him. It was the brownie who monitored the well-being in the dwelling and stood up to protect it in case of need. That’s why they brought treats: so that in a difficult hour, when evil otherworldly creatures roam the earth, he would come to the rescue and save all family members from trouble.

In some regions, the symbol of Veles was considered an apple. He was put under his pillow on a solemn night to see a prophetic dream and learn the future. And in general, the period when the passage between the worlds is open is good for various magical rituals. Power on this day is easily accessible to everyone, but not everyone knows how to handle it competently. It is very easy, our ancestors believed, to bring trouble upon themselves through ignorance or inexperience.

Elements of paganism certainly entered Russian Christianity. They still exist, but they entered organically, naturally, so they are now perceived at the genetic level. As a rule, the dates of some church holidays are associated with an ancient pagan tradition and an agricultural calendar. Maslenitsa, Trinity, Ivan Kupala, New Year, Apple and honey Saviours. These holidays replaced and displaced pagan ones. So that even Maslenitsa is perceived as a Christian holiday.

Novgorod remained the capital for 20 years. In 882 Oleg captured Kiev and moved the capital there.

Since then, the Russian state has been called Kievan Rus ruled and founded by a Russian Knyaz.

Questions

What were the main Gods of pagans?

What were their holidays?

SUMMARY

Key Aspects of Ancient Slavic Paganism

Connection to Nature:

Deities and Forces: From a Russian perspective, Slavic paganism was deeply rooted in the natural world. Deities were seen as personifications of natural forces, such as the sun, thunder, wind, water, and forests. They were not abstract concepts, but living forces that influenced human lives.

Respect for Nature: There’s an understanding that ancient Slavs had a deep respect for nature, viewing it as a sacred and powerful entity. They lived in harmony with their environment, understanding its rhythms and cycles. This aspect is often romanticized today.

Spirits of Place: The concept of domovyk (house spirit), leshy (forest spirit), vodyanoy (water spirit), and other localized spirits is seen as an indication of a strong sense of connection to one’s immediate surroundings.

A Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses

Perun: The god of thunder and lightning, often associated with war and the Knyaz’s retinue. He is typically portrayed as a powerful and fierce warrior figure.

Veles: A god associated with cattle, wealth, magic, and the underworld. He is often seen as a counterpart to Perun, representing the earth and the darker aspects of nature.

Dazhbog: The god of the sun, often depicted as a generous giver of light and warmth. He was associated with good fortune and prosperity.

Svarog: A sky god, considered a creator figure and often associated with blacksmithing and fire.

Mokosh: The goddess of fertility, earth, weaving, and female crafts. She was considered a protector of women and the home.

Other Deities and Spirits: Many other minor deities, spirits, and mythical creatures populated the ancient Slavic worldview, each with their own roles and domains.

Not Always Clear Cut: Russian scholars acknowledge that the pantheon wasn’t always a clear hierarchy and that regional variations existed. The sources are also not always consistent in describing each deity’s attributes.

Rituals and Practices:

Offerings and Sacrifices: Rituals often involved offerings of food, drink, and animal sacrifices to appease the gods and spirits. These rituals were important for maintaining harmony between the human world and the spiritual realm.

Kiev: 882 – 1243

The reasons for moving the capital from Novgorod to Kiev

The more favorable conditions of the southern lands made it possible to increase the number of people subordinate to the knyaz faster and it was easier to get provisions.

Oleg sought to control as many territories adjacent to the Dnepr as possible – the way “from the Varangians to the Greeks” was the main transport artery and gave a great advantage to those who could manage navigation on the river.

After the Drevlyans (древляне) killed Knyaz Igor, Olga’s husband, Olga herself began to rule while her son was still a minor. Olga cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for Igor’s death. Moreover, she herself established the tribute that the Drevlyans had to pay to her. This was the end of the conflict.

She was intelligent and understood how much the Christian faith was higher than the pagan one. Kievan Rus remained almost the only state in which paganism reigned. Most of the European neighbors considered pagans inhumans, barbarians. And this, in turn, reflected badly on international relations. Olga decided to convert to the Christian faith (Orthodoxy). For this, she is still honored in Russia.

Olga arrived in Constantinople accompanied by a priest from Kiev, several of her relatives, a nephew and more than forty Kiev merchants in 957.

She wanted for the patriarch to baptize her. For about three months she lived in the Greek capital, diligently studied Christianity.

Patriarch Polyeucta of Constantinople performed the sacrament of baptism over Knyazhna Olga. Her godfather was the Emperor Konstantin Porphyrogenitus. As expected, at baptism she received the name Elena in honor of the mother of the first Christian tsar. Many of her attendants were baptized as well.

After the baptism, the patriarch introduced her to the church charter. He also told her how to pray properly and observe fasts, righteous and pure life. Olga lived 12 years after her baptism, being a model of all Christian virtues.

Before receiving holy Christianity, Knyaz Vladimir was a pagan. His grandmother, Olga, did not pass on her new faith – Christianity – to her son and grandson. Therefore, Grand Knyaz Vladimir Svyatoslavich had to follow in her footsteps – to find Christ after many years of sinful life and spiritual quest.

What were some of the reasons to convert into a new religion?

– The need for a unified system: one state, one knyaz, one God. And there were many gods in paganism.

– The necessity of such a religion, which will support the princely power, is subordinate to it.

– Paganism did not ensure the unity of the entire population.

– Paganism could not explain the social stratification taking place in Russia, the appearance of rich and poor. After all, in paganism, all people are equal before the forces of nature.

Why did knyaz Vladimir choose Orthodoxy?