Protect pre-Christian Rus'. Protective symbols of ancestors: Slavic amulets and their meaning

Amulet is a primordially Slavic word. V. Dal in his dictionary interpreted its meaning as a conspiracy, a rite from corruption, a talisman, a “pendant from the evil eye”, from fire or water, etc. At the same time, any object, and not only, can become a talisman. It can be a word, a gesture, even a song. The meaning of the amulet is protection from danger.

History of occurrence

Many centuries ago, our ancestors noticed that the tooth of the enemy brings them good luck on the hunt, and they achieve love victory with the help of a bizarre plant root. And so the history of amulets began, because primitive people were surrounded by so many real dangers that their main task was survival.

solar circles

The knot was considered the most ancient pagan amulet among the Slavs. Various methods of tying it helped to endow jewelry with a variety of properties. The simplest knot is the solar circle, which was hung as a decoration in the solar plexus area.

When building a new house, the masters put wool, wax, and grains in the ground under the house - the amulets of the ancient Slavs, with their own hands "blessing" the dwelling and "giving the installation" for protection.

Charm dolls

They were not only a child's toy or a decorative element. Pagan dolls are powerful amulets of the ancient Slavs, made by women with their own hands, and without the use of cutting or piercing objects. They could protect the child from almost any misfortune. Dolls accompanied Slavic children from their very birth. And the first such amulet, even before the birth of the child, warmed his cradle, so that after the birth of the baby, he would take on all the negative things. They created charm dolls for any holiday, be it a birthday and a baby's christening, a wedding, Kupala, Shrovetide. These amulets have always been faithful companions of the celebration.

Conspiracies in amulets

It is known that a variety of objects can become an amulet. When a person does something with his amulet, he puts a piece of his own energy into it.

It is believed that the ancient Slavs in the manufacture of amulets whispered various conspiracies. They can still be found in many old books today. If a charm was made against diseases, then more attention was paid to requests to protect from illnesses, if an amulet was created from the evil eye - protection from the evil eye. The conspiracy among the ancients was considered an oral form of charging the amulet with good energy.

The amulets of the ancient Slavs in the old days were considered a powerful protection against all evil that could affect a person. People made talismans and amulets to protect them from enemies, ill-wishers, to give strength in the fight against rivals, to attract good luck and luck.

You can also make and wear a charm that suits you - and we will tell you about the meaning of the most popular Slavic symbols that are used to make amulets.

To choose the right amulet, you need to consider some factors:

1. Who will wear it? This is important - the symbol is selected depending on the gender, age of the person. It also matters if he is married, has children and grandchildren
2. The power of protection. Different amulets have different powers. The more dangers surround the person, the more powerful companion you need to choose. You can wear several amulets at once to increase protection.
3. Material. It is necessary that the amulet be made of natural material - wood, metal, stone or fabric. The ideal option is silver jewelry. This metal has the best, positive energy.

Lunnitsa

This is a female Slavic amulet, the action of which is aimed at:

• Love and female happiness. Attracts worthy men, helps to fulfill women's destiny
• Beauty preservation. Makes a woman more attractive, helps to maintain youth
• Preservation of health, especially reproductive. Helps to endure and give birth to healthy children

How does it help:

• Improves financial situation, helps to preserve and increase capital
• Protects from competitors, opponents, enemies and ill-wishers
• Beneficial for reproductive health

Suitable for both men and women. An ideal option for people aimed at career growth.

heavenly cross

This is what this ancient Slavic symbol looks like:

The heavenly cross is a symbol of unity and spirituality. He helps:

• Successfully overcome difficulties and get out of unpleasant situations
• To endow a person with the strength, knowledge and wisdom of ancestors
• Protect a person and his family from evil tongues, the evil eye, keep the peace and avoid conflicts in family life

It is an ideal protector for those who in their professional activities teach people - for teachers, coaches, mentors.

Valkyrie

A very powerful amulet that is equally suitable for both men and women. helps:

• Protect the wearer from any trouble coming from the outside world
• Make a person stronger physically, strengthen endurance
• Strengthen the spirit, make it more resistant to emotional experiences
• Find the right partner for business or starting a family
• Overcome all obstacles and difficulties without deprivation

This amulet is suitable for people with a strong spirit who want to further temper their character. This is the amulet of fighters, people who do not like to sit still, achievers.

solar cross

A universal amulet that will suit a person of any gender. An ideal option for those who are busy with creativity, creation, mentoring. It is believed that the solar cross endows a person with the experience of previous generations, bestows good luck and luck in business, and protects against all life's adversities.

In the old days, the solar cross was worn by warriors, teachers, as well as young parents who would like to raise smart and successful children in their careers.

The solar cross gives a very strong connection with the ancestors, so it should be worn by people who have an idea about their family tree.

