Бесплатный фрагмент - Russian World

Окунитесь в захватывающую историю России с помощью уникального пособия, предназначенного для изучения английского языка и русской истории. Это идеальное руководство для школьников, студентов, учащихся или просто тех, кто интересуется историей России и хочет усовершенствовать свои знания в английском языке.

Книга предлагает увлекательное путешествие по временам и событиям, которые сформировали Россию, начиная с ее древней истории до современности. Каждая глава содержит интересные факты, ключевые события и исторические личности, представленные наилучшим образом.

Цели и задачи обучения

— воспитание качеств гражданина и патриота; развитие национального самосознания, стремления к взаимопониманию между людьми, уважения и любви к собственной культуре;

— языковая компетенция — овладение новой лексикой в соответствии с отобранными темами;

— социокультурная компетенция — приобщение учащихся к культуре, традициям и реалиям родной страны/стран на иностранном языке;

Упомянутые исторические данные основаны на:

«История России с древнейших времен до наших дней». В 2-х томах — Сахаров А. Н., Боханов А. Н., Шестаков В. А.

«История России» — Орлов А. С., Георгиев В. А., Георгиева Н. Г., Сивохина Т. А.

Mysterious Russian soul

Impossible to understand with mind,

Impossible to measure, whatsoever,

As Russia is one of the kind,

One to believe and love forever.

F.I. Tyutchev (translated by Yulia Vorobyeva)

Mentality is the prevailing stereotypes and patterns of thinking

The facts show that the Russian (Soviet, Empire, Rus) state and the Russian ethnic group were historically, geographically and psychologically «programmed» to resist the most severe pressure from outside. The Russian ethnos originated in the center of Eurasia, on a plain not protected from the west and east by either seas or mountains and accessible to military invasions from both East Asia and Western Europe. The only way to maintain independence in such conditions is to occupy as much territory as possible, in which any enemy armies would get bogged down (увязнуть).

Huge spaces, harsh climate and the need to resist the combined forces of many peoples from the West and from the east at the same time gave rise to the prevailing type of subconscious and conscious psychological attitudes (подсознательные и сознательные психологические установки) known as «harness slowly, but drive fas».

Severity of our climate has also greatly affected the mentality of the Russian people. Living in a territory where winter lasts about three — six months in some regions, Russians have developed tremendous willpower (огромная сила воли), perseverance in the struggle for survival in a cold climate. The low temperature during most of the year also affected the temperament of the nation.

Russians have a lot to be proud of, we have a huge and strong country, we have talented people and rich literature.

What do cultural researchers note as specific features of the Russian mentality?

Russian civilization can be considered as a closed spiritual community, the integral development of the spiritual, moral and material forms of life of the Russian people, which determined its historical destiny and formed national consciousness.

The centuries–old path of selfless search for beauty, truth, justice, the path of hard work and great discoveries — all this is the subject of the most interesting part of the science of the past — the history of culture. This is the history of the activity of mankind in its best manifestations, the history of the life and creativity of wonderful people who used their abilities, mind and vitality (жизненная сила) not for destruction and war, but for creation.

Russia has made a huge contribution to the history of world culture. Its significance cannot be underestimated. Hardly words and superlatives can give a clear idea of the role of our country in the global cultural process. It can be comprehended only by careful and thoughtful study. Together we are going to find information about the process of origin, the ways of formation and achievements of the Russian civilization for more than 1000-year history of its existence.

The fundamental principle of the national culture of the Russian people, as with all peoples, is language. Many works of fiction have been created in Russian, which have become world classics, many inventions and scientific discoveries, including great ones, are described. The works of all great thinkers, almost all scientific literature, basic creeds, all world classics of fiction, drama, musical and literary works, and cinema have been translated into Russian from other languages.

Russian culture includes numerous wonderful works of art. Many of them have entered the treasury of world culture. The great influence of Russian culture on her is generally recognized. Along with that, artists of other nationalities have made and continue to make a significant contribution to the enrichment of Russian art.

Orthodoxy as the Spiritual and Moral Core of Russian Civilization

If we look through a scientific telescope at the Russian civilization, then, at the first approximation, we can note that there is a number of certain characteristics that are not inherent in other civilizations. These are such forms as Orthodox ethics, the Russian icon, church architecture, such concepts as non-possessiveness, philokalia (филокалия), and artel (артель). In this structure of being, the main thing is not the thing, not consumption, but the desire for improvement, transformation of the soul, and the spiritual and moral motives of life take priority positions in relation to material forms of life. But this is only the most general idea of Russian civilization. In order to understand the true essence of Russian civilization, it is necessary to direct our scientific telescope in such a way as to see the inner spiritual foundations of Russian civilization.

Orthodoxy crowned and strengthened the ancient worldview of the Russian people, giving it a more refined and elevated character.

Russian Orthodoxy is, first of all, a love of kindness. Loving the good is the main thing for a true Orthodox. This attitude to faith comes from the depths of the Russian national consciousness, according to which man is by nature good, and evil in the world is a deviation (отклонение) from the norm. Turning to the origins, we can note that this moral principle prevailed in the ancient worldview of our ancestors. In ancient Russian views, the idea of perfection, transformation of the human soul on the principles of goodness and harmony clearly breaks through. Russian Orthodoxy was born as a living faith, consisting in the unity of religious feeling and activity.

Russian Orthodoxy from the very beginning is a union of Orthodox people who accepted the entire ceremonial and dogmatic side of faith, but it is not limited to this. Russian Orthodoxy is not only a religious system, but also a state of mind — a spiritual and moral movement towards God, which includes all aspects of the life of a Russian person — state, public and personal.

Holy Russia — four basic concepts

The first concept on which Russian civilization stands can be called faith. It is she who determines the right direction and development of life. Outside of faith, a person is not full-fledged, cannot fully mobilize his spiritual forces. The second ideal and criterion of Russian civilization is the love of kindness. Kindness was noted by Greek historians as one of the principles of the life of the ancient Rus, ancient Slavs. Many peoples understood good and evil as two equal forces that are constantly fighting with each other, and somewhere good wins, and somewhere evil. The Russian Slavs believed that in most cases good is irresistible, sooner or later, it will win. And in this, too, the principle of kindness is revealed.

The next ideal and criterion of Russian civilization can be considered the concept of non-possessiveness. It means the predominance of spiritual and moral forms of life over material forms of life. Non-possessiveness, of course, does not mean that the Russian person completely renounces the material, but it indicates a priority in the development of the spiritual principles of a person, the rejection of greed, the pursuit of profit, the desire to build a life solely for the sake of obtaining some benefits and comfort.

Another ideal of Russian civilization can be considered the ideal of conciliarity (соборность). Сonciliarity is the dissolution of the Russian person in the church, the state and the people. This is the love of common values. Conciliarity is directly opposite to the concept of individualism. It is the difference between the West and the East passes, because the West is mainly individualistic and is based on this, and the East, Russian civilization, is based on conciliarity. This does not mean at all that a person becomes a slave, but on the contrary, a person can feel free only in the concept of conciliarity. This is our world, we live by it, only in this world one can fully open up and develop.

Russia has managed to create an organic combination of unity and freedom, in which almost every Russian was a builder of a great power not for fear, but for conscience. Absolute values, on the love of which Russian people united — God, the Tsar, the Motherland, or, as it sounded in the mass: for Faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland. Thus, the well-known formula «Orthodoxy Autocracy Nationality» did not arise from scratch, but reflected the conciliar values of the Russian people that arose in ancient times. These motifs are heard in the earliest works of Ancient Russia.

