Winter Solstice holiday - traditions, signs, rituals and conspiracies. Kolyada - Slavic holiday of the winter solstice Winter solstice holiday of the Slavs
Most of the holidays of the ancient Slavs were magical rituals (rites) that realized the unity of man and nature.
The key holidays for the ancient Slavs were those with which the seasons were associated (spring, summer, autumn and winter), that is, the transition from one season to another. On such days, people laid down tasks or some kind of program for the entire next astronomical year. In addition, these days served as a fulcrum for the beginning of harvesting or sowing crops, and the construction of important buildings began.
Ancient Slavic holidays were pagan, after Christianity spread to these lands, many of these rituals were slightly transformed into Christian holidays.
The ancient tribes of the Slavs lived according to the solar calendar, as a result of which all the rituals of the Slavs were connected and focused on the activity of the Sun.
Pagan holidays
The main pagan Slavic holidays were:
– Kolyada or the birth of the Sun, celebrated on the day of the winter solstice;
– Christmas time – coped after December 21;
– Maslenitsa served as a symbol of the end of winter;
- Great day - day spring equinox and the beginning of spring;
– Rusal Week – farewell to spring, held before June 21;
– Ivan Kupala Day – summer solstice;
– Indian summer – farewell to summer;
– Harvest Festival – autumn equinox;
And now it is necessary to consider each of the holidays of the ancient Slavs in more detail.
The Kolyada holiday played a special place.
Kolyada
December 21 has long been considered to this day the day of the beginning of astronomical winter. After December 21, the god Kolyada was born and on his day a holiday was organized, accompanied by rituals. The people sang songs and glorified the deities. The ancient Slavs rejoiced that starting from December 21, the Sun would shine longer and longer, for which they thanked him. When Christianity became the state religion, Christmas began to be celebrated on this day. In the pagan circles of the ancient Slavs, this day began to mark the birth of the gods.
On December 21, the ancient Slavs got rid of everything old, all remnants and made wishes for the new year. The three days before the winter solstice and the three days after were considered particularly energetic, so on this day wishes were especially powerful and it was believed that they were more likely to come true.
Other pagan holidays
Christmastide
Christmastide was celebrated immediately after the winter solstice; in total, they lasted for two weeks. During Christmas time it was customary to tell fortunes.
Kolyada and Christmastide were the winter holidays of the Slavs.
Maslenitsa
This holiday was considered a farewell to winter, and was held from March 12 to 20 (the week before the Great Day). Throughout the week, people prepare pancakes with honey and other sweets.
In pagan mythology, Maslenitsa is a character symbolizing death, as well as cold winter. Maslenitsa is the last week when winter still has power over the world. The forces of darkness are having fun for the last time.
We greeted the day with singing on the hills and hills. The Slavs made a stuffed animal from straw, which represented the character Maslenitsa, then the stuffed Maslenitsa was dressed up in women's clothing. Next to this scarecrow, the Slavs baked pancakes and had fun, moving down from these hills.
Throughout the week, people visited guests and spent evenings at the table. For entertainment, they also organized fist gods, various staged performances, skated on ice, threw snowballs, went and had fun at fairs. IN last days people used clay whistles to invite spring. These sounds were something like birdsong, arriving with the onset of warmth, that is, in early spring.
The children made small stuffed animals from straw, although they were more likely dolls; in the last days they were thrown into the fire. A large effigy of Maslenitsa was burned on the last day.
Great day
Celebrated on March 21, it is at this time that day is equal to night - the spring equinox. On March 21, it was customary to conduct round dances, various games, praise the pagan gods; on this day, a wheel engulfed in flames was launched from a mountain or any high point in the landscape. It was considered a symbol of the Sun, and the flames represented tongues of light.
Birds on March 21 had a special meaning, since it was believed that the souls of the departed were infused into the birds. To appease their ancestors, the birds were fed cereals and bread crumbs. Towards evening, 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. In ancient times, March 21 was considered the most popular day for a wedding. In addition, even now this day is the most popular for tying the knot. There is one old Russian proverb about this, which reads as follows: “He who gets married on Great Day will never get divorced.”
The holiday was also called Red Hill. Most likely, this name was due to the fact that the ancient Slavs celebrated rituals exclusively at various heights: hills, hillocks, hills.
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
It is believed that the period from June 14 to June 20 was the time for the rampant forces of darkness, which meant fortune telling. They guessed mainly about the future and about the betrothed/betrothed. In addition to fortune telling, the ancient Slavs made wishes and prayed to the forces of nature to give generous gifts. This week was special specifically for girls, because it was the most favorable for fortune-telling about their marriage.
During this week it was strictly forbidden to swim in lakes and rivers. The reason for this is that these days were dedicated to sea deities: mermaids and other small gods.
Mermaid Week was celebrated cheerfully, mainly on the banks of rivers, lakes, and also in forest groves.
Kupalo
June 21 is considered the beginning of astronomical summer; in addition, this day is the longest of the year, and the night is the mildest. After Kupalo, the day shortens in favor of night.
The summer solstice was celebrated quite magnificently, with many pagan rituals. They made a big fire, which they jumped over all night, and danced around the fire.
By jumping over the fire, people were purified, and in addition, such a ritual 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, since right now they could find their betrothed. The girls wove wreaths from flowers and sent them down the river. The guy who caught the wreath must become the husband of the girl who launched the wreath.
Swimming in rivers and lakes was allowed. It was believed that the Kupala night was magical, at that time the line between real world and otherworldly was the most subtle. People believed that on this night animals talked with other animals, just like plants with plants. They even believed that trees could walk that night.
The sorcerers on Kupalo prepare special potions, mostly love potions. The grasses in Kupalo were especially strong.
Babino's summer
This holiday lasts from September 14 to 20. At this time, the ancient Slavs collected the harvest and counted it, and also made supplies for the next year.
Harvest Festival
September 21st was the autumnal equinox. The ancient Slavs celebrated rituals on this day, lit large bonfires, and held so-called autumn round dances around them. People welcomed autumn and saw off the warm summer. We whiled away the day with great fun and prepared delicious dishes. Mostly there were big pies; they meant a good harvest next year.
People wished each other all the best and hoped that all their wishes would come true in the new year. In addition, the Slavs renewed the fire in their huts: they completely extinguished the old one, raked out the ashes and lit a new one.
