Russian folk amulets. Slavic amulets and their meaning
“Keeps the amulet from the evil eye, keeping out evil forces...” - dozens of proverbs and sayings once again confirm the power and unique protective properties of the amulets of the ancient Slavs. All the amulets of our ancestors are based on a close connection with Mother Nature and are endowed with a deep sacred meaning. Are ancient Slavic amulets and symbols capable of helping us in modern life? The answer to this question is in our article.
Ancient Slavic amulets: history and modernity
Amulets and talismans were deeply revered by our ancestors - the ancient Slavs. They kept them in their homes and took them with them on the road and on military campaigns. Old Russian amulets had powerful protective properties.
The beliefs of the ancient Slavs were always based on the deification of the forces of Nature.
It is important to note that our pagan ancestors perceived and assessed the world. Based on these views, special beliefs and rituals were formed. Paganism is based on respect, worship, and fear of the power and strength of Nature. To protect yourself from all sorts of negative impacts, the ancient Slavs came up with whole line amulets. Their meaning could be different, but most of them embodied the function of protecting a person from evil forces and influences.
Ancient Slavic symbols and amulets have not changed at all over time. They look exactly the same as they did centuries ago. Many of them have survived to this day through the connection of generations. The lost symbols from the amulets were recreated as a result of archaeological excavations and historical research. That is why modern amulets and charms depicting ancient pagan signs have the same power as in ancient times. They will also protect their owner from all danger and evil.
When choosing a talisman for yourself, listen to your feelings - the talisman will tell you everything
Ancient Russian amulets have long brought good luck to a person and contributed to the successful completion of any business or idea. How to choose a suitable amulet for yourself? Very simple! You need to listen carefully to yourself, and you will immediately understand which pagan amulet is “yours” and which is not.
The amulets of the ancient Slavs were divided into two types:
- women's;
- men's
Women's amulets of the ancient Slavs
The owner, the eldest in the family, was always responsible for making amulets
Women originally had to wear large quantity amulets on yourself. After all, they are the guardians of the human race. In ancient times, in families, the woman was usually responsible for selecting and making amulets. Moreover, this had to be the oldest representative of the family. The amulets were made by her alone and in complete silence. It was extremely important to set all your thoughts in the right way during this sacred process.
Culture Ancient Rus' very interesting and informative. Each of us simply needs to know about how our ancestors lived and what they believed. A special place in the above-mentioned culture was occupied by amulets - various items, which protected the owner from troubles and the evil eye. The amulets were of different types, not necessarily difficult to make. Such items were considered household items, specially made amulets, and trophies. The amulets were made from clay, metal, wood and other materials that were available at that time. Embroidery was considered the strongest amulet, as well as painting, which could be found on dishes and other household items.
Pagan culture was gradually replaced by Christianity. Despite this, the ancient Russians continued to believe in their gods and keep old amulets in their homes. Some of them have survived to this day and have practically not lost their significance. Each item in Ancient Rus' had its own sacred meaning, could protect a person from a certain misfortune. In this article we will look at the most common and popular ancient Russian amulets that are available to modern man. Moreover, we encounter some of them in Everyday life, and we can make others ourselves, if desired.
Sun circles
The most common ancient Russian amulets those who guarded the home were considered. For the ancient Russian, the house was a holy place, which he tried to protect from evil spirits and troubles. The amulets were placed directly in the house, under the threshold, in doorway, in the courtyard. By the way, painted household utensils served not for beauty, but also for protection. In addition, in order to protect their home, its facades were decorated with carvings, which were most often applied to shutters, window and doorways.
The most ancient protective patterns symbolized three elements: Earth, Water and Fire. The sign of the first element was a rhombus, divided into 4 equal parts, in the center of which there were dots. Water was depicted as wavy lines. The symbol of fire was an oblique cross.