State principle, a strong central government and strong local self-government. At the same time, a combined symphony of secular and ecclesiastical power, which implements the main idea that the state, following the ideals of Christianity, must necessarily merge with the church. And finally, another ideal that should be noted is the struggle for one’s earthly Homeland, for one’s Fatherland, which is the initial movement into the Kingdom of Heaven.

National traits also include:

Love of freedom and the «breadth of the soul»

The breadth of the soul, generosity, freedom — all these are characteristic features of the Russian mentality. Russians are not afraid to show concern for others and say what they really think. Since high spiritual ideals push the Russian person to the truth, they will never tolerate what can no longer be tolerated, and will say what is important to them.

National resilience, tolerance and patriotism

The Russian character is sometimes called slavish by those who don’t understand anything about Russian culture, its history, national interests and outlooks. The Russian character, big heart and high ideals allow you to forgive a lot, be tolerant and turn a blind eye to shortcomings for a long period of time. And yet there is no place for slavish. What we do comes from the strength of our character, not from weakness. And the Russian people are patriotic and able to rally in difficult times, and if they had something to fight for, they would certainly stand any test. Later on you will see what the Russians are capable of to defend its land and people. It’s about the strength of mind and will, not to cloud anyone’s eyes and prestige.

Living according to the heart

An open soul, honesty, ease of communication makes a person of the Russian mentality attractive to others. It is typical for a person of the Russian mentality to be delicate, but one does not behave like this with others out of instilled politeness.

Nevertheless, sometimes it is easier for a Russian person to lie than to tell the truth to the interlocutor, so as not to hurt him. But each quality has its negative sides and aspects.

Preservation of individuality and identity

Russia has its own unique path of development, which differs from the Western one. There remains a place for individuality and identity in it. The Russian mentality contains tremendous strength and energy, while the Russian man has an indomitable will, dedication and is ready to be truthful and real, to resist adversity. According to Berdyaev, Russia has a worldwide mission to make a breakthrough in literature, a Russian thought and popular religious life are full of prophetic forebodings for a reason. As you know, the images of Russian classics are recognized worldwide as literary masterpieces, so they are full of insights not only for us. But these are just guesses. Whether Russia will become a spiritual compass for future generations is a big question that will probably remain open for a long time.

Unification of Russian people, native speakers of the Russian language and culture, as well as adherents of traditional values around the ideas of the Russian world is our mission

The history of the origin of the «Russian idea» goes back to the 19th century. During this period, many thinkers and philosophers tried to assess Russia’s past and identify the principles on which its future will be created.

The Russian idea acquired special significance and relevance at the end of the 20th century after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many philosophers have tried to fill the resulting ideological vacuum with the idea of consolidating disunited Russian-speaking compatriots. The concept served as a kind of tool with which ideologists tried to comprehend the realities in which the new state acts as a special historical and cultural space with its own traditions and rules. Some scientists express the opinion that the concept of the «Russian world» complemented and helped to reveal the idea of Russia’s political sovereignty. Although the need for the ideology of the «Russian world» at the official state level seemed obvious, the 1993 Constitution clearly stated that «no ideology can be established as a state or mandatory».

In the early 2000s, the term Russian world firmly entered the political discourse. The fact that great hopes are pinned on the idea of the «Russian world», and the promotion of the concept has become one of the primary tasks of state policy, became especially noticeable during the first and second terms of V. Putin’s presidency. This is confirmed by the statement made at the opening of the World Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots, when the need for «consolidation and structuring» of the united Russian world was first voiced. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in 2006,

«The Russian world can and should unite all those who value the Russian word and Russian culture, wherever they live, in Russia or abroad».

In 2014, when finally, Crimea returned to its Homeland, to the state, the concept helped the people to convey to society the significance and importance of the long-awaited return of the native Russian territories. Some called it a Russian Spring (русская весна).

It is the «Russian world», which sounds like a call for national revival and preservation of Russia’s material and spiritual growth, that helped Russians realize the full scale of the historical moment for our country, and Crimea to integrate faster upon returning home. The Russian peoples (народ) has every reason to demand recognition of our rights of reunification as the Russian people. And in the long historical perspective, there is hardly a force that can prevent it.

The same thing is happening now, when Russia has once again assumed the mission of saving the Russian people, which is being carried out within the framework of its own. Russia has always created and liberated, such is its historical, spiritual and moral mission.

The unity of the Russian people and the Russian state is the main guarantee of unity, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. Russian people, Russian culture, and Russian language has been and remain the main factor consolidating the unity of Russia.

Staraya Ladoga: 862 — 864 and Novgorod: 862 — 882

Staraya Ladoga: 862 — 864

is located in the lower reaches (в низовьях) of the Volkhov River, near its confluence (впадения) with Lake Ladoga. It is considered one of the most ancient settlements in the north-west of modern Russia. Perhaps Rurik himself, the founder of the dynasty that ruled for over seven hundred years, once kept his residence here.

There was a powerful fortress in Staraya Ladoga, which endured invasions and sieges for several centuries.

However, as archaeological excavations have shown, and long before the appearance of Rurik, Staraya Ladoga was a significant settlement and a major trading post, a place of interaction between people of various cultures. Here they didn’t just trade, but also peacefully got along side by side, already in ancient times being an example of genuine multiculturalism and tolerance.

Historian V.O. Klyuchevsky writes that Rurik obviously did not trust the Novgorodians too much. Initially, he preferred to stay away from Novgorod, in Ladoga (currently the village of Staraya Ladoga in Leningrad region) closer to his homeland, where he could hide if necessary.

In Ladoga, in order to ensure his safety, he immediately started building a fortress. It was originally made of wood. Later, his successor, Prince/Knyaz Oleg, built a stone Old Ladoga fortress on this site. Its remains were discovered by Russian archaeologists in the XX century

One of the most beautiful and energetically strong coats of arms of Russia is a golden falcon flying down — to attack.

Staraya Ladoga attracts guests from all over the world. The reason for everything is the unique Russian flavor, picturesque nature, amazing architectural ensembles and ancient monasteries. Rest assured, there is something to see in Staraya Ladoga.

Sightseeing is better to start with an ancient defensive structure located in the center of the village on the banks of the Volkhov River. Ladoga Fortress is located on the site of the IX—X century fortification that once stood here. During the reign of Prince Oleg, the fortification was rebuilt from stone. The structure acquired its modern appearance in the XVI century. Interestingly, the Old Ladoga fortress was used as a defensive fort until the first half of the XVIII century. In the 70s of the last century, a museum of local lore was opened within its walls. In summer, a festival with costumed performances and reconstructions of memorable battles takes place next to the military fortification.

St. George’s Church is located inside the fortress — an architectural monument from the pre-Mongol period of Russia. Today there are no services in the church, but here you can see a large collection of frescoes, including the famous work dedicated to St. George piercing the dragon.

It is advised to visit the St. Nicholas Monastery, which was founded in the XIII century in honor of the defeat of the Swedish troops on Staraya Ladoga. In the courtyard of the monastery is the Church of St. St. John Chrysostom, whose walls are decorated with frescoes and paintings with biblical motifs and traditional Russian ornaments. Next to the monastery is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas dating from the XV century.