Other holidays of the Eastern Slavs
Solar holidays were described above, but besides them, the Eastern Slavs also celebrated other significant days. They were dedicated to pagan gods. On these days, pagan rituals and ceremonies were carried out.
Rites and rituals were performed for the following gods: Veles, Yarilo, Perun and others.
The Eastern Slavs always celebrated such holidays in the open air. Mostly the Slavs gathered in forests and on lawns. Elevations - hills, small hills, hillocks - were considered special places for holding such holidays.
Rituals served for the Slavs as a kind of means for conversation, communication, communication with deceased relatives, ancestors and with the spirits of nature.
Modern pagans celebrate the Yule holiday on the winter solstice, although it lasts 13 days from Mother's Night (the day before). Learn about the holiday traditions in honor of the birth of the new sun, as well as the rituals and legends borrowed by Christians for Christmas.
In the article:
Yule - the holiday of the Nativity of the Sun
In December the time comes short days and long, cold nights. Only after the winter equinox does rebirth begin in the form of sunlight - at first weak, with practically no warmth.
In the old days, winter was a difficult test for people. As soon as they go out, darkness comes. But this darkness will dissipate when the time of Yule comes - happy holiday winter solstice.
The life of our ancestors was connected with the sun and it was given considerable importance. The daylight was reflected in the appearance of the ancient, now half-forgotten gods. Yule connects dark time with the beginning of the light period of the year. Afterwards it gets warmer and dawn gets closer. The Wheel of the Year makes its final turn on Yule.
The Yule holiday is one of the longest of the year. It begins on Mother's Day on the night of December 20-21 and lasts 13 nights. Nowadays, it is difficult to afford to celebrate so much, so now ceremonies and rituals are carried out on the winter equinox, from December 21 to 22, ignoring the remaining 12 days of celebration.
According to legend, on the night of Yule, the Great Mother Goddess gives birth to a baby who will become the Solar God. He dies every Samhain, but is reborn at Yule. The Pagan Wheel of the Year is a symbol of restoration, reincarnation, continuation of life after death, and is closely related to natural cycles.
To look at the newborn God the Father, various entities come from other worlds - elves, fairies, trolls and even other gods. According to legend, they descend from heaven again after Samhain Riders of the Wild Hunt to welcome the new divine incarnation.
With the advent of Christianity, Yule traditions changed to those that are now called Christmas or New Year. With time New Year and Christmas has been completely replaced ancient holiday. Considering that at first Christianity was rejected by the people, the priests adapted pagan rituals to Christian ones - they were not invented out of nowhere, but came to replace ancient legends. Some pagan gods became saints and archangels, some of them were enrolled in the ranks of Satan's minions. A similar thing happened with signs, holidays and rituals from cultures of different countries.
Yule in Iceland - features of northern folklore
Customs for celebrating Yule varied depending on the area. In Iceland, oaths were traditionally taken on boar's heads, whose meat was one of the typical dishes of the northern pagans. Perhaps the beloved by many goes back to this ancient tradition Christmas ham.
One of the features of Yule in Iceland is the Yule cat, pet of the giantess Grila, who lives in a cave far in the mountains. He is huge, fluffy and always loves to eat. According to legend, he is larger than a bull. The Yule cat has black fur and fiery burning eyes. They scare children to this day.
Yule cat
With the onset of the holiday, the Yule cat drops in on naughty children, lazy people and those who are not prepared for the celebration. Usually he eats the entire holiday dinner, and if it does not turn out to be tasty, the cat will feast on the children living in the house. According to signs, if not worn on Yule new clothes, the cat will eat the sloth. Therefore, Yule is supposed to wear new things.
Despite the fact that the Yule cat is capable of inspiring horror, good people He is kind and will definitely reward you. The Christmas cat is not afraid of dogs or even fire. According to legends, it is he who comes for sacrifices and treats for the ancestors and elves, in order to convey to them the respect expressed by people.
Symbols of Yule
The Yule wreath is one of the main traditions of the holiday. It looks like a Christmas wreath that came to us from the West and is gaining popularity every year. It is decorated in green and red tones, made with your own hands, choosing evergreens. It is placed on the fireplace, holiday table or other visible surface. It is not supposed to be hung on the door; this innovation was introduced by Christian priests. Quite symbolic - pagan traditions seem to be carried beyond the threshold of the house.
Yule log - a large oak log specially decorated taking into account the symbolism of flowers, plants, berries and fruits. Then it was thrown into the hearth, where it slowly burned out. Nowadays, decorated Yule logs are burned at any time, most importantly - before the onset of spring. The ash must be kept in the house until the next Yule, after which it is buried in the ground.
There is also a Yule tree - an analogue of the modern New Year tree. They dress it up on the 21st or on Mother's Night and put gifts under it. The Celts left offerings to spirits and elves in the same place as gifts for family members. Christmas tree decorations were removed at the end of the holiday - in early January. The tree itself was kept in the house until Beltane, after which it was supposed to be burned. According to legend, the maypole was made from it.
The Yule tree is a prototype of the Christmas tree.
Yule celebration traditions
First day of Yule , which precedes the solstice on December 20th. This is the longest night of the year. At this time, the main importance is given to the woman as the mistress of the house, who has always enjoyed the special protection of the Mother Goddess.
Mother's Night is similar to the usual preparation for the holiday. In the old days, before Yule, they cleaned up the house, trying to complete all household chores before dark. At the same time, you are supposed to decorate your home and create a Yule wreath and log. Having completed the preparations, it is necessary - these spirits also love to celebrate. In the evening, the family gathered around the hearth to exchange gifts and have a festive feast. On Mother's Night, according to legend, you need to eat as much as possible so that there is food in the house for the whole year. Pets were not deprived of food either.
They never got up early on Yule, since they had to celebrate almost all night. During the day, preparations for the celebration took place - the whole family tried to do what the mistress of the house did not manage to do on Mother's Night. From the very morning you are supposed to light a candle in each room of the house - the candle fire welcomes the newborn god.
The celebration of Yule is similar to the modern one. It consists of a late family dinner. The table is plentiful and rich to gain material well-being next year. There must be ham or pork on the table, as well as mulled wine or grog. While eating, they share plans and make wishes.
At midnight, all the lights are extinguished, after which new ones are lit - this symbolizes the death of God and his birth on Yule. In the old days, they even extinguished the fire in the stove, starting it again from the embers of the common festive fire lit by the priests.