The Russians placed the above-described symbolism in those places through which evil spirits could get into the hut - around windows, doors, on the stove and on the chimney. Often on such passages a symbol of the sun was drawn, which was a 6-rayed or 8-rayed star enclosed in a circle. On the facade, the above symbol was often depicted in three positions: morning, midday and evening. Next to the solar symbols, thunder symbols were placed, which were supposed to protect the house from lightning strikes. The thunder symbol was a circle divided into 6 equal sectors. Also, the collection of protective signs was complemented by the symbol of Rarog - a cress enclosed in a circle, which denoted the harmony of fire: heavenly and earthly.
How was the horseshoe used?
The Russians associated the image of a horse, a magical and sacred animal for them, with a horseshoe. It was believed that a horse (an animal, figurine or pattern) represents the heavenly chariot driven by Dazhbog. The heavenly chariot, in turn, symbolized the sun.
Children's swings were often decorated with carved horses and horse figurines. It was believed that if a child plays on such a swing, he will have a successful marriage in the future and happy life. This was especially true for girls who were destined to become wives and guardians of their homes. A girl and a guy swinging on a swing together was considered a blessing for their union. This ritual brought them happiness and mutual understanding.
Also, in order to attract happiness to the family, in Ancient Rus' it was customary to hang old pots and worn wicker bast shoes on the fence. Horseshoes, in turn, were kept mainly on the gates. They were considered a powerful talisman, symbolizing the month (Moon). The strength of the horseshoe was given by the sacred fire with which it was made.
A horseshoe was sometimes placed in the chimney to prevent evil spirits from entering the house through it. It was believed that if this talisman was attached to a bed or placed under it, then the person who would sleep on it would not have nightmares.
The custom of hanging a horseshoe over the door has survived to this day, but we modern people we're doing it wrong. The horseshoe must be placed with its horns facing up. Otherwise, she will not be able to hold onto happiness and will “shed” it.
Home amulets in Ancient Rus'
IN home interior Almost all objects were covered with protective symbols. This was especially true for the stove, kitchen utensils, working tools, and beds. The doors had special meaning– they served as a portal between real worlds: internal and external. Bunches of nettles were placed near the door threshold, symbols were cut out on the door frame, and fragments of a scythe or knife were stuck into the cracks on the door frame or threshold. In the most ancient times, the ashes of ancestors were buried under the threshold of the house, who after death protected the rest of the household. The rule has survived to this day that you cannot sweep garbage through the threshold of a house, as this will drive away the defenders of the house. In addition, the Russians believed that nothing could be passed across the threshold, or talk to a person. Guests were always greeted at the threshold, and then allowed into the house in front of them.
The stove was the main household item. There is even an opinion that houses were built around a stove, which is logical, since it heated rooms, served for cooking, and had a special sacred meaning. The stove was decorated with a special ornament, which included the symbolism of the god Svarog - a square (symbol of the family hearth), crossed spindles (symbols of fire) and much more. The stove was always kept clean, and they tried not to quarrel or offend others around it.
When bread was cooked in the oven, strangers were not allowed into the house, as it was believed that this would attract trouble. Household areas had to be cleaned from the door to the stove. A heated stove could not be thrown without contents - firewood was always placed in it to dry, as well as water to heat it up.
Special objects were placed next to the stove, with which they tried to appease the brownie. Such items were: a broom, a bast shoe and a bread shovel. Then the brownie understood that the house would always be clean, nourishing and rich.
Diagonally from the above-described piece of furniture they placed pokutie - the “red corner”, in which ears of corn were stored before the advent of Christianity. Every year, grains from them were added to wheat, which was used to sow the field in the spring. It was believed that the headboards of all beds in the house should be directed towards the “red corner”.
Old Russian embroidery
Embroidery was used to decorate not only clothes, but also bed linen, decorative home textiles, towels, tablecloths and various ritual paraphernalia. The main purpose of embroidery was protection from damage and evil. When creating such a complex and at the same time beautiful amulet, the craftswomen followed certain rules. For example, there should be no knots left on the reverse side of the embroidery. If they were present, then the handicraft did not acquire magical powers.
