Religion Eastern Slavs began to emerge for a long time - 30 thousand years BC.While it is still slightly reminiscent of some kind of belief system, since it was simply the desire to explain the strange supernatural things.But with the development of society, the transition to herding and a settled way of life, she began to acquire great importance.
culture and religion of the Eastern Slavs difficult to study.Firstly, to have survived not so much information.And secondly, Slavic tribes have always existed separately, and each had its own religious beliefs and traditions, which sometimes overlap, but to combine them into a single system is very difficult.
Religion Eastern Slavs: basic information
the transition to a settled way of life and the organization of community centers Religion became central and gained great importance for the Slavic tribes.The role of the priests performed the so-called magicians who made sacrifices, took direct part in riddles and other religious events.It is still unknown exactly who was the head of the church, but there is speculation that it was precisely the prince as princely graves during excavations there were found many ritual objects: the knife of sacrifice, fortunetelling bones, etc.
Yes, the religion of the Eastern Slavs included the rites of sacrifice.As gifts to the gods brought food, animals were sacrificed, and sometimes the victim was and human.
As for idols, they are usually made of wood.This took the form of a statue of a wooden post with a head deity.Idols were placed in the center of the church, so he could worship.
There are some news about the ancient pagan temples.For example, they were divided into temples (places where they could worship the gods), and trebischa (place where sacrifices).Traditional churches have an oval shape and features, or on the tops of hills or on a large meadow in the woods.The temple was enclosed shaft and a moat.Located in the middle of a wooden pole - an idol of the deity, which was near the podium for the sacrifice.
Religion Eastern Slavs: pantheon
Currently it is very difficult to define a hierarchy of ancient gods, as different tribes worshiped different gods.In addition, over time, it evolved religion of the Eastern Slavs, but new beliefs are literally layered over the old.
Religion Eastern Slavs in ancient times to acknowledge God as the head of Roda pantheon.He defended the human race, and helped him in the so-called New mothers - faceless and nameless goddess who helped the women run the household, bear, give birth and raise children.A spokeswoman for childbirth is Lada, which was considered the protector of the home.
But eventually became the chief god Perun, which is often associated with the Scandinavian god Thor.Its symbol was the hammer and the ax, he commanded the lightning and thunder.Perun was the god that caused fear, since his strength was boundless.That is why the ancient warriors trying to gain his favor, as he helped during the war.Perun was a symbol of the heavenly forces that are constantly fighting with the earthly evil.His main enemy was the serpent that combines all earthly evil.
In addition, the religion of the Eastern Slavs and praised Svarog, who was considered the god of the sky.His sons and Jari Stribog were also very important for the ancients.Jari was considered a deity of the sun, while Stribog commanded forces of the wind.
only Slavic goddess pantheon - a Makosh which was the patroness of weaving.That woman brought her gifts that she does not get entangled yarn.It is said that sometimes she even herself spinning, helping the hostess.
addition to the main gods, acknowledged the existence of the ancient Slavs and other supernatural beings.It was the goblins, mermaids, frights, house elves, and other representatives of the cult, each of which is attributed some of the strength and nature of duties.
believed that after the transition of the Slavs to Christianity, the pagan cults have completely disappeared.In fact, this is not the case, as Christians, and to date some celebrate pagan holidays.For example, on the day of the Nativity of the ancient Slavs celebrated Kolyada, and traditions of this holiday have survived to the present day.The pagan religion of the Eastern Slavs just merged with Christianity, and in some way exists to date.