An ancient ritual of Yule - at the end of the ceremonial meal, family members join hands and think about what they would like to get rid of in the New Year, and also ask the spirits and gods to fulfill their wishes. Many rituals are performed on Yule, both to get rid of negativity and to attract something positive.
Our ancestors always tied their Solar calendar to various astronomical phenomena, such as the solstice or equinox. All these phenomena are very important for our nature and they were the main holidays in Russia. Four holidays were considered the most important - Kolyada, Yarylo (Yaro), Kupalo (Red Mountain) and Svetovit (Ovsen). The day of the solstice in Rus' was called the day of the solstice, which meant that the sun turns either to the gain or to the decline of the day.
The Sun was believed to have several forms:
1. The sun is a baby Kolyada is the birth of the sun after the Night of the winter solstice.
2. The sun - the young man Yarilo - this period came at the spring equinox.
3. The sun - Kupala's husband - is the summer sun in full force.
4. The sun - the elder Svetovit - the sun during the autumn equinox, when it gradually fades away and, as it were, dies on the Night of the winter solstice.
Let's look at these four great holidays:
Kolyada (kolo+da - the beginning of the circle or the beginning of the sun) this holiday falls on the winter solstice, December 21. This is the longest of all nights, and after which the “Day of the Gods” begins. And then the sun is born, it is still very weak, like a baby and rises from the horizon quite a bit. Therefore, on this day in Rus' they always celebrated the birthday of the sun (Winter Christmastide) and dedicated it to the Divine Light. It was believed that it was on this day that people would be visited by their already deceased Ancestors, who had already fulfilled their duty to the Earth and had found their light warmth.
Yarilo (Yar - the power of fertilization, that is, the birth of a new life) is the period of the spring equinox, March 21. From that day on, the daylight hours were longer than the night. The sun has become stronger, as if entering a youthful period, and now it melts the snow, inviting spring. On this day the Slavs celebrate Maslenitsa. This day is also a symbol of meetings between boys and girls, because spring is the beginning of a new life for all nature.
Kupalo (kupa - abundance of greenery) holiday falls on the summer solstice, June 22. This is the longest day of daylight, after which the “Night of the Gods” begins. On this day, all the elements are activated, and the sun is gaining power and now the Sun-husband is at the very dawn of his strength. IN Kupala night everyone girds themselves with herbs and this is a symbol of healthy and strong offspring, as well as wealth. On this holiday, the god of Fire is greatly revered, and he appears in the form of mountains, sun, water, earth and trees. People perform cleansing rituals with fire and water. People burn Kupala bonfires, which, according to legend, should be ignited with “living fire,” that is, with the help of friction between two pieces of wood. The Kupalo holiday is a celebration of Conservation.
Svetovit (light + vit - turn of life) he came on the autumn equinox, September 22. From this day on, the nights become longer and longer. The sun seems to be aging, losing its former strength and gradually dying. There is a belief that this holiday was in honor of the “red maiden” Dawn, who is the “Mother of the Dawn” of the Sun. It is also a harvest festival and the New Year, and the Slavs glorified the Sun, which gave its strength for their harvest. People burned bonfires, gathered in round dances and told fortunes. On this day the fire in the huts was renewed; the old one no longer burned, but a new one was lit.
WINTER SOLSTICE OR KOLYADA HOLIDAY DECEMBER 21-24 /2013.VIDEO. Calculation of the holiday date. WHO IS KOLYADA?Solstice from December 21 to 24.
The Day of God Kolyada turns out not even during the day, but at night, like the Day of God Kupala. From 24 to 25 December.
And on December 26, Carols begin, which continue until the Blessing of the Waters, that is, until January 6.
By the way, there is a complete analogy with Kupala. Solstice is from June 21 to 24, Kupala is celebrated on the night of June 23 to 24, sometimes from 24 to 25. Some say Kolyada is also celebrated from December 23 to 24. In principle, the day here or there does not play a special role, but some magicians consider this to be important))
21.12.11 - The longest night of the year.(IN THE FIRST MINUTES - HOW TO MAKE WISHES.)
On this day, December 21, our ancestors celebrated the winter solstice, told fortunes, performed magical rituals and celebrated the victory of light over darkness. Modern astropsychologists also note: today and tomorrow it is worth formulating all your desires, getting ready to get rid of adversity, lighting candles and getting in touch with the subtle world.
Watch which moon will be: waning or waxing. If it is waning, then the wishes must be made to get rid of something.
December 22 - raw egg standing upright experiment;)
Winter Solstice Day or Kolyada Festival
In ancient times, even before Christianity, in winter solstice The Slavs knew that this was a turning point in nature. At this time there is an acute struggle between good and evil, the end and the beginning are close together, because December 22 The day is the shortest, and the night is the longest. Our ancestors believed that behind folk legends, worlds open on this night: the world of the gods - heavenly, the world of man - earthly, the world of underground riches and the dead - underground. On December 22, the sun (Kolyada) died, but then was born again.
Kolyada (“kolo”-sun) is born, lives and dies every day and every year. During the annual cycle, the sun travels the same path as nature and man. Then man believed that with his magical actions, ritual songs and dances he could help nature and the Sun in the fight against dark forces. And Kolyada is the first holiday in honor of the Sun in the annual cycle; it marks the beginning of the winter plowing holidays. Christmas is celebrated on the 15th day after the longest night.
In the Christmas customs of those times, pre-Christian elements have been preserved to this day, the meaning of which was to call for a good harvest next year, wealth and prosperity for the owners, happiness and health for all family members. All this is sung in carols. In other words, a carol is a song in honor of Kolyada, that is, the Heavenly mother of the newborn Sun, the mother of Light.
Kolyada glorifies the beginning of a new annual circle of the Earth's rotation around the Sun. Kolyada-father- personification of the Solar Plowing Spirit. It is not for nothing that a sheaf of wheat (“didukh”) with a stuck spoon is brought into the home only by the owner before dinner, placed in a place of honor - in the red corner, under the icons. Pokut is the most honorable place in the house and is always in the corner at sunrise. The owner traditionally wishes the whole family happy holidays, health, and happiness. "Didukh" Since ancient times, it has personified the spirit of ancestors who come to visit at Christmas. And “didukh” is a sacred cult of bread, praising hard-working owners.
