in the world have always been different religions and beliefs.Which, by the way, will not completely disappear, even if they become irrelevant.In this article I want to talk about the Gentiles: their rituals, faith, and a variety of interesting nuances.
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First of all, note that paganism - a very ancient religion, which existed among the Slavs up to the adoption of Christianity.It's safe to say that this whole universal belief system that fully gave an overall picture of the inhabitants of the world of those times.Our ancestors existed a pantheon of gods, which was hierarchical.And the people themselves have assured residents in close connection with the conventional parallel world.Pagans believed that always and everywhere the spirits of their control, so they were subject to not only spiritual but also material part of life.
little history
At the end of the first millennium AD, at a time when Russia adopted Christianity, everything to do with paganism, prevent, eradicated.Pagan temples burned, let the water of ancient idols.They tried to get rid of these beliefs.However, it is safe to say that this is a very poorly managed.In fact, until today, the elements of the rites of the Gentiles are preserved in the Orthodox faith, creating a wonderful symbiosis of Byzantine Culture and paganism.It should be said that the first memories of these beliefs appeared in medieval manuscripts, when the papal curia actively engage people to Catholicism.Under this action were the Gentiles (who it is - it is known).Entries in the diaries of the Catholics were mostly condemning.As for the Russian chroniclers of paganism at the time did not want to speak, with an emphasis on the fact that it practically does not exist.
On the concept
Analyzing the concept of "pagans" (who are they, what are the characteristics of their faith and world), you know what it means.If you understand the etymology, it must be said that the root word is "language".However, it also means "the people of the tribe."It can be concluded that the very concept can be translated as "popular belief" or "faith of the tribe."Slavic same term "paganism" can be interpreted as a "fortress of the bonds."
On Faith
So Gentiles: who they are, what they believe?It is said that the system of belief was almost perfect and completely inseparable from nature.Her he revered, worshiped and present her generous gifts.Center of the universe for all Slavs was just mother nature.It is understood as a living organism, which is not only thinking, but also has a soul.Her forces and elements deified and spiritualized.However, it is not surprising, because it is Nature so natural that no problems here can be traced a special wisdom.Moreover, the Gentiles (who it is, we are, in principle, reviewed) considered themselves children of nature and can not imagine my life without it, because the Vedic system of knowledge and beliefs requires close interaction and co-existence in harmony with the surrounding world.What is the faith of our ancestors?The Slavs there were three main worship: Sun, Mother Earth and the veneration of the elements.
Cult Earth
Pagans believed that the mother of all it is the Earth.Here everything is explained quite simply because it was she, according to the ancient Slavs, it is the center of fertility: the Earth gives life, not only plants, but also to all the animals.Why is it called the Mother - is also not hard to explain.Our ancestors believed that it was their land and gave birth, she gives them strength, one has only to bend it.Note that many of today's existing rituals came to us from the time.Suffice it to recall the need to take a handful of their land to a foreign country or prostration young parents at the wedding.
Cult Sun
sun in the beliefs of ancient Slavs stands as a symbol of good conquering.It should be said that the pagans often called sun-worshipers.People at that time lived on the solar calendar, paying special attention to dates winter and summer solstice.It was at this time and mark important events, such as, for example, Ivan Kupala Day (end of June).It would be interesting, and the fact that the inhabitants of that time honored symbol of the swastika, which is called the solar Kolowrat.However, no negative symbolism of this did not bore, and represented the victory of good over evil, light and clean.This sign of wisdom is also a talisman, endowed with cleaning power.Its always applied to clothing and weapons, household items.
Honoring elements
With great reverence the pagan Slavs belonged to the elements such as air, water and fire.The last two were considered cleansing, as powerful and life-giving, as well as the land itself.With regard to fire it, it is the opinion of the Slavs, a powerful energy, which establishes a balance in the world and is committed to justice.Fire purified not only the body but also the soul (indicative in this respect are jumping through flaming bonfire on Ivan Kupala).Great importance has been the flame at the funeral.While the body was burned, betraying the cleansing power of fire not only the earthly shell of a man, but also his soul, which after this rite to easily send the ancestors.In the times of the Gentiles is quite revered water.People thought her only source of strength and energy.At the same time respectful, not only to the rivers and other bodies of water, but also to the heavenly waters - rain, believing that in this way the gods bestow the power not only of the land but also its inhabitants.Water purified, treated her ("live" and "dead" water), with its help, and even wondered predict the future.
past
With great respect for Russian Gentiles also applies to the past, or rather, to the ancestors.His grandfathers, great-grandfathers worshiped they often resorted to their aid.It was believed that the souls of their ancestors do not disappear, they protect their family by helping people from a parallel world.Twice a year, the Slavs celebrated the day when the revered their dead relatives.It was called Radonitsa.At this time the family communicated with their ancestors at their graves, asking about the safety and health of the whole family.Be sure to leave a small gift was (this ritual, and today there is - a wake at the cemetery, when people bring with them candy and cookies).
pantheon of gods
First of all I want to say that the gods of the Gentiles are a particular element or force of nature.So, the most important gods were Rod (who created life on earth) and Rozhanitsy (the goddess of fertility, by which the earth after winter reborn to a new life; they also help women to produce children).One of the most important gods was also Svarog - the creator and master of the universe, the Father, the Progenitor, who gave the people not only of the earth fire, but also in heaven (the Sun).Svarozhich were such gods as Dazhdbog (Sun God) and Perun (the god of thunder, lightning, thunder).Solar deity appeared Horse (round, hence the word "dance") and Jari (god of the hot and bright summer sun).Revered as the Slavs and Veles - god who was the protector of cattle.He was also the god of wealth, because before you can become rich only by domestic cattle, brings a good profit.Among the most important goddesses were Lada (the goddess of beauty, youth, love, marriage and family), Makosh (giver of life harvest) and Moran (the goddess of death, cold, winter).Also honored people in those days, goblins, devils, water - spirits who guarded all that surrounds man: the house, water, forests, fields.
Rites
is also important and the various rites of the Gentiles.As already mentioned, they can be cleansing for body and soul (with water and fire).There were also guarding ceremonies, which were held in order to protect the person or house from evil spirits.Not alien to the Slavs was the sacrifice.Thus, the gifts of the gods could be both bloodless and blood.The first ancestors were brought as a gift or Bereginya.Blood sacrifice is needed, such as Perun and Yarile.This brought a gift of birds and livestock.All ceremonies were sacred significance.