We never did embroidery as a talisman for ourselves. So that she really has protective magical properties, it should have been made close person(most often a mother or wife) who sincerely desires happiness. Most often, ancient Russian craftswomen embroidered various symbols of the sun. In addition, the embroidery contained tree symbols - Christmas trees (a symbol of life and longevity), stars (a symbol of reason), flowers (a symbol of youth and beauty), circles and squares (a symbol of fertility).
The embroidery pattern should not be broken. Otherwise, he will not be able to protect against evil spirits. One product could not protect against all evils at once. Each embroidery had its own meaning and had its own power. Ritual towels in Ancient Rus' had a special meaning. The patterns on them were supposed to reflect special family events. For example, the midwife placed the newborn on a new towel embroidered by the mother, which protected him from the evil eye. It was customary to depict symbols of loss on funeral towels: a rhombus (the same as the symbol of the earth, only empty).
Objects of everyday use were embroidered with special protective symbols, mainly red roosters. People believed that the voice of a rooster drives away demons. In order for the embroidery to gain maximum strength, it had to be made within 24 hours. A simple ornament, for example, the same rooster, can actually be completed in a day. Often, embroidered amulet was made with red threads. In addition to red, similar colors were used: brick, beet, scarlet, poppy, currant.
Clay bell and old key
Often hung on the wall of the hut old key, because they believed that he “locked” the house from evil forces. In addition, the key was considered a symbol of prosperity and a comfortable life, since it allegedly locked the owner’s wealth. One of the most ancient Slavic amulets was the bell. It had to be made from clay with one's own hands. According to legends, its ringing could scare away any attack or evil spirits from the house.
In Ancient Rus' it was impossible to find a hut that did not have the amulets described above. All of them are simple, making them accessible even to modern people. It’s not difficult to make them at home, the main thing is that you have the desire.
For a long time in Rus', a huge role was assigned to objects that protect against bad influences - amulets. They were aimed at saving a person from troubles, misfortunes, and the evil eye.
It was believed that wearing special things with sacred meaning would certainly bring good luck or protect the owner. As a rule, the amulet was put on from an early age and was not removed throughout one’s life.
It should be noted that the life of the Slavs is closely connected with its cult, ritual side.
For example, our ancestors would not have just built a house in a new place. First, they would sow the required area with cereal plants and see if the site was chosen for a future home. If the seedlings were sluggish and the harvest was unimportant, it was believed that nothing good would come of the venture, and they went to look for another place.
So great attention was paid to the spiritual sphere. For people of that time, it would have been more surprising if the subtle laws of the universe were not observed.
Things that contributed to the protection of the home and life of the owner were given special significance.
A horseshoe was considered a talisman that brought good luck.
Finding the horseshoe was a huge success. Since the blacksmith forged it in fire and cooled it in water, all kinds of protective properties were attributed to it, which united the two elements.
The person who found the horseshoe spat on it, rubbed it, made a wish, and threw it over his left shoulder. In a word, he carried out a lot of manipulations that would help attract good luck.
The found horseshoe was necessarily nailed to entrance doors, while each of its positions indicated what benefit the newly-minted owner would like to receive.
If a horseshoe was nailed with its horns down, this means protecting the home; with its horns up, it means good luck to the family and the house is full, inside doors - to harmonize the overall energy of the house. To attract finance to the house, a newly found horseshoe was placed on the windowsill with its horns facing the window. If you bury the amulet at the northwestern corner of your home, it will certainly attract good luck in business and support from higher powers.
It was a kind of amulet against poverty and vegetation. wicker fence. This magical thing was woven from willow, which served as a kind of security that did not allow bad people into the home.
Slavyanska krashenka (painted egg) was also included in amulets and endowed with magical properties. She was credited with the ability to endow all living things with strength, beauty, health and well-being.
In our culture, the egg is a symbol of life and death. Nowadays it is customary to paint it only for Easter, but earlier Easter eggs were used as a talisman for various things. The beekeepers put them in the hive for better harvest honey, women expecting replenishment painted a bird on their eggs as a symbol of the soul among the Slavs. Krashenki were placed in the baby's cradle to protect him from the evil eye. These drawings were not random, sacred symbols passed on from generation to generation. Nowadays Easter eggs are also kept as a talisman. With their help, you can easily determine whether the energy in the house is healthy. If the Easter egg fades and oozes bad smell- this is a signal that you need to clean your home.