Winter Solstice - Kolyada, Christmastide, Prosinets, Month of the Sun
The first month of winter, December, is dedicated for many to preparing for the Winter Holidays - the most long-awaited and desired of the year.On December 21, the winter solstice occurs (the birth of a new sun), after which, to everyone’s joy, the daylight hours gradually begin to lengthen and the darkness of the night begins to shorten.
The celebrations of the winter solstice (c. December 21) and summer solstice (c. June 21) are most likely the oldest of all human rituals. For the agricultural and pastoral tribes of the past, completely dependent on the whims of weather and climate, the winter rebirth of the sun was not an ordinary event, but a matter of survival.
December 20 was the last day of autumn for our ancient Slavic ancestors.
A On December 21, the day of the winter solstice, Kolyaden began - the first month of winter and the new year. On the same day, in accordance with natural rhythms, they celebrated the Christmas of Kolyada, the hypostasis of one of the main Slavic gods, Dazhbog, who embodied the Sun. The celebration of Christmastide, filled with fun, delicious food and magical rituals, stretched for 21 days among the ancient Slavs, helping to while away the dark and cold winter period. On Christmastide they prepared kolivo, or sochivo - porridge with honey and raisins, and socheviki - sweet pies with cottage cheese and jam. The huts were decorated with dolls of the god Veles-Frost and the Snow Maiden, and burning wheels were rolled in the streets and bonfires were lit to help the emerging winter sun. Carolers - young boys and girls - walked from house to house, singing carols (ritual songs with wishes for well-being), receiving treats as a reward. On the first midnight of Kolyaden, the priests sacrificed a duck, a pig and other animals to Kolyaden; all this is present as a treat on the Christmas tables of the ancient (and modern!) Slavs. On Christmastide, they dressed up in new clothes and put the best treats on the tables, which were eaten by the family gathered together. It was believed that “how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it.”
Christmastide days were considered magical, people wondered about the future, trying to predict the future harvest, wars, weddings... They commemorated dead relatives by lighting bonfires and leaving them treats. Dressed up (dressed up) in the skins of real and mythical animals, evil spirits, as well as trying on the clothes (and roles) of other people and people of the opposite sex. At this time, special powers were vested in the dark forces, which, according to popular belief, came especially close to the world of the living..
Kolyada- Slavic holiday of the winter solstice and the deity of the same name. Written by vlkh. Velemir for good people- Velesova Sloboda community Kolyada is not always celebrated on the same day. Like all the other main Slavic holidays (Maslenitsa, Kupala and Tausen), associated with four main annual astronomical events (two equinoxes and two solstices), Kolyada belongs to the so-called MOVEABLE holidays. Each of them has “its own” week - Kupala, Maslenitsa, Christmastide, etc. And this happens for the reason that our calendar is Lunar-Solar, and not just Solar. Taking the Solar date as a basis, our calendar correlates it with the nearest phases of the Moon. If the full moon is close (within 1-2 days “before” or within 4-6 days “after”) to the Solar date, then the holiday is celebrated on the day of the full moon. If the Moon is “far away”, then it is celebrated only according to the Sun. But in any case, the holiday is accompanied by its own “holy” week, which mystically is a continuation (in both directions) of the day of the holiday. The whole week is like one big day. If the holiday is celebrated on the day that coincides with the full moon, then it acquires special power - we can talk about “Strong Kolyada” or, for example, “Strong Kupala”. In practice, this means that the immediate date of the day of the Holiday (if it is not “Strong”) can be moved throughout the “holy” week. Not godlessly, of course, but to a certain extent. For example, timing it on a convenient day in a worldly sense - on a day off, for example. Mystically, the Holiday will still remain one day. And further. The movable holiday ITSELF forms the calendar, and is not a movable mark on a fixed calendar. In the traditional calendar, it is not the absolute “coordinate” of the Holiday that is important, but the relative one. What matters is what follows what, what cannot happen until such and such has happened. It is important not how many days separate the Dates, but how many and what events should happen between them and in what sequence. What is important is the internal logic and integrity of the calendar, not an abstract numerical table.
Returning to the question of the exact date of Kolyada, it should be said that it is more appropriate to raise the question not about the date, but about FORMULA calculating the date of its holding. And the formula here is: The first full moon after the winter solstice (or the nearest one), if the full Moon is close (- 2-2 + 5-6 days) or the date of Karachun (solstice), if the Moon is far away, but in both cases the date can be moved to the most convenient day of the week (so to speak, projected into a pragmatic space) within Christmastide - several days when time mystically stops and lasts one big day- Holiday of Kolyada.
Example: Calculation: in 2000 - Kolyada is not strong (full moon on December 11 and January 9), therefore, Kolyada falls precisely on the winter solstice (Karachun) - December 22. The most convenient day of the week for everyone is Saturday (or Sunday). It is appropriate to celebrate Kolyada on the night of December 23-24 (on the night from Saturday to Sunday). In 2001 - Kolyada is also not strong (full moon on November 30 and December 30). Moving the Holiday by 8 days (to December 30) goes beyond tradition, therefore. Kolyada falls on the winter solstice (Karachun) - December 22 and it is appropriate to celebrate it on the night of December 22 to 23 (the night from Saturday to Sunday).
FORUM. WHO IS KOLYADA?
The name of this Russian god is probably known to everyone, because from Karachun until the very day of Veles, mummered carolers walked from house to house and sang special songs - carols. Who is this guy? Kolyada, what his name means and why his holiday falls on the day of the winter solstice, no one knew. Various assumptions have been made that Kolyada is the ancient god of merry feasts, that his name is derived from the word “kolo” (circle), that carols may have something to do with witchcraft. Well, there was a part of truth in every assumption, it’s just a pity that people forgot the great teacher of life. In ancient times, his name was always mentioned next to Kryshn; they were called small creators, in contrast to the great creators - Rod and Svarog. Kryshen brought fire to people, taught them how to brew the sacred drink surya, and saved them from physical extinction. What did Kolyada do? He was born 8500 years ago (that is, in the 7th millennium BC) to save humanity from spiritual degeneration. Gathering 60 High Priests different nations, Kolyada began to teach forgotten Vedic knowledge. This was the third divine revelation to people. The first law of life was given by Rod. Its essence lies in the fact that life is endless and omnipresent, this is the Almighty. Life on Earth arose from the gradual descent of the Almighty onto the planet, first in the form of his son Rod, then in the form of Svarog. At the same time, the world was divided into three parts: Rule, Reality and Nav. A person existing in Reveal must strive for heaven. He must avoid Evil and Darkness - Navi. The second law of life was given to the world by Veles. This is the movement of people from Darkness to Light, following the movement of the Sun. The third law was told to people by Kolyada. He told the sages gathered around him about the Great Kolo of Svarog, about the Day and Night of Svarog, and also established the first calendar (its name means “Kolyada Gifts”). In other words, Kolyada brought people beyond the limits of momentary existence, outlining in detail how time moves and what changes should be expected from it.
