Another confirmation that the amulets were worn in bundles was a find made in the area of the city of Torzhok, Tver region. Suspended from a bronze wire were two animal fangs and two bronze amulets: a zoomorphic creature (lynx?), whose body was decorated with a circular pattern, and a spoon. With a certain degree of confidence, we can say that this set of amulets belonged to the hunter, since three of them symbolized protection from the “fierce beast,” and the spoon personified satiety and success in the hunt.
(Total 7 photos)
The complex can be fairly accurately dated to the second half of the 11th – first half of the 12th century. Bronze fangs, the so-called “jaws of a predator” (No. 2), also provided protection from the fierce beast. They were found near the former settlement of Duna near the city of Chekalin in the Tula region. The time of existence of such a talisman was 10–12 centuries.
A talisman meaning the sun, cleanliness and hygiene - a copper comb decorated with two horse heads looking in different directions, was found on the banks of the Desna River, 25 km north of the city Novgorod-Seversky (No. 3). The location where the second comb, made of bronze, was found has not been established (No. 4). They are typical for the 11th - first half of the 12th centuries.
The safety and inviolability of household property is the task of key amulets of the 11th–12th centuries. (No. 5, 6). The sacred meaning of the spoon (No. 7) has already been mentioned. All these items were found in the Suvorovsky district of the Tula region.
One of the most common amulets of the 11th–12th centuries. there was such a universal weapon as an ax. On the one hand, the ax was Perun’s weapon, and the circular ornament decorating the amulets confirms their belonging to the heavenly thunderer. On the other hand, the ax was an integral part of the marching weapon. Here again one can trace the role of Perun as the patron saint of warriors. The ax is also directly connected with the slash-and-burn agriculture that existed at that time and, therefore, with agricultural magic. The hatchets reproduced the shape of real axes. Such amulets were found in the Velizh district of the Smolensk region (No. 8), on Western Ukraine(No. 9, 10) and in the Bryansk region (No. 11).
Cast pendants are widespread, representing two circles with an equal cross under them. Their variety is very great. A pendant with identical front and back sides was found in the Kovrovsky district of the Vladimir region (No. 12), with spiral-shaped circles and a smooth back side - in the Yaroslavl region (No. 13), with circles in the form of curls and a smooth back side - in the Ryazan region (No. 15). A pendant made of twisted silver wire (No. 16) found in the Kursk region shows the influence of the northerners. If we consider the semantics of such appendages from the position of Academician B.A. Rybakov, in them you can see the earth (cross) between two positions of the sun - in the east and in the west (circles). In this series, the pendant stands out sharply, in which pagan elements are replaced by Christian ones (No. 14). On the front side, inside the cross and in the circle, there is an in-depth image of an equal-pointed cross, the upper end of which ends in two volute-shaped curls. On the reverse side, inside the cross and in the circle, there are in-depth images of equal-ended crosses with expanding blades. Place of discovery: Ryazan region.
Old Russian pendants and amulets of the 11th – 13th centuries
The two most historically significant finds are trapezoidal pendants from the 10th–11th centuries. with the signs of the Rurikovichs, discovered near Smolensk (No. 17) and Minsk (No. 18), are not inferior to their museum “brothers” (No. 19). Later stylizations of Rurik symbols are seen in two identical coin-shaped pendants found in the Bryansk region (No. 20, 21).
Turning to the topic of the Rurikovichs, one cannot help but note the influence that the Scandinavians had on Rus' at that time. Evidence of this, in particular, is a number of pendants from the Domongola collection. The most striking is a coin-shaped silver pendant with gilding found in the Chernigov region (No. 22). The field of the pendant is filled with four false-grained volute-shaped curls, the edge is filled with three false-grained circles. There are five hemispheres in the center and around the circle. The composition is complemented by a human face. Unfortunately, the upper fastening was lost in antiquity and a later homemade eyelet greatly spoiled the impression of the composition. A similar pendant can be dated to the 10th–11th centuries. There are also several more coin-shaped pendants of presumably Scandinavian origin, found near Vladimir (No. 23), Kiev (No. 24) and Rzhev (No. 25).
It is curious that the composition of volute-shaped curls was widely popular in the Slavic environment of the 11th - mid-12th centuries. Pendants with a pattern of eight volutes in the outer circle and three volutes in the inner circle were found in the Novgorod (No. 26), Bryansk (No. 27) and Kyiv (No. 28) regions. Moreover, if the first two are made of copper alloys, then the last one is cast from silver and under its title there is a composition of dots. A similar pendant made of tin-lead alloy was found in Gochevo, Kursk region (No. 31). A coin-shaped pendant with a pattern of large false grains around the perimeter and a “Perunova” rosette in the center (No. 29) dates back to the same period.
Quite interesting is the coin-shaped pendant made of copper alloy (No. 30) with the image of sprouted grain in the center, a five-petal flower and five pollinated pistils (according to B.A. Rybakov). Despite the lack of direct analogies, it can be dated back to the second half of the 12th - first half of the 13th century.
Old Russian pendants and amulets of the 11th – 13th centuries
Lunars are a special type of pendants. The earliest is the wide-horned lunella made of copper alloy, found in Ukraine, which existed from the end of the 10th to the first half of the 12th century. (No. 32). A wide-horned moon with a recess in the shape of a moon (No. 33), but made of billon, was found in the Boryspil district of the Kyiv region. A variety of broad-horned ones are lunellas, decorated at the ends and in the middle with three convex points (No. 34). They became widespread in the 10th–11th centuries.
