As the seasons change and big celebrations like the spring equinox, autumn equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice approach, many of us are unaware of the ancient Slavic tradition of thorough cleansing – not just of our physical surroundings, but also of our spiritual and natural environments. A Holistic Approach to Cleaning In Slavic tradition, preparation for sacred celebrations involved a multi-faceted cleaning ritual. This encompassed: The Significance of Environmental Cleaning In ethnographic accounts, it’s remarkable to note that Slavs would often sweep and clean the forests surrounding their villages. This practice underscores the deep …
BlogSpring Cleaning, Slavic Style: Preparing for Sacred Celebrations
BlogCelebrating Spring with Ancient Slavic Traditions
As winter’s chill begins to fade, the ancient Slavs welcomed the arrival of spring with a series of vibrant celebrations. At the heart of these festivities were the gods of spring, led by the radiant Yarilo, who brought warmth and light to the world. The Gods of Spring Yarilo, the god of spring sunshine, was joined by his brother Ovsyannik, the protector of spring birds and the helper of growth, who “pulled” shoots from under the snow. Together, they summoned the arrival of spring, building bridges of sunlight for the bright-haired Lada. They were often …