The teaching set out in the “Book of Kolyada” tells about the Greater and Lesser Triglavs. Literature Mythology ancient world, -M.: Belfax, 2002 B.A. Rybakov “Paganism of the Ancient Slavs”, -M.: Russian Word, 1997 V. Kalashnikov “Gods of the Ancient Slavs”, -M.: White City, 2003 D. Gavrilov, A. Nagovitsyn “Gods of the Slavs. Paganism. Tradition", - M.: Refl-Buk, 2002
...Kolyada - Slavic holiday winter solstice and the deity of the same name. Kolyada, it’s neither one nor the other. Kolyada is the name of a holiday (not God) associated with seeing off the Old Year and welcoming the New Year. Winter carols (Christmas time) begin with snow 6 days before the New Year and 6 days after the New Year. The holiday of the winter solar opposition between day and night is a holiday called Korachun. It is called that because it is the shortest winter day of the year.
Korchun is not the name of God, but the name of a holiday dedicated to the winter solar opposition between day and night, i.e. celebrating the shortest winter day of the year...
Days of Power. Holidays of the ancient Slavs
The basis of Slavic culture is the desire to live in harmony with nature. Observing the movement of the stars and the change of seasons, the ancient Slavs understood: everything in the world moves in a circle, and this circular cycle is built on special, astronomically determined dates. Our ancestors called them Days of Power. These are the days of the winter (December 22) and summer (June 22) solstice, as well as the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 23) equinox.
On the Days of Power, the position of the Sun led to a surge of certain energies on the earth, signifying the peak of activity of the star at different times of the year - and the life cycles of Mother Earth. The main Slavic holidays were held precisely on the Days of Power: Kolyada (Winter Solstice), Velikoden or Komoeditsa (Spring Equinox), Kupaila (Summer Solstice) and Veresen or Svyatovit (Autumn Equinox).
Christmas of the new Sun-Kolyada. The newborn Sun is growing and strengthening. The Slavs celebrated the longest night of the year. This was the turning point of the year, signaling that from now on the days would slowly begin to grow, everything would move from darkness to light.
On the shortest night before the winter solstice, called Korochun, it was customary not to sleep.
People believed that the forces of darkness and light were fighting each other, so they helped the forces of light, calling for the birth of the Sun, sang songs, danced in circles, and lit solar wheel-shaped symbols.
On Korochun (aka Christmas Eve) A festive dinner was present on the tables of the Slavs, sacred dishes were prepared, including the beloved kutya and honey.
Before starting the festive meal, people symbolically or at least mentally let go of everything that should have remained in the past, obsolete and old.
Then it was necessary to begin a new round of life and Didukh (a large ritual sheaf of spikelets), which symbolized the blessing of the power of the Family, was brought into the house.
As soon as morning came, people went home to sing carols, to notify everyone that the forces of light had won, and a new Sun-Carol was born.
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Part 12 - WINTER SOLSTICE OR KOLYADA HOLIDAY DECEMBER 21-24 /2013.VIDEO. Calculation of the holiday date. WHO IS KOLYADA?
Holiday in the Slavic world
The holiday of Yule is called Solstice in Orthodoxy.
Solstice comes from the verb “to return.” The sun is renewed, reborn and from this moment returns to us with new strength, which is why the days become longer and the nights become shorter. A solstice is a point in time, a moment that can be accurately calculated. At this very “point” the Sun rises to the lowest altitude of the year, it will not go lower, then it will begin to return, gradually rising higher and higher.
This moment falls on December 21st.
In winter, the star rises lower and lower above the horizon. On the day of the WINTER SOLSTICE, December 21, the Sun rises above the horizon to its lowest height of the year and seems to freeze for 3 days, the height of the Sun above the horizon does not change during this period, it seems that the sun stops. We can say that the Winter Solstice is a phenomenon observed over 3 days.
The four great Slavic pagan holidays, like similar holidays of the European pagan religion of the Druid Magi, are focused on the Solar cycle, expressed in the four annually repeated annual hypostases of the Sun God.
1) Night of the winter solstice(the longest night, the beginning of astronomical winter) - 2nd Night-Solstice. The morning after this night winter is born Sun-baby Kolyada and, as the small children’s strength grows, every day it rises higher in the sky;
2) Vernal equinox(the beginning of astronomical spring) - a celebration of the arrival of the long-awaited Spring Komoeditsa. Spring has gained strength Sun-youth Yarilo melts the snow, drives away the boring Winter and gives Nature the onset of Spring;3) Summer Solstice(the longest day of the year, the beginning of astronomical summer) - summer holiday Kupaila. Mighty Summer Sun-husband Kupail comes into its own;
4) Day of the autumnal equinox(beginning of astronomical autumn) - autumn holiday Veresen (or Tausen). The former summer sun-Kupaila turns into the wise autumn sun that is gradually losing its strength The old man's sun Svetovit.
Then the cycle will repeat: at sunset before the Night of the winter solstice, the Sun-Svetovit will die, only to be reborn the next morning as the renewed Sun-baby Kolyada, again gaining his solar power.
This solar cycle, the four Slavic hypostases of the Sun - Kolyada- Yarilo - Kupaila -Svetovit, repeats from year to year, and the entire life of people, animals, birds, plants and all earthly Nature depends on it, as well as on the daily change of day and night.
According to the dates of the modern calendar, the celebration of this solar holiday began at sunset on December 19 and continued until sunset on January 1.
Before the Winter Solstice, you need to get rid of everything unnecessary, put things in order both in your home and in your soul in order to make room for the desired changes in the New Year. By the way, God Kolyada, who personifies the revival of the winter Sun and Nature, controls the Great Changes in the life of the Clans of the Great Race and the descendants of the Heavenly Clans, and the day of the Winter Solstice was also called the Day of Changes.