Another type of lunella - narrow-necked or steep-horned - includes a find from Ryazan. The lunar cast from tin bronze is decorated with a three-part geometric pattern in the center and two convex points on the blades (No. 35). It dates back to the 12th–13th centuries. The copper lunnitsa from the Boryspil district of the Kyiv region dates back to the same period. Its field is decorated with two triangles at the edges and three circular elements in the center (No. 36). Judging by the works of B.A. Rybakov, the decor of these lunars is of an agricultural nature.
Separately, there is a unique bronze slotted three-horned moon from the Rostov region, decorated with false grain (No. 37). Its estimated date is 12th–13th centuries.
A find near Moscow - a closed lunar cast from tin bronze with an ornament in the form of rounded recesses (seven in the upper part and one in the lower) - dates back to the 13th century. (No. 38). Perhaps the ornament symbolizes seven positions of the luminary during the day (according to the number of days of the week) and one at night. But the real masterpiece is its silver and gilded counterpart from Ukraine! Its lower branches are decorated with images of turkish horns, and the center is filled with floral ornaments, which leaves no doubt about the agrarian semantics of the monument (No. 39).
Of undoubted interest are lunars with a four-part composition, which were common in the 12th–13th centuries. One of their varieties is the Bryansk find. The circular bronze lunar is decorated with a three-part ornament, a rim of false grain and an equilateral cross with a diamond-shaped center cross and ends in the form of a four-part composition of false grain (No. 40).
Of particular note is the round slotted pendant from the 12th–13th centuries. made of copper alloy, found in the Serpukhov district of the Moscow region. In the center there is an image of a moon and a four-part composition of five rhombuses (No. 41). Probably, such pendants represent the complex solar-lunar impact on the Earth. The same semantic meaning, but in a more simplified compositional version, is carried by a copper pendant from Ukraine (No. 42).
Speaking about the beliefs of the Slavs of the 11th–13th centuries, one cannot ignore pendants with images of birds, animals, and zoomorphic creatures. Many of them have connections with related cultures.
A coin-shaped pendant made of copper alloy with an image of a zoomorphic creature, which has no direct analogies, was found in Ukraine (No. 43). The plot of another pendant (two birds) has analogies only on the colts (No. 44). They can be roughly dated to the 12th–13th centuries.
But the plot of the bronze pendant found near Bryansk is well known. B.A. Rybakov believes that it depicts the ritual of “turits”. The center of the pendant is occupied by a relief image of a bull's head with clearly profiled horns, ears and large round eyes. On the forehead there is a triangular sign, sloping downwards. The bull's head is placed in a rim of false grain (No. 45). Seven female figures are schematically depicted around the head. This pendant is apparently associated with the sacrifice of a bull to Perun and is typical for the Radimichi lands in the 11th–13th centuries. However, the settlement of the northern Radimichi at the end of the 11th century. their amulets carried to the east as far as the Nerl, so a similar find from the Ivanovo region (No. 46) would be more logical to attribute to the 12th century.
Perhaps the Radimichi introduced the cult of the snake, borrowed from the Balts. Since ancient times, her image has been given magical meaning. Two bronze pendants found in the Vladimir region probably depict snakes (No. 47, 48). The composition of two snakes found in the Yaroslavl region (No. 49) is unique.
Old Russian pendants and amulets of the 11th – 13th centuries
One cannot help but recall once again the pendant, which among search engines was called “trot”, although archaeologists call it “horse”. Such a bronze animal found in the Middle Poochie is obviously relatively late and can be dated to the 12th–13th centuries, since it lacks a circular ornament and is cast of poor quality (No. 50). It is more difficult to date a flat incised pendant found in the same region, depicting a not very clear creature, possibly a bird (No. 51). By time of existence similar products it can be dated back to the second half of the 10th – early 12th centuries.
Particular attention should be paid to the large role of the chicken or rooster in the magical rites of the Slavs, which is associated with a large number of appendages 12 – first half of the 13th century. in the form of these birds. The pair of these birds found nearby is touching: a flat, single-headed slotted copper cockerel (No. 52) with a false filigree pattern, a loop on the back and four loops for pendants, and the same hen (No. 53), only without a comb. It is interesting that duck legs were often suspended from the bottom of the hens and cockerels on links, which clearly shows the influence of the Finno-Ugric tradition. Outlined by false filigree, the flat double-headed slotted cockerel made of tin bronze with a floral pattern on the body and five loops for pendants has losses - the second head and the loop on the back have not been preserved (No. 54). Despite the lack of analogies in printed publications, similar pendants can be found on the Internet. Place of discovery: Klinsky district, Moscow region. There are almost no published analogies for two realistically made bronze flat-relief cockerels with an eye for hanging. One of them was found in the Ivanovo region (No. 55), the other - in the northwestern regions of Russia (No. 56).
Along with flat ones, there are also hollow pendants of the “chicken family”. All of them were made in the 11th–12th centuries, but, despite the general similarity, almost each specimen is individual. An interesting bronze hollow cockerel with a body decorated with rounded dents and a ridge along the lower edge, a head decorated with a comb and two loops along the body (No. 57). The hollow cockerels with a smooth body, a head with a comb and two loops along the body, found in the Ryazan (No. 58) and Vologda (No. 59) regions, look much simpler.