Novgorod: 862 to 882

Many researchers believe that Novgorod was the first capital of Russia, where Rurik and Igor ruled since 862.

«Господин Великий Новгород!»

The ancient city was first mentioned in 859 in the Novgorod First Chronicle. In the IX century, it was a major center of international trade: it had a favorable location because it stood at the crossroads of waterways. The city was governed by the Veche (вече) — the people’s Assembly, which elected the knyaz, set taxes and solved public issues. Even during the raids of the Golden Horde, Novgorod remained independent. In 1478, during the reign of Ivan III Vasilyevich, the city united lands with Moscow.

Novgorod played an important role in the development of Russian historical science: numerous birch bark letters found here, scientists were able to learn not only many facts of political and social history, but also to better understand the culture of everyday life of Ancient Russia. Basically, the letters were petitions, bills of sale, letters, conspiracies. Especially interesting from a scientific point of view were the letters with drawings: dating from the XIII century, they are among the most ancient among the works of children’s creativity that have come down to us.

As many as 12 letters were found in Veliky Novgorod, they were created by a boy named Onfim, who was apparently 6—7 years old. He didn’t just write on birch bark, but also drew (the drawings were not numbered and included in the total number of diplomas). Experts found out that all of them were created around 1234—1268 and they all survived together, because, most likely, the young man just lost them all together.

What did Onfim write?

Like today’s children, at this age he was learning to read and write, and therefore the bulk of his records are educational records.

However, if modern children at this age are just going to school or finishing the first grade, the confidence with which Onfim wrote his notes allows experts to judge that writing was already a familiar thing for him. They managed to write out the alphabet three times, and then write syllables.

From the Proto-Slavic language, the Common East Slavic language was distinguished (VI—VII century). And after that, the Common East Slavic language (it is also called Old Russian) was already formed, which existed until the XIV century. Feudal fragmentation of Russia, the separation of northeastern Russia from western and southwestern Russia led to the formation of the Great Russian state in the XIV—XVI centuries and to the new formation of the Russian language.

The history of the Russian literary language traditionally begins with the emergence of writing. The first reliable written monuments appeared after the baptism of Russia in 988. Russia received liturgical books in Slavic translations from Greek from Bulgaria. These texts were written in Old Slavonic, an artificial written language created by Cyril and Methodius and their students.

When Old Slavonic texts appear in Russia, their language is exposed to the influence of local East Slavic dialects under the hand of Russian scribes. Thus arose the Russian edition of the Old Slavonic language, i.e. the Church Slavonic language.

Oleg of Novgorod (Oleg the Wise, Oleg of Kiev), perhaps, is one of the most mysterious rulers of Russia.

According to the story «The Tale of Bygone Years» (a.k.a the Primary Chronicle), after the death of Knyaz Rurik in 879, Oleg took the throne. Before his death, the Grand Knyaz chose Oleg as his successor and ordered him to rule the Russian lands until the legitimate ruler Igor grows up.

Having headed Northern Russia, Knyaz Oleg did not sit idly by and immediately continued the work of his predecessor — the unification of the Slavic-Russian lands into a single power.

Less than three years after Rurik’s death, he gathered a powerful army and, taking little Igor with him, moved south. He subordinated Smolensk and Lyubech (the Northern Key to Kiev) to his power, planting his governors there. The cities were taken without a fight.

«Kiev is the mother of Russian cities» is a translation of a fragment of ancient Russian literature — the Tale of Bygone Years.

The phrase belonged to Knyaz Oleg when he officially declared Kiev the capital, the main city over other settlements of Russia in 882.

Questions

What was the 1st unofficial capital of Rus?

Who was Oleg the Wise?

What are the evidences of novgorodians being literate in the IX century?

One of the most famous sights of Novgorod is a monument to the Millennium of Russia. Its grand opening took place in 1862, the year after the abolition of serfdom. The time of the monument’s installation was not chosen by chance. This date is considered to be the year of birth of Russia, and after 1000 years, the solemn celebration of the first millennium of the Russian state took place.

The monument «The Millennium of Russia» is installed on the square of the Novgorod Kremlin, opposite the majestic St. Sophia Cathedral, in front of the building where the Museum of the History of Veliky Novgorod is located today. Externally, the monument looks like a Monomakh’s hat and a large bell. The domed pedestal is completed by a large orb-power, which has become a symbol of the rule of two royal dynasties — the Rurikovich and Romanov. The sculptural images installed here are dedicated to collective images and specific historical figures — Russian tsars, famous military leaders, clergymen, writers and artists.

The authors of the monument are sculptor Mikhail Mikeshin and Ivan Schroeder, architect Viktor Hartman.

Height:15.7m

Weight: 65 tons

The monument has the shape of a bell and contains 128 human figures. Sculptural images are divided into three levels.

The upper level of sculptures.

The monument is crowned by a figure kneeling in front of an angel with a cross (the personification of the Orthodox Church) of a woman personifying Russia. This group is installed at the top of the power (the emblem of the royal power), crowning the composition. The state is decorated with a relief ornament of crosses (a symbol of the unity of the church and autocracy) and is girded with the inscription,

«To the accomplished thousandth of the state of Russia, the prosperous reign of Emperor Alexander III in 1862».

The middle level of the sculptures contains 6 groups of figures, a total of 17 figures around the sphere — power, symbolizing various periods of the history of the Russian state. Each group is focused on a certain part of the world, which has a symbolic meaning and shows the role of each sovereign in strengthening certain frontiers of the state. This part reflects the following most important stages of the history of Russia: Rurik (862), The Baptism of Rus’ (988), The Battle of Kulikovo (1380), The formation of United Rus’ (the end of the XIV century), The beginning of the Romanov dynasty (1613), the creation of the Russian Empire (1721).

The lower part of the monument.

There is a frieze in it, on which the high reliefs of 109 figures of history, religion, science and culture are placed.

Initially, it was planned that the high relief (the third tier) would repeat the second one in a plot: six medallions, on which the six epochs of the Russian state were to be depicted in more detail — and reflect the participation of the people in the life of the country, thus completing the triad with nationality.

Immediately after the revolutionary events of 1917, the historical monument began to be regarded as one of the symbols of autocracy. It was not demolished, but it was closed from people, sheathed with boards and plywood sheets. However, they were later removed, and the monument «Millennium of Russia» became available for viewing.

At the end of the summer of 1941, Veliky Novgorod was occupied by German troops. In the winter of 1943—1944, the monument began to be dismantled in order to be taken out to the territory of Germany in parts. The Germans have already managed to dismantle and send the iron grating and bronze lanterns. However, at the end of January 1944, Soviet troops entered the city.

By that time, the historical monument was in a dilapidated state. Its upper part was almost completely destroyed. There was a crumpled monument on the pedestal, many details of which were missing — there were not enough swords, staffs, shields and spears.

The city authorities decided to restore the monument «Millennium of Russia» in the shortest possible time. To do this, a special narrow-gauge track was built to it and scaffolding was built for workers. Almost 1.5 thousand missing parts had to be cast anew. The grand opening of the Novgorod monument took place before the end of the Great Patriotic War, in November 1944.

Paganism

Paganism of Ancient Russia: hierarchy of gods, Slavic rituals and amulets

Until we adopted Christianity, paganism was the basis of our ancestors’ religious beliefs. Pagan ideas were an integral part of the life of all Slavs, filling their existence from their birth to the last days.