The day before the Solstice is called KOROCHUN, because this is the shortest day of the year. Shortening the outgoing year is Koschey the Immortal, who is also called the Koshchny Tsar (God) and Korochun too. These are the names of the ruler of the Underworld - Navi (the underworld). On December 21, the day of the Winter Solstice or Solstice, the victory of Light over darkness is celebrated. The sun is reborn! It is from this moment that the duration daylight hours will begin to gradually increase.
On the 1st Night(Great Mother's Day) On the longest night from December 21 to 22, in ancient times bonfires were lit in the streets and burning wheels were rolled to summon the Sun. Now candles are lit for this purpose. In the morning - December 22, at sunrise, the Sun is congratulated on its Birth and thanked for all the good things it gives us. The first 3 days after the Winter Solstice are the most favorable time for making plans for the future and making wishes.
Now let’s finally find out what KOLYADA is. First, let's look at its name. Kolyada comes from the Slavic word “kolo”, which means “circle”. God Kolyada personifies the revival of the winter Sun and Nature.
Kolyada was greeted on the night of December 24-25. Just after the 3-day period of the Winter Solstice, when the gain in solar minutes will become most noticeable.
CHRISTMAS EVE (from the Slavic word “Sochivo”, i.e. kutia) - the night before Kolyada. This is a memorial holiday for the “dead sun of the passing year,” a farewell to the past. This is a reason to look back and look forward. Time to analyze your successes and achievements over the past year, as well as make plans for the coming year.
On the night of Kolyada the Slavs burned bonfires, lit the sacred Fire, which then burned without going out for 12 days until the end of the holiday. According to tradition, in the fire of this fire they burned all old and unnecessary things, freeing themselves from old things for new ones. happy life. With songs and laughter, they rolled down the hill “sun wheels” (cart wheels coated with resin and set on fire), instructing them to bring spring; sculpted snow woman and destroyed it with snowballs; They had fist fights.
The night of the winter solstice - when the old sun has already died and the new one has not yet been born - is a fabulous mystical gap in time, when the Gates connecting Reality and Nav are wide open; this is a timelessness in which spirits and dark forces rule.
You can resist these forces only by gathering with your whole family for a joint joyful feast celebration. Dark spirits are powerless against general fun.
But woe to that relative who remains alone that night, outside his clan-tribe, without close people nearby - dark spirits will lure him and push him into all sorts of false dark thoughts.
Due to the high probability of meeting some kind of spirit these days, it was customary to dress up in costumes made of skins and depict various animals (real and mythical).
At Christmas Kolyada, carolers went from house to house - boys, girls and children dressed up in costumes of “terrible” animals, who sang carols (ritual songs in which they wished everyone well-being).
The ancient Slavs revered Kolyada as the strongest and most powerful god. Christianity, which came from Byzantium, could not completely eradicate the veneration of Kolyada for a long time. Over time, the optimistic and life-affirming holiday of Kolyada “coincided” with the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, and ritual pagan customs turned into fun game on Christmastide.
Literary critic Alexander Strizhev in his book “The People's Calendar” writes:
“Once upon a time, Kolyada was not perceived as a mummer. Kolyada was a deity, and one of the most influential. They called carols and called. The days before the New Year were dedicated to Kolyada, and games were organized in her honor, which were subsequently held at Christmas time. The last patriarchal ban on the worship of Kolyada was issued on December 24, 1684. It is believed that Kolyada was recognized by the Slavs as the deity of fun, which is why merry bands of young people called upon him during the New Year’s festivities.”
The celebration of Kolyada, with its joy and optimism, expressed the belief of our distant ancestors, the Slavic pagans, in the inevitability of the victory of good principles over the forces of evil.
During the day they prepared a collective meal - a fundraiser - and burned large festive bonfires - Kradu - all night.
Around the village on the night “They were chasing Pop or Balda” there was a burning thick stump of a log. And if it was possible to take it from the fire around the village and return it burning back to the fire, a favorable life awaited the village. To do this, the boys and girls cleared the snow from the path, and buttered “Pop-Balda” - poured oil on it. True, the “Balda” was oiled in advance to enhance combustion - tow soaked in oil and wax was placed into the hollowed out interior;)
According to one version, the name “Popa-Bulda” was given in mockery in honor of the priest who “served” for one night and then lay on his side for the whole year. According to another version, pop is the Ashes of the Fathers who betrayed him.
In the morning there was a feast, games, and revelry. The next night they launched a new Balda and the next night too.
On the second day it was impossible to feast at home - they went to the guests. Take turns with each other.
On the last morning of the holiday, from the common fire, they brought the “New Fire” into the stove, which before that had to be cleaned of ash and, preferably, whitened.
Everyone necessarily washed in the bathhouse and started the family feast. “Where you spend the night, there you will live for a year.”
“Fiery purgatories” were held - jumping over a fire. Alone and in pairs. If desired, one could take an oath of allegiance - the “Fire Oath.” To do this, you need to jump over the fire together and not unclench your hands.
The fire - They didn’t put out the steal, but let it burn out on its own.
On Kolyada there was another custom - “Breaking bread on the “Circle”. “Whoever you broke bread with is your brother.” This custom was carried out on every holiday. In other words, Kolyada is a collective all-round meal. Sharing. This Slavic holiday and custom originated in ancient times. To collect food for a circular meal, CAROLS were invented - funny sayings, jokes, fables, horror stories, songs. The collection of food for Kolyada was carried out mainly by young people - unmarried girls and boys. Towards evening, young people gather in separate groups and walk through the streets with songs, jokes and a star on a long stick. If desired, a hole was made in the star where a burning candle was placed. This star symbolizes the reborn sun. It was usually made with 8 points, from paper painted with paints. Eight planets revolve around the Sun, and recently scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences obtained a unique photograph of the Sun. It clearly shows 8 vortex flows radially directed towards the solar disk and twisting into a right-handed swastika. It is quite possible that the number of depicted rays of the Sun is compared by our wise Ancestors with these eight vortex flows. Such precise knowledge back in ancient times, which is reflected in our traditions, can indicate that our Ancestors clearly had a cosmic origin. The wisdom that we are now restoring bit by bit was known to our Ancestors - the Slavic-Aryans - back in ancient times. So, let's finally get back to the carols :) One of the carolers is carrying a bag for gifts. Costumed people come to the windows of the house, to the front door, or, if the owners allow it, directly into the house and sing special carol songs. From ancient times to this day, you can meet groups of children singing carols, hoping to get some sweets and gingerbread :)
In Slavic countries there was also a tradition Yule log- it was called badnyak. However, badnyak could be not only a log, but also a snag, a stump - the essence did not change. During the times of Christianization, they began to carve a cross on it, which conditionally justified the pagan ritual in the Christian period, or they poured oil (wine, honey) over the log, implying that it was the blood of Christ. The badnyak was considered animate; people are strong.