From the 12th to the end of the 14th century. There are hollow zoomorphic pendants, in the appearance of which the features of a horse are visible, whose cult was also widespread among the Slavs. Very nice are two (one from the Yaroslavl (No. 60), the other from the Vladimir (No. 61) regions) hollow skates, single-headed, with a beak-shaped muzzle flattened vertically and ears in the form of two rings located along the axis of the body. The lower part of the body is decorated with a zigzag line, enclosed between two rims. The tail is in the form of two rings. On both sides of the body there are a pair of rings for attaching pendants.
Old Russian pendants and amulets of the 11th – 13th centuries
Two finds from Novgorod region differ from each other. The first, a hollow two-headed pipit, has a wide cylindrical muzzle (No. 62). The mane is conveyed with a flat stripe. The lower part of the body is decorated with a zigzag line between two rims; at the bottom there are rings (three on both sides of the body) for attaching pendants. The second is a two-headed horse (No. 63) with a vertically flattened muzzle and ears in the form of two rings across the axis of the body. The lower part of the body is decorated with a zigzag line. There are three rings on both sides of the body, and one more under the tail for attaching pendants.
Thus, in a relatively short period of time, it was possible to collect and describe many cosmogonic monuments and ideas of the ancient Slavs, some of them unique. I hope that acquaintance with the site’s materials will arouse interest not only among search engines, archaeologists, local historians and historians, but also among everyone who is interested and dear to the life, culture and beliefs of our ancestors.
Reconstruction of the costume and jewelry of a girl from Yaroslavl, late XII - early XIII centuries. Based on materials from the Department of Security Excavations of the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Slavic amulets and their meaning are a separate topic for study by historians. They can tell us a lot. Amulets are part of the cultural heritage of 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 protection of loved ones from natural phenomena, evil, damage or the 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 energetically suitable 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 the Milky Way, has the same shape and that’s not all. Human DNA also resembles a swastika. This may mean that the Slavs had deeper knowledge than is known. 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.
Now the amulets old Rus' They 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. The most powerful amulets are those 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 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 lead a person to the very top of the career ladder, making 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 are endowed with the element of fire, which can protect against any negative energy, quarrels, weather phenomena, damage and the 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 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 cope with 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 of the 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. It is suitable for 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, its protective powers 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 himself and his entire family received protection. 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 women's amulet, but its reverse side 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 to 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 raise 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 interesting topic, which 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.
In culture Ancient Rus' occupied a special place amulets- objects designed to protect against misfortunes and bring wealth and love into the home.
They could be very different: clay or bone figurines, jewelry, embroidery on clothes, pieces of birch bark with spells...
Originating in pagan times, amulets were preserved among the people even after the adoption of Christianity - and each of them had its own specific sacred meaning, protecting a person from one or another danger.
solar circle
Among the amulets, the most interesting are those that served to protect the home, since they, as a rule, were associated not with the material value of the thing, but with its sacred meaning. They were placed in the courtyard of the house, in front of the entrance, as well as inside - in places that, according to the owners, needed special protection.
: Even painted household utensils served primarily to ward off misfortune, and only then to please the eye. For the same purpose, carvings were made on doors, shutters or trim - these were not just decorations, but protective signs.
The oldest protective symbols were patterns associated with the three elements that the Slavs worshiped: Earth, Water and Fire. They were most often called upon to guard the home. The sign of Earth and fertility was a rhombus divided into four parts with dots inside each, the symbol of Water was wavy lines, and the symbol of Fire was an oblique cross.
Our ancestors usually placed protective signs around openings or structures through which evil spirits could enter the house: gates, doors, windows, chimneys. They were covered with a special ornament - usually with the image of the sun (six- or eight-pointed star inscribed in a circle) or crosses that protect a person from evil forces from the four cardinal directions.
The symbols of the sun were supposed to protect the home from the evil spirits of the night. On the facade of a house, the sun was often depicted three times - morning, midday and evening (the middle sign is at the highest point, and the two side ones are lower).
Next to the solar symbolism there could be a thunder sign (a circle divided into six sectors) - a symbol of Perun, protecting the house from lightning, as well as the Raroga sign (a cross surrounded by a circle) - a symbol of the harmony of heavenly and earthly fire, “responsible” for the health of the inhabitants Houses.
Correct horseshoe
Associated with solar symbolism is the image of a horse, an animal sacred to the ancient Russians - it was a heavenly chariot driven by Dazhbog, personifying the sun. To ensure that the owners of the hut lived long, this image was placed on the roof.
The swings in the yard were also decorated with horse figures. In the songs and stories of the Slavs, a girl's swing on a swing correlated with her love of the sun and subsequent success in marriage. And a boy and a girl swinging together on a swing was seen as wishing them happiness.
:To attract happiness, old bast shoes and pots were hung on the fence, and horseshoes were nailed to the gate. The horseshoe was believed to be shaped like a month and was a talisman because it was forged from iron in a purifying fire.
Our ancestors believed that if a horseshoe was placed in the chimney, it would prevent the witch from flying into the house, and if attached to the bed, it would prevent nightmares.
A horseshoe was also hung above the front door. This ancient custom has been preserved to this day - however, nowadays such a talisman can often be found hanging with its ends down, while the ancient Russians had it with its ends up. After all, a horseshoe open upward catches and stores happiness, but an open downward one cannot hold it and misses it.
