In ancient Slavic cultures, the birth of a child was a momentous occasion, marked by a sacred ritual known as “имянаречение” or name-giving. This ceremony was not just a simple naming process, but a deeply meaningful tradition that signified the child’s destiny and purpose in life.
The ritual was typically performed on the spring equinox, a day of great significance in ancient Slavic cultures. On this day, all children of the same age group would gather to undergo the name-giving ceremony. The ritual began with the washing away of the child’s old, informal name, often in a river. This symbolized the cleansing of the child’s past and the beginning of their new life.
Next, a Volkhv, a spiritual leader or shaman, would invoke the gods and bestow a new name upon each child. The name was carefully chosen to reflect the child’s intended path in life, their personality, and their connection to the divine. For example, boys destined to become Volkhvs were given names that signified wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual connection, such as:
- Велимудр (Velimudr), meaning “all-wise” or “multiscient”
- Всеслав (Vseslav), meaning “all-famous” or “renowned”
- Истислав (Istislav), meaning “truth-famous” or “famous for truth”
Girls destined to become Veduynyas, or priestesses, were given names that reflected their connection to the divine feminine and their role in preserving ancient wisdom. Examples include:
- Ярослава (Yaroslava), meaning “famous for Jarilo” (a Slavic god of fertility)
- Светозара (Svetozara), meaning “shining with light”
- Мирослава (Miroslava), meaning “famous for peace” or “peaceful”
Warrior girls, who were trained in martial arts and combat, were given names that reflected their strength and bravery. Examples include:
- Станислава (Stanislava), meaning “establishing fame”
- Часлава (Chaslava), meaning “sharing fame”
- Мстислава (Mstislava), meaning “famous for revenge” or “avenging”
The ancient Slavic ritual of name-giving was a powerful and meaningful tradition that recognized the inherent potential and purpose of each child. By bestowing a name that reflected their destiny and connection to the divine, the Volkhvs and the community acknowledged the child’s unique place in the world and set them on a path of self-discovery and growth.