Ornament in clothes is also a kind of amulet. Everything that the craftswoman wanted to say, she depicted in the form of embroidered symbols. Not only the symbols have meaning, but also the colors of the threads. There are signs of the sun, fields, people. The ornaments merge into a bizarre pattern that the mind does not understand, but is perceived at the level of feelings, and this sets a person in a positive mood.
The main women's amulet was a wreath. It was considered a symbol of purity and innocence. Ribbons were woven into wreaths not for beauty, but to protect hair from the evil eye. In addition, each color of the ribbon symbolized something. For example, a red ribbon was woven for prosperity, a yellow one symbolized the sun, a green one symbolized youth, and a white one symbolized ancestors.
Slavic amulets and their meaning is a separate topic for historians to study. They can tell us a lot. The amulets are part cultural heritage our ancestors. From them one can judge the wisdom and religion of this great people. Most amulets have solar symbols, which indicates the Slavs’ worship of the Sun. They were used for personal protection and to protect loved ones from natural phenomena, evil, damage or evil eye. The amulets were selected individually. If, for example, in Christianity, adults and children wear a cross for protection, then in paganism one could choose an amulet that is similar in energy and meaning. Then it became not just a beauty accessory, but a truly powerful amulet.
Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, Slavic amulets are still popular. People wear them different ages and professions. When choosing Slavic amulets, you need to know their meaning, description and interpretation. If you do not pay due attention to the choice of an amulet, then it may not be suitable energetically and will not provide adequate protection.
The amulets of the ancient Slavs contain not only solar symbols, denoting the worship of the cult of the sun. Some of them (Kolovrat, Ladinets, Solstice) represent a swastika. Our galaxy, called Milky Way And that is not all. Human DNA also resembles a swastika. This may mean that the Slavs had more deep knowledge than is known about it. We can also talk about a simple coincidence, but it is unlikely, given all the wisdom of this great people.
Modern Slavic talismans have the same appearance, as they were before. On the Internet you can find photos of them, on the basis of which amulets are made. In ancient times, materials that were available to the people were used to make amulets. Initially, wood was used. Later they began to be made from metals, as well as animal bones or teeth. Such Slavic amulets and amulets gave a person the strength of the animal to which these parts belonged.
Nowadays, the amulets of Old Rus' are made mainly from gold and silver, but preference is still given to silver products, since it was previously believed that this metal repels evil spirits. This means that such amulets of the Slavs will provide a person with the most powerful protection. Gold products also emphasize the status of the owner. They are the most valuable and expensive of all amulets.
When choosing a talisman, you need to focus on their meaning and your intuition. If you are drawn to a certain talisman, then it matches the energy. Don’t forget about which amulet makes sense. There are Slavic amulets against the evil eye and damage, for good luck, for financial well-being and others.
Slavic amulets for men
Men's Slavic amulets have always differed from women's amulets. First of all, they have different energy. In addition, the male amulet was supposed to protect a person during hunting and battle. It also preserved health and brought good luck. Slavic amulet for men is traditionally made of silver or copper. They are simple and concise, unlike some female talismans. Greatest power possess those amulets that were made to a man by his mother, wife or sister. In ancient times, women even made them from their own hair. Such a talisman was supposed to return a loved one from the war safe and sound.
Men can wear Slavic amulets in the form of jewelry, or their symbols can be applied to military equipment or embroidered on clothes.
Veles is one of the gods of the Slavic pantheon, in whose honor this amulet was created. It looks like the paw of a bear or wolf. A man had to wear such a talisman all his life without parting with it. An amulet can take a person to the very top career ladder, make him rich and successful. The amulet is suitable for men whose occupation is affected by the weather: fishermen, farmers, firefighters, hunters and others. The amulet also protects against misfortunes, troubles and so on.
Such Slavic signs endowed with the element of fire, which can protect from any negative energy, quarrels, weather phenomena, damage and evil eye. Previously, this amulet was used to improve relations between clans and to protect against wars.