The essence of the belief was in the spiritualization of the forces of nature. Since paganism is polytheism, they did not have a single idea of God. They worshipped the sun and the storm, the earth and the wind. Each of the Slavic gods was personified by some phenomenon occurring in nature or by the elements. The Slavs believed in the existence of three worlds. The first is the invisible Upper World — the world of the gods. The second is the world that actually exists. It is real and people live in it. The third world is the world underground, where people go after death. And therefore, they were sure that everything that surrounds them is endowed with intelligence and power, and it is alive.

The gods of the Eastern Slavs.

In 988 Knyaz Vladimir of Kiev established Christianity in Rus’. And before that, the Eastern Slavs were pagans (язычники). This meant that they did not believe in the one God, they believed in many different gods who stood at the highest step of the pagan religious system. The gods were endowed with the most important functions and were considered the most powerful and powerful of all pagan deities (языческих божеств) and spirits (духов). Slavic folklore has a cult character (культовый характер), where the same god is worshipped in different forms and shapes from tribe to tribe.

We’ll be taking a closer look at our Gods before converting to Christianity. It is crucial for us to know our roots and know where we came from.

Main gods are presented below

Rod (Род) is the god of creation.

Our ancestors believed that over the whole world, living and inanimate, stands the main god — a powerful and all-seeing Rod, to which belongs the merit (заслуга) of the creation of people, birds, animals and other gods.

Everything is in his strong hands, and Rod rules its creation, the world, wisely and fairly, despite the encroachments of dark deities who want to gain unlimited power. With his mighty power, Rod was able to create the impossible — from the chaos reigning around, he created the world and its components.

In Slavic mythology, there is an opinion that the Creator existed in the universal egg, personifying the cosmic Universe. The God Rod was sent by the higher powers to establish order in Chaos. However, according to another version, the progenitor (прародитель) created himself inside the egg.

Rod completed his task. He divided a single clot of chaos into darkness and light, day and night. Dark gods appeared in the dark particles, and light ones appeared in the white ones. But they were all at enmity with each other, and then the creator of the universe divided the world into three parts:

Prav (Правь) — the world of the bright Gods and the place of residence of the children of the Genus;

Yav (Явь) — the earthly material manifestation of the world;

Nav (Навь) is an invisible world of the underground kingdom of darkness, where spirits live without flesh.

All three worlds are interconnected, and are considered as a single Universe.

The true appearance of Rod remains unknown. Legend has it that after the creation of the world, the God dissolved into it, but continued to exist and all other gods had to obey his orders.

Still, there are several assumptions about what God looked like.:

— he had a human appearance — on earth he appeared as a gray-haired old man with a long well-groomed beard, in a white robe;

— on the forehead there was always a hoop with a symbol of the sun;

— the old man had very thick and gray eyebrows.

Rod planted a World Tree (Oak) that covered the upper world with its crown, penetrated the earthly world with its trunk, and went deep into the underground world with its roots.

Animal symbols of Rod is a Duck and Pike — are symbols of the creation of the world.

God gave birth to a lot of daughters and sons. These gods are called the Higher Ones. He has a female hypostasis, which at the same time is his daughter. This is the goddess Lada, symbolizing all women-mothers and the Earth. The goddess Lada appeared from the breath of the Genus, in her earthly incarnation she flew in the form of a Bird of the Nea around the world and conveyed the will of Rod to all living beings. Of the sons of the Forefather, the most famous and powerful is Svarog, the great god who completed the creation of the world.

Svarog (Сварог) is the god of heaven, the father of light, who is the progenitor of the real world, who bound all things at the dawn of the creation of the universe.

People sent their pleas (мольбы) for a good harvest, an abundance of fruits, good seedlings of crops. Svarog creates everything with his own hands, so he loves manual labor and creates the material world. According to legends, it is clear that he gives people fire for cooking and heating in winter. In addition, according to the beliefs of the ancient Slavs, it is also known that the God of Fire and Justice taught different peoples to use iron tools or military weapons. With his heat of the Fire of Justice, he will shower only those who carelessly touch the elements, who are unclean in heart. Therefore, he often tells people how to protect the Truth, the Will and the Light of Knowledge.

He created the commandments and gave them to people. The fire of knowledge and creative development potential is: warmth, life, the basis is in the universe.

He gives patronage (покровительство) to those who show character traits similar to Him: hardworking, fair. If you have the qualities of such a God in you, and his sparks have sunk into your soul, then you are also like him.

Married to Lada.

Lada (Лада) is the goddess of love, beauty, prosperity, well-being and fertility, the patroness of family unions, maintaining harmony and peace in the house. She is a life-giving force, is an image of the Mother Goddess.

She kept the entire universe in harmony and balance since the beginning of time. Everything that exists in the world is under her protection.

The image of the goddess Lada has been preserved to this day. Then people depict a divine being in the form of a young, bright and at the same time strict woman. Her hair is long, white or yellow. The main attribute of this goddess is considered to be a swan, which embodies purity, loyalty and love. And a birch. It is considered a purely feminine.

Going deeper into thinking about specific aspects of God, we comprehend the forces of the universe that are hidden in each of us as unlimited possibilities. Thus, the goddess Lada is a harmonizing creative force that can be revealed in us through creativity. Harmony and beauty are at the heart of any true good creativity. In the same way we create our own world — how harmonious our inner world is, it is directly reflected outside — and it depends only on us. There is no need to complain about the evil fate or the injustice of the gods — we are responsible for what happens to us. This is the main lesson of the goddess Lada — the divine energy is hidden in us, which we can direct in creation.

Dazhbog (Дажбог или Даждьбог) is the god of the sun, who, as they said, was reborn in the morning from the hands of Dawn (Twilight).

He rode his chariot through the sky, drawn by three horses; one of gold, one of silver, and the other of diamonds. It was said that he traveled through the twelve kingdoms of the day before entering the underworld, where his absence signaled the onset of night. People represented Dazhbog as a mature man dressed in animal skins and accompanied by a wolf. It was said that he could transform into a wolf at will. It was believed that He gave rise to all Slavic clans. His life-giving warmth and light help a rich harvest to come into the world, the Mother’s Land to be fertile, and people in homes and families to receive prosperity and profit in everything. He gave warmth and gentle rays to the whole world, and with them the earth came to life, bringing good fruits to people. He was the patron saint of fertility and farmers, whose life was in direct connection with the sun and the weather. Dazhbog really gifted people with the help of light, which became the life-giving basis for plant growth.

Married to Morana

Morana (Морана, Мара, Морена) is the the goddess of winter and death.

Mara, as well as Chernobog, was above human concepts: good and evil, she did the work, fulfilled the destiny to which her Family, the progenitor of all things, doomed her, and therefore it would not be quite right to call her the goddess of death, because indeed, Morena interrupts human life in the real (Yav) world. Winds howl, blizzards rage, the cold penetrates to the very bones. Morana will not spare anyone who gets in her way, they will fall asleep forever in her arms. She cannot save those unfortunate people who are destined to perish in the snow and in blizzards, since death is inexorable and impartial in its right, however, as well as life.

People are afraid and dislike Morana, call her dark and evil, burn her effigy (чучело) in the spring, drive her away like an uninvited guest. Many people do not even realize that the snow is a blanket that, like a loving mother, wraps the land of Mara, winds and blizzards are lullabies that she sings so that forests and mountains, all living things sleep soundly and serenely, instead of a hunter frozen in the forest, in the spring she will be born in the villages two tough kids. Winter is inevitably followed by spring, that is, rebirth, dawn, rise.