Archaeological finds of the ancients Slavic amulets. This is what could be found in an ordinary Vyatichi village. Bank of the Vyssa River, Kaluga region. The village was repeatedly burned and destroyed. The main part of the finds is from the time of the Vyatichi (XI-XIII centuries). Above: buttons, a Radimich cuff for a cloak, a temple ring for a girl, a lunnitsa, belt overlays, fragments of temple rings, pendants and objects of unknown purpose. In addition, the arrowhead is similar to the Polovtsian one.
Broom for the brownie
Inside the house, almost all household items were covered with protective ornaments: the stove, kitchen table, utensils, and work tools.
The door was perceived not just as an entrance to the home - it was the border between the inner and outer worlds. In addition to bolts and bolts, it was supposed to be guarded by carved crosses, bunches of nettles lying at the threshold, and fragments of a scythe or knife stuck into the cracks of the threshold or jamb.
For the Russians, the threshold was the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead (the ashes of their ancestors were previously buried under it so that they would protect the clan). For this reason, it was impossible to sweep garbage through it, so as not to sweep out someone from the family. It was also forbidden to talk or pass anything over the threshold. The guest had to be met at the threshold and allowed into the house ahead of him.
The stove was very revered, it was perceived as a nurse, fire lived there, the protector and guardian of the family, a manifestation of the god Svarog. Therefore, his signs were present in the ornament of the stove - a square (family hearth) and two crossed spindles (symbols of flame). The stove was kept clean, and swearing was not allowed near it.
When bread was baked in it, the doors were locked to prevent someone else from entering - it was believed that this would bring poverty into the house. Cleaning the house should have started from the door to the stove, and not vice versa. A heated stove could not be left empty - they put firewood in it to dry it, or put water in it to heat it up.
The ancient Russians believed that the well-being of a home directly depended on a respectful attitude towards the brownie who lives under the stove. For him, a broom, a bast shoe and a bread spatula were hung next to the stove - so that he knew that the house would always be clean, rich and satisfying.
Diagonally from the stove there was a red corner (pokutie), the best place in the house, towards which the headboards of the beds were facing. This is where the table was located and most of the rituals associated with birth, wedding or funeral were performed.
Before the advent of Christianity, there was usually a bunch of ears of corn in the red corner - a symbol of prosperity, so that there would be no shortage of bread in the house. Several grains from this bunch were necessarily added to the wheat with which the field was sown in the spring.
Towel with roosters
A special protective role was given to embroidery, which decorated bed linen, towels, tablecloths and napkins. Its main purpose was protection from misfortune and damage.
To create such a talisman, ancient craftswomen followed numerous rules and rituals. For example, there should be no knots left on the reverse side of the material, otherwise the handicraft would lose its magical power.
You couldn’t make embroidery - a talisman for yourself - just as you couldn’t ask someone to create it. The amulet will have power if it was created by blood relatives and given from the heart.
Each embroidery element had a certain value. Basically, when creating it, symbols of the sun were used (various crosses, including those with antennae directed in the direction of the movement of the luminary).
But the signs of a tree (herringbone) - a symbol of long life, a star - a symbol of intelligence, a flower - a symbol of beauty, circles and squares - symbols of fertility - were also used.
The pattern had to consist of a closed, rounded contour - then it would not allow evil spirits to pass through and would serve as real protection. It was not necessary to do several protective embroideries with different purposes on one thing - for each of them it was necessary to choose a separate canvas.
Ritual towels played a special role in the life of the Russians. The patterns on them reflected family or calendar events. At holidays, it was on ritual towels that bread and salt were carried out (salt served as a symbol of the sun and love, bread - of earth and fertility, and the towel itself - of human destiny). During the engagement, the bride and groom joined their hands, wrapping them in a towel, so that future family there was prosperity.
The midwife placed the newborn baby on a new, specially prepared towel. The funeral towel depicted symbols of loss (a rhombus, similar to the symbol of the earth, but not with dots, but empty inside).
Protective embroidery on clothes
Everyday towels were also embroidered with protective patterns - usually with the image of roosters, the cry of which drives away evil spirits. And so that the embroidery does not lose miraculous properties, it should have been dealt with in one day.
When doing careful embroidery, preference was given to the red color of the threads. Although sometimes other colors were used: brick, scarlet, poppy, currant, cherry (that is, close to red). The drawing itself was not applied to the material in advance, but only its size was outlined and its location was determined.
Key and bell
Many household items also served as amulets - for example, a hiding place (a chest for clothes).
It was inherited from mother to daughter and was always decorated with protective carvings. It contained the girl's dowry, which she had to embroider herself: shirts, towels, scarves, bed linen.
A very important piece of furniture was the bed, also covered with protective patterns. She was placed in good location, which was determined with the help of the cat - where it would sit. You couldn’t sleep on the bed with your feet facing the door, and wormwood and garlic were placed under it as protection from evil forces.
Needles and pins also served as amulets. They were sewn into the hem of a wedding dress and stuck into clothing to protect against evil spirits - or into door jambs from the entry of a witch into the house.
Sometimes they hung it on the wall of the hut old key- he seemed to be locking the house, not allowing evil spells to penetrate. The key also symbolized prosperity, helping the owner achieve material prosperity. One of the most ancient amulets was also hung on the wall - a clay bell, the ringing of which, according to legend, drove away any evil spirits from the house.