This amulet enhances all the character traits that one should have. a real man: valor, bravery and masculinity. It makes a person stronger and more resilient, and also inspires self-confidence. Previously, it could only be worn by military people, but now it is suitable for everyday use. The amulet protects against evil spirits, damage and the evil eye.
The amulet helps a man become stronger, wiser and more courageous. It gives strength that allows you to withstand enemies and natural elements. The amulet can be worn by any man, but most of all it is suitable for people whose occupation depends on the elements: sailors, firefighters, fish and others.
The amulet is suitable for people striving for spiritual growth. It helps to improve oneself and protects against diseases, damage and the evil eye.
This amulet can only be worn by men over 32 years of age. You can start wearing it earlier, but only after fulfilling your duty to the Motherland, for example, after participating in hostilities. The amulet helps change your life for the better.
Thanks to this amulet, a man gains the wisdom, courage and strength of his ancestors. He also receives protection from the elements and ensures the success of all endeavors. The Stribozhich amulet also has similar properties. Special attention It is recommended that such amulets be used by men whose work involves rescue or danger: firefighters, police rescuers and others.
This is one of the most popular and revered amulets. It made a man braver, strengthened the will to win and gave him strength. The amulet protected during battle, as well as in everyday life.
This amulet is suitable for men seeking self-improvement. It develops the gift that a person has, energizes him, and helps him understand the meaning of life. The amulet protects men from failures, troubles, damage and the evil eye. Thanks to the amulet you can find your true love or revive old feelings in the soul.
The amulet was created in honor of Perun, the god of thunder and lightning. He gave the man his protection and strength. The amulet helped to survive on the battlefield and protect the native land from enemy attacks. The amulet also provides protection to a man’s family and helps maintain marital fidelity.
Amulets of the ancient Slavs for women
Women's Slavic amulets differ from men's in their grace and beauty. They help a woman maintain her family home and give birth to healthy children. The amulets protected her and her future offspring. Slavic amulets for women can be worn as jewelry or the symbol can be embroidered on clothing.
This is a talisman of happiness and love. It was popular in ancient times and is in demand among modern women. The amulet helps to successfully get married, bear and give birth to a child. It also protects against illness and misfortune.
This is a double-sided amulet - one side is the Yarovik, the other is the Ognevik. Thanks to this combination, the amulet has incredible power. It helps to increase wealth and attracts good luck. The amulet protects the woman herself and her future children from diseases, troubles, damage and the evil eye. It strengthens the spirit and gives strength to cope with all difficulties. Yarovik-Ognevik helps a woman endure pregnancy and childbirth more easily.
The amulet was created in honor of the goddess Lada the Mother of God - the goddess of love and family. It helps a woman preserve her beauty and youth, protects her from the machinations of evil spirits and evil people. The amulet gives a woman love, helps her get married successfully and give birth to healthy children.
The amulet was created in honor goddess Makosh. She patronizes mature women, helps them create a strong family and gives them the strength to preserve the family hearth. Accordingly, the amulet has these properties. He's coming up married women. The amulet protects from troubles, diseases, attracts money and happiness.
The amulet has long been worn only by adult women who became mothers, and in modern world this tradition is not broken. Only in this case will the amulet provide protection and bring good luck, and not destroy the energy of its owner.
This amulet should be worn by those girls who want to have children. He will help them fulfill this dream. During pregnancy it protective forces do not weaken. The amulet helps to cope with depression, which pregnant women are susceptible to, and relieves pain during childbirth. After the birth of a child, the amulet will protect mother and baby from troubles, adversity, damage and the evil eye.
The Ladinets amulet brings happiness to a woman; its other name is the Cross of Lada the Mother of God. The amulet also helps to cure women's diseases and protects against diseases. It also protects from the evil eye, damage and any evil glances.
Charms for children
Slavic amulets, talismans and amulets are also suitable for children. There are amulets that can be hung over a child’s crib and then it will protect him from evil, envious glances, the evil eye and damage. In the old days, the mother made a talisman for the child. Typically, such symbols were used to decorate the baby’s clothes. Nowadays you can simply buy Slavic amulets for children in any specialized store.