Perun (Перун) is the god of thunder, associated with mountains, oaks and eagles.

The pagan god Perun was born on that stormy day when thunderclaps shook the earth and terrifying lightning pierced the firmament.

These forces of nature became the best lullaby for the baby: only during a thunderstorm he slept sweetly, did not cause unnecessary trouble.

Based on the fact that Perun was a thunderer, he was able to cause severe thunderstorms. God didn’t just throw lightning bolts for His own pleasure: with their help, he punished people who angered him. Usually the undesirables were burned alive on the spot. Those who managed to survive were considered almost saints. The lucky ones were called «marked by Perun», because after the incident, they usually discovered hidden magical powers, quackery skills and psychic abilities.

Perun ruled the Earth and all its inhabitants. He ruled from the sky and was often symbolized by an eagle sitting on top of the highest branch of the sacred tree from which he observed his world.

Perun is a terrible god, and at the same time merciful, bringing grace to the earth in the form of rains that fertilize our land, therefore he is also considered a god of fertility, for he saturates with grace rain in the spring

Married to Dodola

Dodola (Додола) — is the Goddess of thunderstorms.

She is noticeably different from the usual female images. Dodola was identified with thunderstorms and rains, and she was represented as a determined warrior.

However, such a beauty was a match for her husband — Perun himself. The young goddess liked Perun at first sight, who, without further ado (суета), offered to get married. A faithful helper and support of her husband, she patronized young girls, helped them find their betrothed and find family happiness.

Slavs turned to Diva-Dodola with requests for rain. According to tradition, only her priestesses, young girls, could turn to the Slavic Goddess of Thunderstorms. They danced in white robes, gave the Goddess offerings, and the Goddess Diva-Dodola always answered their request.

It may seem to us that the veneration of Dodola is a thing of the past, but even today we adhere to many ancient rituals known to our ancestors. In addition, handmade candles, shaped like a scythe, are becoming popular these days. The ancient Slavs used them during the celebrations dedicated to Dodola.

Veles (Велес) is one of the main Slavic gods associated with the underworld. He is associated with cattle, trade, and druid magic.

He can be also perceived with a huge serpent that wraps around the roots of the world tree on which he ruled the land of the dead. His opponent is the thunder god Perun, and the battles between these two deities constitute one of the most important myths of Slavic mythology.

Veles is one of the most powerful, ambiguous and mysterious Gods of the Slavic pantheon, the Ruler of Three Worlds, a Dark God and a fighter against Darkness, great and simple at the same time. Among the Slavic Gods, he is both his own and someone else’s at the same time.

The patron saint of sorcerers and magicians who served him. Perhaps because of this involvement in the unknown, «dark» part of existence, Veles was subsequently perceived ambiguously. Despite this, initially God was the bright incarnation of the creator and keeper of order. The legends say that the power of Veles could awaken the will in a person, push him to the right decision, that is, give the required determination, backed up by awareness (wisdom).

Married to Mokosh.

Mokosh (Мокошь/Макошь) is one of the most ambiguous goddesses of the Slavic pantheon, patronizing fate.

Being the wife of the god Veles, she was the mistress of the transition of souls from the real world to another. When a person’s life ends, the soul leaves the mortal body and comes to the «Veles pasture».

Veles and Makosh meet their souls and conduct a conscientious trial of their ancestors, where they determine a new fate based on past deeds, so that in the future life the soul will learn lessons.

She promoted family well-being, the birth of children and all the typical female occupations, and especially spinning and weaving, which for many centuries have been the main business of any woman.

In ancient times, she hailed those who had to sew clothes for all family members herself. First, process flax, then make yarn from it, spin threads from this yarn, and weave a cloth from threads on a homemade loom. And already sew clothes from this canvas. Women sat at spinning wheels on long winter evenings to spin more threads, because families used to be large and a lot of canvases were needed. Therefore, only women worshipped Mokosh and asked her to help them in their difficult household chores. Of the days of the week, Friday was dedicated to Mokosh — on this day, women did not spin or wash, so as not to offend their patroness.

Stribog (Стрибог) is the ruler of the winds, who was born by Svarog from a spark of light from a hammer blow on Alatyr (Алатырь).

Stribog lives in the world of Prav (Правь), where he opposes all evil and his associates.

He is an opponent of intruders and violations of laws. The symbol of Stribog is a bow and arrow.

He does not always show only his bright side. In the old days, seafarers, merchants who had to travel long distances by sea, especially revered (чтили) Stribog, because they knew about his destructive abilities. This god could cause storms, raise waves in the ocean, create snowstorms, bend and break trees, spread fire.

The god Stribog was also worshipped by the Magi. All this was due to the fact that in the view of the ancient Slavs, the wind was a conductor of spiritual energy.

The Magi revered Stribog as the guardian of the balance of natural forces, since his winds could also shed rains, bringing life-giving moisture to the earth, but they could also, raging, demolish everything in their path. Stribog seemed to be the embodiment of the unity of wisdom and emotional side.

Married to Nemiza.

Nemiza (Немиза) — is the Goddess of the air, winds.

Her head is crowned with rays and wings, and a bird in flight is depicted on his chest. Light as a feather, she herself sometimes becomes a feather, resting in the air.

When, in the heat of the day, a slight coolness suddenly touches the forehead, it is Nemiza who favors, lazily flapping her wing. She is not quarrelsome and allows the winds to frolic without interfering in their affairs. But if they quarrel too much and spin a mad carousel, she will intervene and restore order.

There is nothing else on the deity.

Yarilo (Ярило) is the main god of vegetation, fertility and spring, and was also associated with war and harvest. It is believed that he is the lost son of Perun. They say Yarilo was stolen from his father and taken to the world of the dead, where he was adopted and raised by Veles, an enemy of Perun. Yarilo and his sister Morana are associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Chur (Чур) — is the guardian God of Slavic clans.

According to beliefs, Chur follows the kind of people, is closer to a person than other Gods, so he can always notice the danger in time and tell other Gods about it. So, by virtue of the intervention of Chur and Veles, a system of divination appeared that helps to look into the future to protect oneself from trouble.

Sometimes he is associated with the spirits of the Ancestors. The word «chur» is also heard in the word «ancestor» — that’s what we call the ancestors. In addition, sometimes the figure-image of the ancestral spirit on the Slavic altar is called a Chur.

Most of all, Chur communicates with spirits that live next to people: brownies, goblins, water witches, mermaids. From them he learns a lot about what is happening in people’s world. He is friends with Veles, who likes to wander around the world of Reality. God also turns to wise Veles for help when it is necessary to figure out how to protect people from danger.

He is often told in the northern epics. Let him not participate in the big battles of the Slavic Gods, but people often meet with him and know him more than other Gods. They say that Chur, the Guardian of People, can change his appearance. Most often he appears as a white-bearded old man, but he may seem like a young man, or even turns into a white wolf. You can always tell a Chur by his bright blue eyes.

In a dangerous situation, the Guardian is the first to call for help. The tradition of addressing him is alive in the Russian language, even if many people do not know its origins. «Chur me!» — so we say, wanting to avoid danger. These words serve as the best protection against evil spirits, which the Slavs call nav. After all, he is the God who was created to protect people from the evil.