In Ancient Rus' it was impossible to find a hut where there were no amulets. This is a part of culture associated with pagan traditions and helps to better understand the spiritual essence of the East Slavic peoples.
Plato VIKTOROV
In this article:
In Ancient Rus', people believed in the power of amulets, relying on their protection from illnesses, enemies and other misfortunes. Through their amulets, they drew the energy of nature and the Sun, never tired of thanking the Gods who generously gifted the Russian people with unique Slavic magical symbols. All of them are carriers of information about the structure of our universe.
Russian amulets are based on Slavic symbolism associated with the Sun; such symbols are called Solar. Each of them has its own name, they have a specific power and carry a certain meaning. The most common symbol in Rus' was the Swastika, endowed with a multifaceted meaning and various variants of names. It was also called the symbol of “Light”, the symbol of “Primary Fire” or “Life”, and the “Divine symbol”. Patterns of these symbols were used to decorate household items, homes, and clothing. At different times in Solar Rus', this symbolism could be seen on banknotes.
The cultural history of Rus' throughout its existence was based on folk beliefs, whose roots have deeply sprouted into the past, and preserve the memory of our ancient ancestors. In those distant times, they already sought to comprehend the secrets and subtleties of the structure of the universe. First of all, they needed this knowledge in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible danger. Culture changed over the centuries, beliefs and customs changed, but the memory of the ancestors was not erased even after the Baptism of Rus'. The loyal, wise and tolerant Orthodox Church did not destroy the traditional folk worldview; throughout the entire period of its existence, the Russian people used amulets and talismans bequeathed to them by their ancestors.
Features of the Russian folk amulet
A Russian person is devoted to his family and faithful to his land, therefore Russian amulets, like talismans, are mostly associated with real things that are familiar to each of us from childhood. Among these you can find ordinary spoons, bells, miniature hatchets, pokers, brooms, bast shoes, horseshoes, etc. They were widely used not only in the everyday life of Russian people, but also in folk rituals. People made amulets for themselves with their own hands, hoping for their protection from predatory animals, natural disasters, the “evil eye” and diseases.
Russian amulet for home
A house for a Russian person, in terms of its significance and holiness, after the church and Orthodox churches is in second place. Even going to long journey, he always took on the road a talisman he created with his own hands, as a reminder of home, family and native land. The earth also acts as a kind of amulet for the house, which had to be built correctly, since the fate of the entire family depended on it.
Modern house in Russian style
In Rus', houses have always been built in favorable energy zones and traditionally adhered to certain rules when choosing a plot of land:
- Houses were not built in places where lightning struck.
- Areas that were previously abandoned en masse by people as a result of epidemics, pestilence, war, and natural disasters were considered unfavorable.
- A house has never been built in a place where human remains have been found.
- Places where a cart overturned or a shaft broke were considered a mark of the “unclean” and they were avoided.
According to ancient traditions, the Slav built his house with his hands by analogy with the model of our Universe, in the center of which stood a Russian stove - a source of heat, food, light, perceived as a symbol of the Sun.
The cult of home and family has always been the main thing in Rus'. Each element of the house’s design was a specific symbol, as was the decoration of the house.
Its main symbols are Russian folk amulets at home, all of them are listed in the table below:
| Name | Symbol (association) |
Functions |
| Bake | Planet Earth. The stove was painted with special protective symbols. | Source of heat, fire, life. |
| Red corner (home iconostasis) | Planet Sun; God. | Divine protection, patronage, healing. |
| Walls | They were decorated with various symbolic wood carvings. | Physical and energetic protection of habitat |
| Roof and openings | Decorated with symbolic carvings. | They did not allow physical negative factors to enter the house, as well as from any evil spirits and evil misfortunes. |
| Entrance door | Central amulet (various amulets were placed above the door; the door itself was coated with red clay along the contour; curtains woven with patterns with special symbols were hung in the doorway). |
Protection of home and family at the level: Physical (negative weather, enemies, robbers); Mental (evil spirits, illnesses, troubles). |
| Threshold/porch | The key element of the house was endowed with the greatest protective power (everything was important - from its shape to decoration, including amulets that were placed under the threshold to enhance its magical properties). | In pagan and Christian faith, it was the main protection of a person’s home and clan, the keeper of the family hearth. The threshold was carefully guarded, since through it one can bring both good and bad deeds into the house. |
| Vane | More often made in the shape of a rooster or horse | Charms that warn the owners of the house about danger and scare away evil spirits. |
The carving acted not only as decoration, its patterns were carefully thought out and corresponded to ancient Russian protective symbols. Doors and window openings, roof edges, porch.
Carving is a special skill The threshold and porch in a Russian hut were always endowed with the most powerful amulets and were additionally guarded by the owner himself. Through the threshold (or porch) you can send a lot of negativity, both to the owner of the house and to all members of his family, to the entire family.
A bunch of folk signs associated with the threshold, for example, it is undesirable to just stand on the threshold, smoke or talk, pass things or say hello across the threshold. To protect home and family across the threshold, both Christian and pagan amulets, symbols, spells and prayers were used (and are still relevant today).
The blower in a Russian stove is of particular importance. This place was considered a gate through which the Evil One could enter the house. While the stove was burning or smoldering, the vent was not closed so as not to get burned by carbon monoxide, but as soon as the last heat in the stove went out, the vent was immediately closed.