The amulet was created in honor of the god Rod, the god of all life on earth and in other worlds. It was hung above the crib or placed in the baby's cradle. Thanks to this, the child received protection for himself and his entire family. It was customary to always keep such a talisman in the house even after the baby grew up.
To protect the baby, mothers can make a diaper doll. It is still customary to make this Slavic amulet yourself. Do not use scissors or needles while working. A small rope is made from white fabric, which will be the body of the pupa. Then a scarf is tied on her, and she is swaddled in a small cloth. The top of the doll is wrapped with red thread. It is not customary to draw a doll's face. It needs to be placed in the baby's crib. Thanks to this amulet, the child will receive protection from damage and the evil eye.
Ancient Slavic amulets for the home
Slavic amulets for the home protect against theft, fire and other misfortunes. You can decorate the walls of your home with the image of almost any amulet, except for those that can only be worn personally.
The image of this amulet can be hung on the walls of the house to protect it. It drives away evil spirits, prevents diseases from entering the home, and protects against thieves and fires. Alatyr also attracts happiness and good luck. It can not only be hung on the walls of the house, but also worn personally as jewelry or embroidered on clothing.
The amulet Rodovik, Molvinets and other universal amulets are also suitable for the home.
Universal amulets
Ancient Slavic amulets can be universal, that is, they can be worn by everyone without exception.
This is a talisman for newlyweds. It protects the love of a married couple from fading, from betrayal and quarrels, but only if it is worn correctly. It cannot be worn by one of the spouses. On the wedding day, it is put on the husband and wife and after that they should no longer part with it. However, it cannot be used without embroidery, which is traditionally placed on the marital bed. As soon as the first child is born, the couple removes the amulet, wraps it in embroidery and puts it in a safe place. He does not lose his strength and continues to protect his family, but with a new addition.
Overcoming grass is considered a female amulet, but it back side- This is the color of fern, which is a male amulet. This means that this is a universal amulet that protects against evil spirits, damage and the evil eye and attracts happiness and luck.
This amulet should not be confused with the Seal of Veles, because these are different amulets. The Veles amulet looks like an inverted letter A. It is a universal amulet that helps to discover hidden potentials. The amulet opens the way to secret knowledge. With its help you can carry out magical rituals. The amulet makes it possible to establish contact with other worlds.
The amulet was created in honor of the god Svarog. It helps to develop spiritually, understand the meaning of life and not deviate from the intended goal. While wearing the amulet, you cannot commit bad deeds, because Svarog is revered only by goodness and justice, so punishment for such acts will not be long in coming.
As legends say, this amulet was presented to people as a gift by the god Rod himself. It is not surprising that he is considered the most a strong amulet. It protects, attracts good luck and helps you find love. The amulet can be worn as jewelry, its image can be embroidered on clothing or applied to the body as a tattoo.
The Star of Rus' is a talisman that has traditionally been considered masculine. It helps to understand the meaning of life, the secrets of the universe and protects against negative energy. Now it can be worn by women who perform male functions in life. For example, they occupy leadership positions or raising a child without a husband. The amulet gives a woman strength so that she can cope with all difficulties.
This amulet symbolizes the movement of the Sun along its trajectory. It helps a person maintain health, protects against troubles, damage and the evil eye, and promotes procreation.
The amulets of the Slavs and their meaning are an interesting topic that can be developed and studied for a long time. Men can choose only one amulet for themselves, and women are allowed to use the power of several talismans, but the selection of a talisman must be approached with all responsibility.
STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
SECONDARY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
KEMEROVSK VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
CREATIVE PROJECT “RUSSIAN CHARMS”
PROJECT PASSPORT
Creative project “Russian amulets”
project participants: students of group TS-71
supervisor: Kupriyanova Inna Vladimirovna, teacher of the discipline “Floristry and papermaking” (elective)
Objective of the project:
· introduce students to one of the phenomena of Russian folk art - the amulet.
