Search by tag «Slavic beliefs» 7 results

• Mysterious Creatures You Can Meet in Russian Countryside

  Once upon a time, every building in the village was believed to be inhabited by an entity of sorts. They could be helpful or dangerous, but in any case, they were respected and honored, so let’s find out how to treat them right. Just to be on the safe side. 

  08.05.2023

• The Wild Side of Slavic Folklore: Animals, Plants and Related Beliefs

  The study of wildlife isn’t limited to biology and zoology – you can also approach it in a mythological and symbolic manner. That’s what our ancestors did and, thanks to folklore, we can try and perceive nature through their eyes, too.

  24.04.2023

• The Mystery of Kupala Night

  Kupala Night, also known as Ivana-Kupala, is celebrated on July 6 (June 24 old style). As with all ancient traditions, there are more questions than answers when it comes to the nature of this holiday. However, some things we know for sure.

  27.06.2022

• Fantastic Beasts in Russian Folklore

  Russian mythology can easily outmatch popular fantasy movies when it comes to peculiar characters. Some of them you can call either anthropomorphic creatures or zoomorphic humans – either way, you get the idea: they’re a mix between animals and humans, which is a concept that has been occupying the minds of people since forever.

  02.05.2022

• How Ancients Slavs Greeted New Year in Spring

  Have you ever thought that perhaps, it would make more sense to celebrate New Year in spring, when everything awakens from the long winter sleep? If so, you’re not alone in this realization. Until 1492, it was March 1 that was considered the first day of the year in Russia. 

  04.04.2022

• Birds As Heralds of Spring in Russian Folklore

  Did you know that since ancient times, birds have helped us predict the spring and summer weather?

  21.03.2022

• Slavic Winter Solstice Holidays and Traditions

  ​The tradition of celebrating the end of a year and the beginning of a new one on December 31 is relatively new – in Russia, this date was instituted only by Peter the Great in the 18th century. Before that, our ancestors celebrated the winter solstice, which this year will take place on December 21.

  20.12.2021