Other words, "Chur, mine!» — we say when we want to show that something is ours, to claim our rights to it. We also remember Chur as a God, the guardian not only of life, but also of human property.

July 27, Churov Day — this day is certainly spent together, with the whole family. By tradition, on the day, the owners of the land inspect their possessions, put up new boundary posts, bring the offerings, and later return to the house for a joint dinner with their relatives.

There is an amulet of this god and anyone who wants to appease him can carry it with them or hang it somewhere at home. He looks like a figure of a bearded brownie, with his hands on his belt. What this amulet protects is guarded by the Gods. Enemies will not steal or take away the goods acquired by the owner. The amulet protects the residents of the house from gossip and envy, drives away evil people.

The image of this household God is in Slavic cards, which are used for divination and magic.

Bereginya (Берегиня) — is the great old Russian Goddess, who gave birth to all things on Earth. She always and everywhere appears surrounded by sparkling horsemen, personifying the power of the Family, the radiance of the Sun and the triumph of Life. The goddess Bereginya is revered along with Makosh, Lada and Rod, so she stands on a par with the Highest Patron Gods of the human Race. The image of Beregini is closely connected with the Russian birch, which has absorbed the light and radiance of the sky. The goddess Beregin gave birth to many forest Mermaids-Beregin. Beregini mermaids are very similar to their river sisters: they are also girls who died before the wedding, or girls who committed suicide because of unrequited (неразделённая) love or infidelity. During the Russian Week, Beregini together with Mermaids come to our world to take a walk and see their relatives. They sit on the shores of lakes and rivers, comb their hair, weave wreaths and lure young guys into their arms who go crazy from their unearthly beauty and terrible cruelty. On the day of Ivan Kupala, the Beregini Mermaids leave their native lands and return back.

In literary descriptions, Bereginya was painted with peace and tranquility on her face. In her hands there will certainly always be either a flower (or a wreath of herbs and flowers), or a spike, or a noble bird. In some legends it is mentioned that ghouls were fiercely afraid of her, who bring pestilence and death to people. Therefore, offerings were brought to her to protect her family, home and the whole village. After all, only she can stop the impending evil force.

She could bestow (даровать) riches, protect the harvest. Sending their husbands to war, the women themselves performed the role of beregin — they made various charms, clothes, and so on with their own hands with slanders.

Bereginya was addressed for the safety of the treasure dug into the ground; women made dolls, on which they talked a conspiracy with the names of the beregins; as well as asking for the goddess to accompany their relatives on a long journey.

Kupala (Kupalo, Купала и/или Купало) the bright god of the summer Sun, light, warmth, love, fertility and purity, the patron of the elements of water and fire in the Russian tradition.

Since our ancestors believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala (July 7th), water, fire, flowers and herbs acquire (приобретают) magical properties — they become able to cleanse from sins and heal from all diseases — then most of the rituals and traditions were connected with them.

For example, a holiday was unthinkable without a bonfire and jumping over it. Moreover, young people liked jumping through fire the most: after all, this is an occasion to show their prowess (доблесть). In addition, our ancestors were sure that one such jump could cure diseases and the evil eye, and at the same time make the person who made it happier and luckier. Girls also loved this fun: they believed that this way you can become more beautiful and attractive.

But this pastime has always been especially popular among lovers: it was believed that if a young couple held hands and jumped over the fire as if nothing had happened, then she would be inseparable.

Another mandatory item of the festive program has always been mass bathing. The magical properties attributed to water were not the only reason for our ancestors to plunge into the nearest reservoir: they believed that on the shortest night of the year, evil spirits leave all lakes and rivers.

The change of times or the confrontation of good with evil

Belobog is the White God of the growing year and one of the companions of Dazhbog. He represents sunlight, warmth and life. His followers pray to him for guidance through the dark forests and to bring a bountiful harvest. Belobog is a bright bearded man with a staff in white clothes. He appeared only during the day, doing good deeds on his way and bringing success and happiness to people. It is believed that he fought twice a year with his evil brother Chernobog, the Black God, for control of the seasons.

Chernobog was associated with gloomy attributes such as cold, hunger, poverty and disease. Despite this, he still enjoys respect among all the other gods. Some say that during the creation of the world, these two brothers came into conflict, and their polarizing actions created the cycles of the universe (night and day, summer and winter, and the movement of the stars). Chernobog rules the dark half of the year, and Belobog rules the lighter half.

In Slavic mythology, darkness is considered an important aspect of cosmic balance. Evil gods were dangerous and could bring great suffering to the country, but while the good deities performed their duties, darkness always gave way to light, hope and prosperity. Respecting the dark side of nature, the Slavs were able to survive it and return to the light.

Belobog (Белобог) is the god of light and good luck, purity and truth.

Everyone who turns to him gets happiness, success in business. This divine personality is Creative and Luminous. In ancient times, his temples were built only on the tops of hills — it was important that the temple of God was completely open to the Sun. There was rich decoration in the temple — gold, silver jewelry, created a magical play of sunlight, reflections of its rays. Even at night, everyone could see how they continued to illuminate the temple, in which the slightest shadow could not be found.

Belobog loves to work, therefore he respects all workers. It was said that he could appear to some peasant right in the rye, and there was a bag of money on his nose. If he asks a man to wipe his nose, he will wipe it, at the same time he will take a purse with wealth.

In the cult of veneration of the White God, we find features that are characteristic of the Sun god: a white horse, a white falcon. Belobog is the Slavic god of fire and white light, creative, blazing with the light of the revealed creation from the source of the universe.

Chernobog (Чернобог) an evil god who brings troubles and misfortunes, whose goal is to chain the whole world with ice, capturing the kingdom of the mortal world of Reality.

Interesting facts about this god begin to appear from his birth.

Don’t be surprised that he doesn’t have parents. According to legends, Chernobog was born from the Nav world to be the opposite of light.

The main skill of Chernobog is the ability to transform into a variety of people or creatures. His favorite images were the serpent and the black raven, the messenger of troubles and death. He could also take human form.

The most common was the description of Chernobog as a man in military armor. In many legends, he acts as a warrior, leading continuous battles with the light forces. Chernobog, like other Navi Gods, is often chosen as a patron by those who know, those who seek to comprehend the secret. Those who are close to Chernobog are able to see more than others. Some call it intuition, while others call it a sharp mind and observation. Those who are close to Chernobog, strive to explore the world. Some — with the help of science, others — turning to magic.

Other beliefs of the Eastern Slavs.

The ancient Slavs greatly revered their ancestors. They deified the long-dead founders of the family and deeply believed that their spirit protected the whole family from troubles. Our ancestors also thought that the spirits of the dead could walk among the living. They imagined them as mermaids. Just all the cartoon characters of our time presented in the form of a goblin, a vodyanoi (water creature), a kikimora are nothing but the imagination of the ancient Eastern Slavs about evil spirits.

The kikimoras have several origins according to Slavic traditions:

— babies born with defects are children who died during childbirth, premature or deformed;

— children created from vicious relationships;

— children who were disowned by their parents, and they were abducted by evil spirits.

It is believed that kikimoras do not appear for no reason in a person’s home. They settle where a child has died or a person has hanged himself for some reason.