Project objectives:
· consolidate knowledge about symbols and ancient images;
· develop the creative potential of students;
· cultivate love for folk art, respect for your work, perseverance.
RELEVANCE OF THE PROJECT
Project Execution Plan
1. Study of Russian amulets, their meaning in the life of Russian peasants
2. Making amulets
3. Project presentation
The topic “Amulets” has interested me for a very long time. Once upon a time, my mother and I were at an exhibition of paintings at the All-Russian Exhibition Center (All-Russian Exhibition Center) and there I saw these funny and amusing brownies. We stood next to the display case for a long time and looked at the crafts. These were various brooms, wattles, spoons, braids, little shoes, brownies. Each amulet was different from each other, but at the same time, each work had its own character, its own soul, there was so much warmth and kindness in these works. I was especially struck by what they were made of. These were various cereals, grains, pine cones, herbs, dried flowers, berries, mushrooms (from salt dough), seeds, tree bark and twigs, various braids, scraps of fabric, etc. It seemed like nothing special, but at the same time I wanted to pick them up and look at them and look at them.
Therefore, I would like to introduce others to amulets - house-elfs, because people believed that in everyone there lives a house-elf who must be appeased, otherwise he will get angry and harm the inhabitants of the house.
Project goals and objectives
1. HISTORY OF RUSSIAN CHARMS, THEIR IMPORTANCE IN THE LIFE OF RUSSIAN PEASANTS
The centuries-old history of culture is inextricably linked with popular beliefs. They came to us from the depths of time as a memory of our ancestors, the first attempts to understand the world around us, to protect ourselves from unfavorable events. Folk customs and beliefs changed over time along with changes in the culture of the people.
Ancient Slavic customs and rituals were not forgotten even after the arrival of Christianity in Rus'. Orthodox Church showed wisdom and tolerance. Therefore, Christianity only supplanted, but did not destroy the traditional worldview.
For thousands of years, not a single house in Rus' could do without amulets. Miniature images of an axe, a bell, spoons, and ordinary items household items: kneading bowl, broom, poker, bast shoes, etc. were widely used in rituals. People believed that amulets protected them from diseases, the “evil eye,” predatory animals, natural Disasters and various misfortunes. When preparing for a long journey, a person took with him a talisman so that the goodness, faith and love put into it would warm the soul and remind him of his father’s house and land.
Gradually, a person’s view of the events happening around him changed. Life, utensils, housing and other aspects of life changed. But it remained unchanged characteristic of people the desire to protect your home and family members from adversity. Our ancestors protected it with correct location on site, observed special rituals when choosing a site and construction, and after construction - with the help of a wide variety of symbolic images. A properly built house was itself best protection from possible troubles and troubles.
Our ancestors knew very well that the entire future life in the new place depended on how correctly the site for building a house was chosen. For this reason, they attached so much importance to the issues of choosing a site and observing the ritual of construction. These beliefs originate in ancient times, and today many of them may seem to us unusual superstitions, while others, on the contrary, are full of deep hidden meaning.
So, in ancient times it was impossible to build a house on a place where lightning struck, abandoned by people due to natural disasters or disease. They did not build a house and together, where human remains were found, serious crimes were committed, someone was seriously injured, where a shaft broke or a cart overturned. Respect for cemeteries was traditional.
Therefore, the traditional Slavic house was usually built as a model of the Universe. The stove was a symbol of the Earth, and the red corner opposite with icons was the Sun and God in the sky... The cult of the house is one of the oldest, which is why ideas about the need to protect the house from real and invisible enemies are so old.
The main natural boundaries of the house are the walls, openings and roof, which are wooden houses protected by symbolic carvings. The door also served as a natural talisman. In houses, specially woven curtains were hung at the doors, and red clay was outlined around the opening.
When a child was born, the door frame was notched with an ax as a message about a new addition to the family. There was also a custom in villages not to lock the doors, but to keep them open for everyone who came with good intentions.