Modern Yule
Our modern magical New Year's Eve (concluding the 12th Night of Yule), an elegant New Year's evergreen tree shining with lights, a Yule wreath (now called the "Advent Wreath"), New Year's candles (Yule lights), the almighty pagan god Santa Claus, masquerade masks and costumes, processions of mummers, biscuit and chocolate “logs” (symbols of the Yule log) - this is a legacy of the traditions of the great sacred Yule, a cheerful two-week pagan winter holiday our ancient ancestors, with whom they celebrated the Christmas of the renewed Sun-Infant Kolyada.
A great way to spend the holidays of Yule Old year and get ready to meet the New - literally and figuratively clear your life of rubbish, as was customary to do many centuries ago.
This is the right time to pay off debts, clean and disassemble the apartment, distribute all unnecessary things, put your business papers in order and generally sort out all your tails - in a word, get rid of everything that prevents you from moving on, be it a mess in an apartment or an outdated relationship.
Then you need to thank the past year for all the good things it brought you, even if it was difficult (in any case, these difficulties taught you valuable lessons). After all, it is in nature itself that it is darkest just before dawn.
And, perhaps, it is worth remembering more often that when it seems that a time in life simply cannot be darker, this is a sure sign of an imminent dawn, the beginning of a new, bright streak.
Decorating the house
The house, windows and doors are decorated with branches of evergreens, symbolizing life, with bunches of rowan berries or beads made of rowan berries. An image of the Sun is hung on the door and in window openings - a symbol of the born God, and images of a star - a symbol of the Mother Goddess. Warmed red wine is placed on the table in a large bowl and poured with a ladle.
The kitchen does not require any special frills: just colored tinsel over the fireplace and bunches of dried vegetables, or onions, or ears of corn are enough. The hood above the stove is the best place to place decorations, but if it’s inconvenient to get there or tinsel and other goodies won’t be safe there, you can hang it all next to the window. And you can put new oven mitts and a fresh towel on the stove. Just for the mood.
In addition, in clothing and home decoration, it is desirable to have a large number of shiny metal objects yellow color- gold, polished brass - symbolizing sunlight. The presence of live fire is required.
Yule fire
Candles, fireworks, sparklers are an important winter holiday tradition. Unlike summer celebrations around an outdoor bonfire, the winter solstice lights burn primarily in homes. As a rule, these are large, bright candles (for example, red). Among the traditions was the lighting of one large candle, which burned from morning until midnight (if it burned out earlier, it was believed that this was a bad sign).
Gold and silver candles are a symbol of attracting wealth into the home. Red candles are a symbol of female attractiveness, green candles are a symbol of male strength and valor.
If you light a fire in the house, e.g. If you have a stove or fireplace, then for the holiday you need to prepare oak firewood in advance. The fire of the hearth symbolizes the energy of the sun. It is preferable to stay awake all night. If you decide to sleep, still leave the candle burning. Place it in a bowl of water for safety and go to sleep. The fire should burn all night until the first rays of the sun.
Yule wreath
Wreath made of spruce or pine branches with 8 candles should be prepared and placed on the mantel or in the place that is the “heart” of the house.
The candles in the Yule wreath should burn all night, and if possible - until the 12th Night ( New Year's Eve). In ancient times, these were not candles, but fat lamps (like today's church lamps), into which oil was added from time to time - so they could burn for a long time without going out.
From the lights of the Yule wreath, already in ancient times, the custom arose of lighting lights on a decorated New Year tree. At first, 8 lights were also placed on the tree, like on the Yule wreath, later - as many as anyone wanted.
Yule log in a new way
To make such a log, get a regular log with bark. Then you need to split it in half so that it can lie on the flat side, or trim it a little on one side just enough to give it stability. After making sure that it stands firmly, drill two or three holes with a diameter of 2 cm for candles in the upper part. Decorate the log with candles and mistletoe. While lighting the candles, you can sing something like:
“Burn, burn clearly, so that it does not go out, let the wheat spike thickly in the fields...”
or
“You burn, the fire, burn, boil the spring resins, you burn to the sky, there will be more bread.”
The log will subsequently have to be stored until next year. If you decide to keep traditions, keep them.
Yolochka was born in the forest(Yule treein a new way)
The Yuletide tree is a symbol of immortality. Therefore, evergreen trees are used - spruce, pine, juniper along with holly branches.
The Christmas tree can be decorated with fresh and dried berries, bags of aromatic herbs, apples, nuts, oranges, lemons. Old Soviet ones will come in handy here Christmas decorations in the form of fruits, fruits and vegetables, nuts and acorns (and someone smart came up with the idea of hanging cucumbers, corn cobs, tomatoes, acorns and grapes on the Christmas tree))).
There are toys in the form of the moon, sun and celestial stars. “Rain” as a symbol of rain will again be a symbol of fertility. If we talk about our favorite balls, they also hang for a reason. For centuries they have been used to protect against the “evil eye.” The principle of their operation is simple: they reflect evil spells and bad intentions and return them to the “sender”. Small balls, two to three centimeters in size, placed on a chain and worn around the neck, serve as excellent protective amulets, although they may look strange if worn outside of Christmas time. As Christmas tree decorations these shiny glass beads catch the light of the newborn sun and direct it back, acting as a magical tool to enhance the sun's energy. This idea was fully developed when a simple glass ball began to be made into a geometrically correct depression, allowing it to capture and reflect light, be it the pure white light of the reborn winter sun or the soft, warm light of candles. For money, pine cones, corn, and Christmas tree nuts are hung on the tree (there are toys of this shape). For the sweet life - icicles of different shapes. For joy and Have a good mood- lanterns, candles, lights. For the home (comfort, renovation, housewarming) - a toy house. For successful travel - a tram or a trailer (this also happens). For general prosperity - tinsel, balls and bows in gold and red. For simple well-being - the same thing, but green. For success in studying and working with information - blue. For success in writing and creative activity- blue, lilac, turquoise. For love - orange and pink. Toys in the form of candy - for unexpected bonuses from life. Drums and various characters with musical instruments (from angels to soldiers and mice) - glory and honor. Butterfly - for good dreams. Bird - for those suffering from migraines or prone to bad mood and causeless sadness (be careful with the stork))) |
The main thing in the holiday of Yulia (Kolyada) is fun: loud laughter, songs and dances by the fire, jokes, funny gifts, practical jokes. You have to be very loud and very cheerful throughout the night. And the brighter the fire, the more light in the night, the more successfully we will drive away the evil forces that want to prevent the birth of the new Sun. This is what our ancestors believed. Following their example, we can recite an old carol, for example, like this:
Solstice Day!