The favorite occupation of the kikimora according to Slavic mythology is weaving and spinning. People saw the causes of all their illnesses and troubles in the tricks of these evil spirits or the wrath of the gods. Therefore, they were treated with the help of spells, incantations and sacrifices. To protect themselves, they came up with a charm for themselves. And in the houses, a figure of a brownie was installed in a prominent place, which symbolized the spirit of a deceased ancestor and they were sure that it would protect their home from thieves, fire and would protect their peace.

Annual wheel — all Slavic holidays

The main pagan Slavic holidays were/are:

Kolyada (Коляда) or the birth of the Sun, coped on the day of the winter solstice (зимнее солнцестояние);

December 21 has long been considered the day of the beginning of astronomical winter.

After December 21, the god Kolyada was born and a holiday was organized on his day, accompanied by rituals. People sang songs, glorified the deities (божества). The ancient Slavs rejoiced that starting from December 21, the Sun would be shining longer and longer, for which they appreciated him. When Christianity became the state religion, Christmas was celebrated on this day. In the pagan circles of the ancient Slavs, this day began to realize the birth of the gods.

On December 21, the ancient Slavs got rid of all the old, all the remnants and made wishes for the new year. Three days before the winter solstice and three days after were considered particularly energetic, so on this day wishes played a special power, it was believed that they could be fulfilled with greater probability.

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

Each family was waiting for 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 there was always a ritual roll (обрядовый калач) on it, which was treated to those who came to caroling. The hospitable (радушные) hosts believed that the more guests gathered in their house, the better the chickens would sit on the eggs.

After a cheerful tour of the houses, the youth (молодёжь) gathered in a gathering hut (изба) for a general feast (пир), where they shared and ate everything that the villagers (односельчане) gave them. Then, dressed up in new clothes, the young people danced to the tune to avoid crop failure, listened to fairy tales and wondered about their fate.

«Коляда, коляда!

А бывает коляда

Накануне Рождества.

Коляда пришла…»

Maslenitsa (Масленица) served as a symbol of the winter time wire (March 3rd — 9th)

Maslenitsa is one of the most cheerful holidays of the year, which is widely celebrated throughout Russia.

It reflects centuries-old traditions, carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation. This is a week-long holiday, it’s a rite (обряд) with round dances (хороводы), songs, dances, games, dedicated to saying goodbye to winter and meeting spring.

In fact, 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 change of seasons. Winter has always been a difficult time for people: cold, hunger, dark. Therefore, the arrival of spring was especially rejoiced (радоваться), and it was necessary to celebrate it. Our ancestors (предки) said that it is difficult for a young Spring to overcome (одолеть) the old treacherous (коварную) Winter. To help Spring drive away Winter, they organized fun festivities (гулянья).

Our ancestors revered the sun as a God, because it gave life to everything. People rejoiced at the sun, which began to appear more and more often with the approach of spring. Therefore, there was a tradition in honor of the spring sun to bake round, shaped like the sun.

Another participant (участник) of the Carnival festivities was a bear. People put a bearskin (шкуру медведя) on one of the men, and he danced. Later in the cities, a live bear was also shown on the square. The bear has become 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 wakes up. The bear woke up — so spring has come.

And, of course, the symbol of the holiday is an effigy (чучело) of Maslenitsa, made of straw (солома) and dressed in bright clothes. The effigy personified (представляло/олицетворяло) the Maslenitsa holiday itself, and the evil 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 do not eat and do not have fun will 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, 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 out the tongues of light.

The birds on March 21 had a special significance, since it was believed that the souls of the departed inhabit the birds. To appease the ancestors, the birds were fed cereals and bread crumbs. In the late afternoon, people gathered on the hills and feasted with the souls of their ancestors.

The holiday played a special role for those who decided to get engaged. March 21 in ancient times was considered the most popular in order to have a wedding. In addition, even now this day is the most popular for tying each other in marriage. There is an old Russian proverb about this, which read as follows: «The one who gets married on a Great day will never get divorced.»

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

Mermaid Week (Русальная неделя) — held before June 21;

It is believed that the period from June 14 to June 20 was a time for the rampant forces of darkness, which meant divination (гадания).

They were guessing mainly for the future. In addition to divination, the ancient Slavs made wishes and prayed to the forces of nature to give generous gifts. This week was especially special for girls, because it was the most favorable for guessing about their marriage.

Swimming in lakes and rivers was strictly forbidden this week. The reason is that these days were dedicated to sea deities: mermaids and other small gods.

The week was celebrated merrily, mainly 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 elastic branches of trees, call to each other and sing quiet long-drawn songs. Sometimes they arrange games, running through forest glades and groves, and where such a water inhabitant runs, according to legend, the grass grows thicker and juicier than on other parts of the earth.

And, although they seem fragile and harmless in appearance, a person should expect much more danger from this evil than good. After all, when mermaids splash in the water, they do not forget to confuse fishing nets. They send storms and torrential rains to rural fields and lands, ruining young green shoots, and hail can even call such that it will break all the roofs of the villagers.

And also, according to popular belief, they are very fond of stealing from negligent housewives who scatter their belongings, yarn and linen canvases anywhere, especially if such a hostess, going to bed, does not cross her house on four sides, following the example of pious Christians, while reading the prayer «May God rise again». They unwrap the stolen yarn, swinging on trees, and bragging about their prey in front of other undead.

And, although they seem fragile and harmless in appearance, a person should expect much more danger from this evil than good. After all, when mermaids splash in the water, they do not forget to confuse fishing nets and spoil millstones. They send storms and torrential rains to rural fields and lands, ruining young green shoots, and hail can even call such that it will break all the roofs of the villagers.

Despite the strictest prohibitions of the Church, it was not possible to finally eradicate such beliefs among the people. Even in the strict times of the Middle Ages, people in some places continued to celebrate a 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 XIX 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, with many pagan rituals. A large bonfire was built, through which they jumped all night, round dances were conducted around the fire.

Jumping over the fire, people were cleansed, and besides, such a rite served as a talisman against evil forces.

On June 21, it was already allowed to swim — such bathing had a ritual character. For unmarried girls, Kupala was a special day, because right now it was possible to find a betrothed (суженый). Flower girls wove wreaths (цветочницы плели венки) and let them flow down the river. The guy who caught the wreath should become a husband for the girl who launched the wreath.

Bathing in rivers and lakes was allowed. It was believed that Kupala night was magical, at this time the line between the real world and the otherworldly was the thinnest. People believed that animals talked to other animals that night, just as plants talked to plants. They even believed that trees could walk that night.

Sorcerers on Kupalo prepare special potions, mostly love potions. The herbs in Kupalo were especially strong.

Harvest Festival (Праздник урожая) — Autumn Equinox;

The ancient Slavs celebrated rituals on this day, built large bonfires, led so-called autumn dances around them. People welcomed autumn and saw off the warm summer. We spent this day having a lot of fun, cooking delicious dishes. Mostly there were big pies, they meant a good harvest next year.

People wished each other all the best and hoped that everything they wanted would come true in the new year. In addition, the Slavs renewed the fire in their huts: the old one was completely extinguished, the ashes were raked out and a new one was bred.

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 Ночь

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?

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?

Vladimir was in no hurry to make a final decision in choosing one or another religion for his state. These searches are called in history «the choice of faith.» The prince had a very rich choice. It was possible to join Judaism, Islam from Volga Bulgaria, Roman Christianity and its Byzantine version were studied. If we rely on the «Tale of Bygone Years», then in the process of analyzing the features of beliefs, Vladimir sent trusted persons to study the structure of worship services in each of these religions.