The threshold was endowed with the greatest protective power. There are well-known signs that you cannot pass anything across the threshold, talk or say hello across the threshold, or stand on the threshold. When crossing this line, there are numerous, both pagan in origin and Christian, prayers and amulets.
Our ancestors tried to protect the courtyard. The boundary of personal space runs along the fence around the yard and is protected with the help of a number of symbolic objects. These could be, for example, pots and jars, horseshoes, old bast shoes, etc., which are hung on gates and fences, or a net that is thrown over a fence or fence. It was believed that in this way it was possible to scare away birds of prey and protect domestic animals. Also, pebbles with holes, the so-called “chicken gods”, also having a talismanic meaning, were hung on fence or fence stakes. Nowadays, attention to the outer border of the yard - the fence - has almost disappeared, however, the tradition is still alive - nailing a horseshoe to the gate for good luck.
The figurines - amulets - are weather vanes that were placed on the roofs of houses. In Rus', most often it was a horse or a rooster. This amulet protected the house from all sorts of misfortunes.
Charms accompanied the life of a peasant from birth to death. The main everyday amulets of Russians in the 19th – early 20th centuries were pectoral cross and a belt. The cross was often put on the baby during childbirth, so that the child would not die unbaptized. According to popular beliefs, his guardian angel could not intercede for an unbaptized person.
Your next amulet, by folk beliefs, was given to the child by nature itself as soon as his first baby tooth grew. Before that, he was considered especially susceptible to the machinations of evil spirits, which is why it was not customary to leave him alone for a minute.
The cape on the float, which was usually sewn from the mother’s skirt, also had a protective function. Under the pillow, in a shaky place, it was customary to keep two crossed knives, scissors open with a cross, a handwritten prayer “Saints of Help” (90th Psalm) or “Prayer to the Honorable Cross” as a talisman.
The child was protected from spirits, which, according to legend, entered the house from the outside with a floor broom placed on the threshold at night. Instead of a broom, an ax was often placed on the threshold with the blade facing up. Smears of soot behind the ear or on those parts of the body where the bones formed a “cross” served as a talisman against the evil eye for the baby.
The belt was first put on the baby at the stove pillar when he reached one year, but if he died before this period, then he was placed in the coffin belted.
From the age of seven, people began to wear a pin as a talisman against the evil eye. Men carried a nail or other sharp object in their pocket as a talisman.
At the wedding, the bride and groom took the “Vacation” prayer as a talisman against witchcraft, which they bought from a relative or friend’s sorcerer. For the bride, needles with a broken eye were stuck into the hem; for the groom, such needles were stuck into the waist part of his trousers. The bride and groom could carry with them onions and garlic, mercury in a goose feather as a talisman, the groom put a silver ruble under the heel of his right boot or flat stone. Additional amulet On his wedding day, he was served by a belt that had never been worn on a person. Wedding amulets were worn by newlyweds for 40 days after the wedding.
The entire life of the Russian people was permeated with a grateful and respectful attitude towards nature, in which there are mythical creatures, living in water, earth, air, fire, forest, field (goblin, water, field, brownies, kikimoras, beregins, etc.). Behind different sides life and everyday life were answered by one or another owner or assistant. Charms have long been prepared to protect houses and their inhabitants from bad spirits, diseases, to attract the brownie and appease him.
In Rus' they believed that no house would stand without a brownie. The brownie is the soul of the house, the patron of the home and the people living in it. He lives in a house, preferring a place where it is warm and nourishing - a stove, a kitchen. The well-being of the home depended on a respectful attitude towards the brownie. The “neighbor” causes minor troubles for careless owners: knocking at night, hiding things, dropping clothes, etc. If the brownie is on friendly terms with the owner, the house is under his protection. The brownie loves to transform into different animals, especially a cat. When moving to a new place, they always invited “Neighbor” with them. He was transported in a bast shoe, on a bread shovel, on a broom: “here are those sleighs, come with us.”
Continuing these traditions, our modern artists create the image of a brownie and a “brownie”. This is a broom, a braid, a spatula, a wreath, a picture, etc. they depict household items made specifically for the brownie. They are composed of folk Slavic symbols.