Charms to protect the yard
The yard area is part of the personal space of each family, limited by a special fence. In the old days, the fence of a house or plot was built in the form of:
- wattle fence (from vines or brushwood), in the form of a picket fence (from low wooden slats);
- board fence;
- a powerful timber palisade several meters high.
Whatever material the fence was built from, for many centuries the yard was guarded and protected with the help of traditional amulets. These were the simplest household things, in whose powerful protective energy our contemporaries believe. A variety of objects were used as court amulets, all of which were considered magical protective symbols.
Glaciers, jars, pots
Inverted, they were placed on the highest rail of the fence, the fence.
Clay products are still used in making amulets Since these utensils were usually made from natural material– clay, she was very sensitive to negative energy.
It was believed that a broken or cracked fence on a fence indicates a negative message addressed to the owner of the house or his entire family. In this case, they said that the glechik took on the “thin”; it was not customary to take it with bare hands. Usually it was removed with special tongs and thrown away from the house, and a whole pot was immediately hung in its place.
Old (woven) bast shoes, worn-out shoes, felt boots
The shoe (felt boots or bast shoes) is an old Russian amulet with multi-valued symbolism. For example, having met the Evil One, it was customary to throw your worn-out bast shoes at him and be sure to hit the target; if you didn’t hit, expect trouble or trouble.
A pair of red shoes given by a guy to a girl testified to his sincere love for her; a similar gift from her parents served as a talisman so that her daughter would not stray from the “red” (right) path.
There was a tradition of throwing bast shoes at their rivals. If the bast shoe reached its goal, it was believed that by this action the girl was driving her rival away from her lover, and at the same time removing the love spell that she could cast on her boyfriend.
A pair of shoes attached to the porch or threshold symbolized the strength and prosperity of the owner of the house, happy family. To scare away all evil spirits and enemies, shoes or bast shoes were hung on a fence or on a post at the gate.
If an unlucky child grew up in a family, he was forced to put on the old bast shoes of the family member who was considered positive and hard-working; with this action, they tried to return the child who had gotten out of hand to the true path.
A pair of symbolic shoes was given to newlyweds for a wedding so that they would live together happily and for as long as possible The theme of shoes is also found in many superstitions and fortune telling. For example, there was a long-standing custom of telling fortunes about the groom. To do this, the girl, standing in the yard with her back to the gate, threw a bast shoe over it onto the street. Then she watched how the bast shoe lay down - its sock, as a rule, indicated the direction from where the groom should be expected to come.
If a person wanted to travel, but could not decide where exactly to go, it was also customary to throw a bast shoe outside the gate. The man set off in the direction the sock pointed.
Horseshoe
In addition to its decorative function, the horseshoe in Russian culture and traditions has always been used as an effective amulet/amulet. In many countries, it is a symbol of happiness, having a deep meaning rooted in ancient history.
Made of iron, forged on fire by a blacksmith, purified by fire, resembling a new moon in shape (also a symbolic element), a horseshoe was at one time an expensive pleasure. Finding it for a simple poor peasant was considered happiness, since expensive iron appeared in the house, which could be sold at a high price or forged into nails, a scraper, a knife or other necessary item. Later, when iron was no longer such a rare thing, the tradition of keeping a found horseshoe “for good luck” was preserved.
In every European country you can find a legend about a horseshoe; in Christian culture, the legend itself and the tradition of taking care of a found horseshoe are most likely borrowed from the ancient pagan culture of the Celts. They believed that a horseshoe attached above the front door would protect their home from the invasion of otherworldly forces.
In our time, the horseshoe as a talisman has not lost its meaning Nowadays, the horseshoe is endowed with multiple symbolism, which can be found in the table below:
| Placement | Function | The meaning of the amulet |
| “Horns” down over the door to the house, on the gate, on the pillars of the central gate | Protective (from the evil eye, damage, bad messages and ill-wishers) | The guest, having passed through the gate, “lost” his bad thoughts and was disarmed if he came with bad intentions |
| “Horns” up above the door to the house, on the gate, on the pillars of the central gate. | Talisman of wealth, happiness and prosperity | Brings good luck, material and financial well-being |
| On the door (from the inside with the “horns” up) | Protective bioenergy | Aligns energy flows, reducing the strength of geopathogenic zones in the house |
| Inside the car | Protective | Prevents accidents, vehicle breakdowns and various unpleasant road incidents |
| On the windowsill (on the first moonlit night, “horns” into the room) | Wealth/luck talisman, money talisman | Helps increase financial situation, attract money and rapid financial growth |
| In the ground near the wall of the house (bury on the northwest side) | Good luck talisman | Brings good luck in business, support in any endeavors |
Fishnet
They threw it on top of a fence, picket fence or wattle fence, believing that the Evil One would get entangled in it and would not be able to enter the house. It was also assumed that bad words and thoughts of ill-wishers would not be able to pass through this network.
Toads, mice and other vermin entangled in the net indicated that one of the ill-wishers was taking negative magical actions against the owner of the house and his family.
Broom
Placed at the threshold, a broom scared away evil spirits and drove ill-wishers away from the house. It was believed that if, following an unpleasant guest leaving your house, you sweep a path in his footsteps with a broom, this person will never appear in your house again. It should be noted that the broom was not only a shore, it could also cause considerable harm to the family, so in some families they preferred to hide it from prying hands and eyes. Usually the broom-amulet was made by the head of the family with his own hands.