The Grand Knyaz drew attention to powerful neighbors — Europe and Byzantium — states that were well developed from an economic, cultural and political point of view. Russia at that time was in some isolation, the neighbors looked down on the state. But Vladimir thought that if Russia took an example from its neighbors, it could favorably affect the development of crafts and trade, and then lead to the economic growth of the state. According to one version, ambassadors sent to different countries helped make the choice: each of them told Vladimir what each of the religions could offer, but it was Christianity that struck the knyaz with the beauty of the divine service.

In the «Ipatiev Chronicle» there is a particularly valuable episode relating to the years 984—986. It describes the embassy of representatives of different countries to Vladimir Svyatoslavich and the choice of a new religion by the Kiev ruler.

After telling about one of the successful military campaigns, the chronicler says that in 986 Bulgarians came to the knyaz, who persuaded him to convert to Islam. Their example was followed by Roman Catholics and Khazar Jews. Finally, the Greek philosopher arrived. He told Prince Vladimir about the Orthodox confession of Christ.

Interestingly, the author of the narrative does not consider it necessary to explain the reasons for the arrival of such an embassy, the description of which contrasts so much with the prince’s previous activities and the story of his turbulent life. Meanwhile, it is through the atypical construction of the narrative that the chronicler makes it possible to understand how meaningful the path of the Kiev prince to the adoption of Orthodoxy was.

The tale of bygone years tells that Vladimir chose religion based on practical considerations. Islam, Latin Christianity and Judaism did not suit Vladimir due to historical reasons and the customs of the Slavs: Muslims banned alcohol, Jews lost the state, and Latins obeyed the pope.

Christian commandments and basic provisions most fully met the needs of a young, not yet strengthened state. This is, for example, love for one’s neighbor, the prohibition of murder and theft, respect for elders.

After adopting Christianity, Knyaz Vladimir returned to Kiev and brought with him Orthodox priests from overseas lands. They were the first to baptize the sons of Vladimir Svyatoslavich into the new faith, then the boyars.

Christian Orthodox Rus was the beginning and foundation of the Russian state

The Grand Knyaz began to fight paganism. By his order, idols were cut down, which he himself had recently installed in the capital of Rus.

At the initiative of the Christian Knyaz, the clergy (духовенство) told the people about Christ and the Gospel. The result of the sermon was the order of Vladimir Svyatoslavich to all citizens to come to Kiev, to the bank of (на берег) the Dnieper, to receive holy baptism. This event was the first in a series of mass Orthodoxy in Russia.

Then Novgorod was baptized. Paganism was firmly held in Novgorod, although Christians already existed there. Not everyone wanted to voluntarily get baptized, some were persuaded. And those citizens who did not want to go voluntarily, Dobrynya’s bogatyrs dragged by force.

There were those who tried to evade baptism, saying that they had already been baptized. It was then that the bishop began to put crosses on baptized people in order to know who was baptized and who was not.

Rostov, Suzdal, Murom, Polotsk, Vladimir Volynsky, Smolensk, Pskov, Lutsk and other cities. The adoption of a new, unified faith was a serious impetus to the unification of the Russian lands. And that was the most important step to unite all the Russian lands.

The baptism of Rus took place, so to speak, forcibly. People did not want to accept the new faith, which was significantly different from the pagan one. After all, the knyaz tried to get into the most intimate that a person can have — their faith. It came to riots. Pagans who did not want to be baptized fled to the forests and killed priests. And there were many pagan uprisings. However, although the state’s policy was violent, it was not brutal. A wait-and-see tactic was chosen so that the transition would subsequently occur smoothly.

The new religion was not sustainable. It hasn’t caught on yet. The following fact can serve as proof of this. In the second half of the eleventh century, crop failure and famine came to Rus. And Christianity could not correct this situation, because it did not possess the forces of nature.

Nevertheless, peoples (народ) adopted Orthodoxy, yet kept in heart the then religion. They managed to interweave it into Christianity and worship new God with old ones, celebrate new holidays with old ones.

Christianity could not completely destroy paganism. The latter was simply subordinated, placed in other conditions. Vladimir adopted Christianity for his people from Byzantium. But in the end it lost its original, «conceived» features. It assimilated with paganism in Rus. And this led to the formation of a unique phenomenon — double-belief. And so far, all aspects of our life are saturated with the remnants (остатки) of paganism. It’s been more than a thousand years! That’s, my dear readers, how persistent, it turns out, religion can be.

As a result, we can say that paganism and Christianity in Ancient Russia, which existed in a kind of union, together formed a natural religious stage of double-belief. It is impossible to give him a categorical assessment: good or bad. We simply accept this fact, which emphasizes the originality and uniqueness of Russian culture.

«We are Rus, and we remember our glorious deeds and sing songs of our fathers. We will never forget that we are the sons of our fathers and may we have love for their memory, and we will say about them that they were our strength, and the strength comes from them who pray for us.» (Veles’ book).

After the death of Vladimir the Saint, a war for power broke out between his sons. The situation was complicated by the fact that Knyaz Vladimir had many sons-heirs, most of them appeared before the baptism. The heirs were born from different mothers, because before his marriage with Anna, Vladimir was a polygamist (due to pagan customs).

Svyatopolk the Accursed (Окаянный) took the Kiev throne immediately after the death of his father. Then he sent assassins to Rostov Knyaz Boris, who was at that moment with a squad on a campaign against the Pechenegs. Boris was killed. In the same way, Svyatopolk got rid of another brother, Knyaz Gleb of Murom (987—1015). It is believed that Boris and Gleb accepted death in a Christian way, did not resist and were ready to voluntarily submit to the will of the elder brother Svyatopolk. Russian Church began to venerate Boris and Gleb as the first Russian saints for their feat of Christian humility.

Knyaz Yaroslav the Wise of Novgorod

started a war against Svyatopolk the Accursed. In 1016, he defeated his brother and occupied Kiev.

Yaroslav the Wise began to rule almost the entire territory of the Old Russian state. In the chronicle Yaroslav the Wise is called the «autocratic». This means that his power has become very great, he independently made the most important decisions, issued laws, was the chief judge and defender of his land.

Yaroslav sought to unite and strengthen his state. He built a number of fortress cities where there was a threat to order and security. Thus, the city of Yaroslavl was built on the Upper Volga (Yaroslavkaya oblast).

Yaroslav the Wise gave the largest cities to his sons to manage. The children had to learn to lead their own squad (дружины) and ordinary people.

The Grand Knyaz Yaroslav went down in history both as a tireless builder and as a knyaz who strengthened Russian Christian culture. The chronicler wrote about him, «The Christian faith has begun to multiply and expand.» The wise ruler not only fought with Byzantium, but also invited skilled craftsmen from there. It was they who created new temples in Russia, the most famous of them was the majestic Hagia Sophia in Kiev. Yaroslav founded monasteries, did a lot for the organization of the church and the consolidation of the Christian faith in the Russian lands.

Education. It was under him that the second largest school was opened in Novgorod, and a library was created in St. Sophia Cathedral. The knyaz’ of ancient Russia were educated people. Svyatoslav, the son of Yaroslav, filled all the storerooms with books, Vladimir Monomakh’s father Vsevolod spoke five languages, Vladimir Monomakh remained a writer for us.

The Russian Truth of Yaroslav the Wise (Русская Правда Ярослава Мудрого)