Roll to the garden
From the garden to the red eel,
Rise above our courtyard!
Scatter the darkness, Svarog,
Bring back the red day to Rus'!
Hey, Kolyada! Glory!
At the same time, we symbolically burn the problems of the old year, its grievances and misunderstandings. On this night you need to forgive your offenders and ask for forgiveness from those whom you have offended. As a sign of reconciliation, people exchange small gifts. In addition, you need to wish goodness, peace and prosperity to everyone you meet. Remember the most common toast “to... the elk!” (so that you can love and sleep... etc.)))?
An important detail - try to ensure that by dawn you do not have dirty dishes and clutter. Remember - whatever the first ray of the Sun sees in your home will remain there all year.
In the West, theatrical performances are staged this evening, reenacting the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King, replacing each other in the alternating seasons of the year.
Let's have a Yule treat
Libations on holidays often began in the morning and lasted until the evening. Quite suitable drinks - mulled wine , spiced wine, as well as ale and beer, cider, ginger tea, punch.
Another tradition is holiday food, many and different: fruits (apples, oranges), nuts, sweets, pork (from the holiday tradition of roasting wild boar), cinnamon pastries, Yule pudding. How you meet the year is how you will spend it!
It's funny that the Yule log is also present on festive table- in the form of decorated with flowers and leaves chocolate roll .
Traditional Yule ham - a sacred offering to the Scandinavian god of abundance Frey, one of whose symbols was the boar. A baked pig's head with apples in its mouth was ceremoniously brought into the banquet hall on a gold or silver platter to the sound of trumpets and minstrel songs. Frey was asked to send peace to the earth and reward people with a glorious harvest.
The right thing to do on Yule would be to serve huge chunks of baked meat, and eat it like the Vikings: with a knife and hands, straight hot, with leafy bread And potatoes in caramel
!
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The darkness deepens. Twilight wraps its curtain ever more tightly around Mother Earth. Night eats up Day, ringing Silence lies in the fields and the gray Wind drives the silver of heaven through deserted streets.
On December 21, a horn will rumble from the West, and the Wild Hunt, led by Odin (Veles), will rush over the sleeping cities in a frantic gallop.
But Midnight will end, Dusk will tremble and the Solar God will be born. And, although Night still rules, the baby Day has already been born and will steadily grow and strengthen until the day of its victory and absolute triumph - Lita, the summer solstice.
The trees are still sleeping in crystal clothes, but under their icy fabric the Light has already arisen.
Like our glorious ancestors, we will light a living fire, illuminating the world when it is plunged into darkness. The Sacred Flame will burn, the heat of the very hearts of men, the fire of our souls, and the extinguished Sun will be reborn again.Fortune telling is no less important on Kolyada. Mostly, fortune-telling is done by young girls who want to find out their fate, the future groom, the time of the wedding, etc. Fortune telling in the bathhouse, fortune telling with mirrors, fortune telling on water, candles, etc. So when should you guess? And they tell fortunes in the evening before Kolyada, they don’t tell fortunes on the day of Kolyada itself (December 25), but in the next 5 days after that you can tell fortunes again.
Dear Witches, know that there are no rigid dogmas in Orthodox witchcraft. Each Slav in the celebration acts as the creator of the entire process. Different cities and villages celebrated the birth of the Sun in their own way. Each person contributed a piece of their soul to this event, which, of course, only decorated this celebration! All people are different and each of us has our own vision of the world, each of us feels the phenomena of Nature in our own way. If you want, you can light candles in the house all three days from December 22 to 25, which with their burning flame will help the Sun begin to increase daylight hours. On Kolyada, you can give your friends and family symbols that represent the Sun or amulets. Or you can make a talisman for yourself. For example, the Spiridon-Solstice amulet, which was made on the days of the winter solstice from December 22 to 25. In his hands, Spiridon holds a circle - the solar wheel. This amulet is given with wishes for changes for the better, to direct your life in the right direction, or to those who are just starting their own business.
You can also make an unusually beautiful protective doll - Kolyada, which is dressed elegantly, festively, because it brings happiness, peace and harmony, prosperity and well-being to the house, and drives away all evil spirits, for which Kolyada has a broom in stock. Since ancient times, guests have been greeted in Rus' with bread and salt, and Kolyada has salt and grain in two bags.
As your ancestral blood, your kind heart prompts you to celebrate this event, you have the right to do so. If you feel that it is better for you to celebrate all 3 birthdays of the Sun, that is your right. If you think that it is necessary to make a wish at sunrise from December 21 to 22, then this is exactly what you need. If you want to celebrate Kolyada en masse on the night of December 25, when the Sun has probably already begun to gain strength, you want to make cherished wishes on this day, make them, make plans for the future, rejoice! Indeed, along with the growing sunny days, your most cherished, sincere and good wishes! Spend these days exactly how you want to spend the whole coming year! Be the Creators of this festival, enjoy it and share inexhaustible joy with the people around you! Rejoice and have fun! We all have a wonderful reason for this - we are born new life- The Sun is reborn!
The holiday of Kolyada and the days around the winter solstice are the best and favorable days in a year when you can change your destiny for the better, throw away everything unnecessary and painful, be reborn just like the young sun and give birth to a new round of your life!
Feel free to open the doors and let the new young Sun into your home with joy and kindness!
Spend the day of the winter solstice a little brighter than usual, put a little more color and your strength into the affairs and events of this day. On this day, do those things that you have been putting off for a long time. Get joy and warmth from spending this day with benefit, feel this natural turn of fate, perceive it as your kind of internal movement. And at the same time, read our northern fairy tales and learn the secrets of the Slavic heritage. All fairy tales are brought to life by the wisdom of our ancestors...