Nowadays you can often see a broom in apartments with the broom facing up. To ensure prosperity in the house, it was customary to place a broom in the kitchen “on the handle” with the broom facing up. Nowadays, for this purpose, a small decorative broom is often used, on which gifts are attached - several grains of various cereals, corn kernels, real coins, yellow flowers (as a symbol of the Sun, gold), etc. Left in the kitchen as a decoration, such a decorative broom-amulet brings material stability and prosperity to the home.
It was considered wrong to touch a broom with your hands in someone else's house; such a guest could be suspected of hostility and allowed into the house no longer.
Panel amulet
Such panels were specially made in each family, so they were all unique and not similar friend on a friend. Each housewife made her own panel, decorating it with the symbolism that was most necessary to improve the life of her family.
With the help of special symbolism of patterns, such panels protected the house from unkind people, brought good luck, health, patrons to the family, promoted mutual understanding, love and care for each other among all household members.
Embroidery
Embroidered symbols could be seen not only on clothes, but also on bed linen, towels, towels, tablecloths, curtains, shoes and head decorations. When a young girl got married, she had to have in her dowry all these things, sewn and embroidered by her own hands.
Girls began to be taught needlework from early age. The more a girl had a dowry, prepared by herself, the more hardworking she was considered and the more desirable she was in the groom’s house.
Bag
In Rus', a bag has always been considered a symbol of preserving wealth. This symbolism dates back to ancient times, when social inequality was the norm, as a result of which beggars wandered around Rus' with outstretched hands. Behind their backs they had a knapsack (a homemade bag) with all their simple belongings.
This amulet should not be touched by strangers. For every beggar, such a knapsack was a real treasure. At the same time, rich people also kept their gold and jewelry in bags, but they were made of expensive fabric and embroidered with gold/silver thread, embroidered with stones or embroidered with patterns.
Nowadays, it is customary to place a symbolic bag in the kitchen or in the money area of the house, decorating it with your own embroidered patterns, which necessarily include some key magical symbols. It can be decorated with various symbols, depending on the result that should be obtained - increasing wealth, preserving existing wealth, etc. Inside the bag they place coins for wealth, magical dry herbs for protection and other items that correspond to the wishes of the owner of the house.
Painting on wood, plaster, metal
Painting gates, house walls (outside/inside), door and window openings, benches (at the gate and in the yard), ovens, barns, barns and carts was also a talisman.
The theme of solar signs, which attract warmth, joy, life, health and happiness into the house, was especially popular.
Amulet for harvest
This Russian amulet symbolized the generous gifts of nature, was used as a talisman for family well-being and was quite good decorative element in the decoration of the house. As a “rural” decor, it is still found today in homes whose interior is made in the “country” style. Often a decorative broom-amulet, decorated with special symbols, is used for this purpose.
To make it, they usually use nuts, dried flowers, bunches of garlic, rose hips, ears of wheat, beans, a small pumpkin, and bright ribbons (the whole composition is tied with them). A braid should be made from colored ribbons; with its colors it symbolizes a joyful and happy life, and its length and thickness symbolize longevity. The lighter ones of the above symbolic elements are woven into it, the heavier ones can be fixed with glue or sewn on, secured to ribbons with threads.
Each such element corresponds to certain symbols, distinguished by their characteristic magical properties:
| Element | Meaning in the amulet |
| Broom | Clean base |
| Scythe | Longevity |
| Bag | Prosperity, abundance, wealth |
| Spoon | Prosperity |
| Onion/hot pepper/garlic/ | Protects from evil spirits |
| Cereals and flour products | Prosperity, hospitality and good location host of the house (tradition of welcoming guests with loaf/bread and salt) |
| Pine cone, coins | Business success, financial well-being, wealth |
| Sunflower seeds | Symbolizes children in the family |
| Beans/peas | Friendship, mutual assistance, peacefulness |
| Dried flowers (in a bouquet) | Harmony, beauty, protection from evil spirits and “bad” people |
| Cereals | La, and the well-being of family relationships |
| Female and male figures | Integrity of marital/family ties |
| Corn | Health of children in the family |
| House | Happy family, cozy home |
| Jug | Healthy family, family well-being, prosperity |
| Immortelle | Long and happy life |
| Bay leaf | Success in business, fame, respect from others, respect in the family |
| Poppy | Fulfillment of secret desires |
There is a huge variety of Russian folk amulets, for the manufacture of which various symbolic elements are used. The table above lists only the main and fairly common symbols.
The Russian people have always treated the gifts of Mother Nature with care and respect, and believed in the existence of her mythical creatures that inhabit all four elements - fire, water, earth and air. There are many legends and fairy tales about kikimoras, water creatures, goblins, brownies and other evil spirits in Russian culture. Russian people have a twofold attitude towards these natural creatures.
He tried to be friends with some of them, to appease some of them, to pay off some of them, and some of them had to be avoided so as not to anger him with his presence on their territory. Some representatives of the Evil One were often hired as assistants to solve various life problems and everyday problems. At the same time, Russian people have always made amulets to protect themselves and their homes from evil spirits; he used long-known folk symbols to create them. A curious character is the brownie; it was believed that this creature lives in every home.
Brownie
Being the soul of the house, its talisman and amulet, Domovoy patronized the people living in it. Woe to the owner who did not please him, Domovoy tried in all his ways to expel him from the house, and could attract other creatures from evil spirits to this process. He demanded respect for himself; it always depended on whether he would consider the residents of the house his friends and whether this family would live in prosperity and peace. It is noteworthy that with the hands of an unwanted owner he could cause great misfortune in the house.
Sometimes Brownie got so used to the head of the family that when the family moved to a new place of residence, he tried to move with the people, hiding in some household object. Most often, the person himself invited the Housewife to move with him, offering him a broom, a bread spatula or a broom with the words:
Neighbor-Housewife, here's a noble sleigh for you, go to new house together with us!
Options for making a brownie amulet are limited only by your imagination The brownie sleeps during the day, and at night he wakes up and walks around the house, checking to see if everything is in order. He was always given a specific corner in the house, where the owner forbade all household members to go, so as not to anger the Brownie with his actions. In this place it was forbidden for children to play, place any things, make noise, sit, this place belonged to Domovoy. In each house, Domovushka could occupy different places, his favorite place it was necessary to find, as a rule, it was the warmest, driest and quietest corner. Sometimes he himself willingly suggested and indicated his presence.
The Brownie has noisy fun - he knocks at night, tangles the horses' manes, and hides small things necessary for the owner. To return an item hidden by him (an item that you cannot find in the place where you left it the day before), you should throw a coin into the room with the words:
Neighbor Brownie, here’s a coin for you to play with, and give me mine/my (name of the thing).
After this, you need to leave the room for a couple of minutes and close the door. After this time, you will find the lost item in the place where you left it and looked at it several times before, but did not see it.
Nowadays, the theme of the Brownie is very popular - it is a magnificent element of apartment decor and at the same time an effective and powerful amulet. Each Domovushka must contain 12 symbolic items. They serve as symbols such as dried berries, dough products, dried flowers and other symbols. Its base can be anything, but more often a wooden spoon, a wreath, a horseshoe, a bag or a broom is used for this.
The brownie is the spirit of the house, a mischievous and mischievous creature, but always kind and ready to help the owner run the household, protect the house and family. Often Domovushka warned the head of the family about the impending trouble. You need to make friends with this creature and not forget about it, leave food, give some things, throwing them in its corner.
If you cannot detect its presence in your home, make it with your own hands, this is the best and most powerful amulet for your home.
Charms to protect a child
At a time when medicine was not yet developed enough to save a person’s life from a simple cold, he relied only on the mercy of God and the magical protection of amulets and talismans.
The very first and strongest protective amulet for a child was considered pectoral cross. They tried to put it on the child during the birth process in order to protect the unbaptized baby from evil forces, since the Guardian Angel appears in children only at the age of one year, and according to some beliefs, at the time of baptism.
The child received his next amulet from Mother Nature herself - this was his first baby tooth, which during the change of teeth should have been hidden and kept throughout his life as a talisman or talisman/amulet. Until the moment the child was toothless, he was considered an easy prey for evil spirits, so it was not customary to leave him alone for a single minute.
An important and powerful amulet for him was the shaky - a kind of hanging cradle, bast or made of wicker, wood or wooden slats, with a canopy sewn from the mother’s skirt.
Inside such a shaky place, two criss-cross knives or scissors (opened in the shape of a cross) were hidden under a child’s mattress. A handwritten version of the prayer “Holy Relics” from Psalm 90 or, optionally, a prayer (also handwritten) to the “Honorable Cross” was also placed there.
The baby was protected from evil spirits that entered the house at night with the help of amulets. For example, a broom at night “on the handle” on the threshold of the baby’s room; an alternative was an ax, also placed on the threshold at night with the blade up.
Protective motanka dolls There was a custom to deliberately smear a child’s face with soot from the stove so that he would not be recognized and carried away by evil spirits. Soot was also smeared on the skin in the projection of the joints and bones of the child, forming a sacred cross.
A belt embroidered with protective symbols was put on the child when he reached the age of one year. It was a beautiful family ritual, to which neighbors and friends were not invited, but only the baby’s godparents. He was ceremoniously girded with this belt, which was supposed to strengthen his protection outside the house.
The baby's mother with caring hands I sewed a belt in advance and embroidered it with a protective pattern, the symbols of which were always passed on to the new generation of the family. In the event of the death or sudden death of a baby, this belt, intended only for him, was buried with him.
At the age of seven, it was customary for a child to pin an ordinary pin (head down) to his clothes, but more often girls wore it.
As a talisman, boys had to carry some sharp object in their pocket - a nail, a planing knife, an awl, handed to him by the hands of their father.
For many centuries, Russian people surrounded their home, themselves and their loved ones with amulets. Nowadays, we use the same protective symbols, although we more often wear them in the form of pendants and other jewelry. Today, along with man-made amulets, you can purchase a ready-made Russian amulet or jewelry with corresponding symbols. Many amulets have lost their relevance over time, some have transformed and become new uniform, but the Russian people’s faith in their magical power did not disappear.
The culture of Ancient Rus' is very interesting and educational. 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 objects that 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 people. Moreover, we come across some of them in everyday life, while others we can make 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 misfortune. 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 experience successful marriage and a 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 the most 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 its 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, a pokutie was placed - 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. For it to truly have protective magical properties, it had to be made by 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 an old key was hung on the wall of the hut, as it was believed that it “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 legend, 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.