Watch a video about the amulets of the Slavs and their meaning:

Kolovrat

Vseslavets - for people who already have a stable and stable financial position. It is believed that it protects family life from quarrels, conflicts, and the house from fires and natural disasters.

Suitable more for men than women. It is useful to wear an amulet for people who have lost their jobs and are looking for a new, worthy place for their career. An excellent amulet for newlyweds who want their love to be strong, and relationships not overshadowed by conflicts.

Fern flower

This talisman is suitable for a person who wants to reveal the boundaries of his own subconscious, to gain enlightenment. It is believed that spiritual power endows its owner with tribal power, bestows the wisdom of ancestors.

This is a powerful magical symbol that should be used with extreme caution.

The culture of Ancient Rus' is very interesting and informative. Each of us simply needs to know how our ancestors lived and what they believed. A special place in the aforementioned culture was occupied by amulets - various items that protected the owner from troubles and the evil eye. Amulets were of various types, not necessarily difficult to manufacture. Household things, specially made amulets, trophies were considered such an object. 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.

The 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 consider the most common and popular ancient Russian amulets that are available to modern man. Moreover, we encounter some of them in everyday life, while others we can make ourselves, if desired.

solar circles

The most common ancient Russian amulets were those that guarded the dwelling. The house for the ancient Russian was a holy place, which he tried to protect from evil spirits and misfortune. Amulets were located directly in the house, under the threshold, in the doorway, in the yard. By the way, home painted 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 door openings.

The most ancient protective patterns symbolized the 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 points. Water was depicted as wavy lines. The oblique cross was the symbol of fire.

The above-described symbolism of the Russians was located 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-ray or 8-ray star enclosed in a circle. On the facade, the symbol described above was often depicted in three positions: morning, noon and evening. Thunder symbolism was placed next to the solar symbols, which was 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 supplemented by the symbol of Rarog - watercress, 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 with a horseshoe - a magical and sacred animal for them. It was believed that a horse (animal, figurine or pattern) displays a celestial chariot driven by Dazhbog. The heavenly chariot, in turn, symbolized the sun.

Children's swings were often decorated with carved horses and figurines of horses. It was believed that if a child plays on such a swing, he will have a successful marriage and a happy life in the future. This was especially true for girls who were to become wives and guardians of their home. The joint swing on the swing of a girl and a guy was considered a blessing of their union. Such a ritual brought them happiness and mutual understanding.

Also, in order to attract happiness to the family, it was customary in Ancient Rus' to hang old pots and wicker worn 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 so that it would prevent evil spirits from entering the house through it. It was believed that if this talisman is attached to a bed or placed under it, then the person who sleeps on it will not have nightmares.

To this day, the custom has survived to hang a horseshoe over the door, but we - modern people do it wrong. The horseshoe must be placed with the "horns" up. Otherwise, she will not be able to keep happiness, she will “spill” it.

Home amulets in Ancient Rus'

In the home interior, almost all objects were covered with protective symbols. This was especially true of the stove, kitchen utensils, working tools, beds. Doors had a special meaning - they served as a portal between the real worlds: internal and external. Nettle bundles were placed near the threshold of the door, symbols were cut out on the jamb, fragments of a scythe or a knife were stuck into the gap on the jamb or threshold. In the most ancient times, the ashes of ancestors were buried under the threshold of the house, which, after death, protected the rest of the household. The rule has survived to this day that it is impossible to sweep garbage through the threshold of the house, as this will drive away the defenders of the house. In addition, the Russians believed that nothing could be passed through the threshold, as well as talking with a person. Guests were always met at the threshold, and then let into the house in front of them.

The stove was the main household item. There is even an opinion that the houses were built around the stove, which is logical, since it heated the premises, served for cooking, and had a special sacred meaning. The stove was painted with a special ornament, in which the symbols of the god Svarog were present - a square (a symbol of a family hearth), crossed spindles (symbols of fire) and much more. The stove was always kept clean, next to it they tried not to quarrel and not offend others.

When bread was cooked in the oven, strangers were not allowed into the house, as it was believed that this would attract trouble. It was necessary to clean the domestic premises from the doors to the stove. A heated stove could not be thrown without contents - firewood was always placed in it to dry, as well as water so that it was heated.

Near the stove there were special items that they tried to appease the brownie. Such items were: a broom, bast shoes and a bread shovel. Then the brownie understood that the house would always be clean, satisfying and rich.

Diagonally from the above-described piece of furniture, a pokutya was placed - a “red corner”, in which spikelets were stored before the advent of Christianity. Every year, grains from them were added to wheat, which was sown in the field in the spring. It was believed that the headboards of all beds in the house should be directed to the "red corner".

Old Russian embroidery

Embroidery decorated 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. Creating such a complex and at the same time beautiful amulet, the craftswomen followed certain rules. For example, no knots should remain on the reverse side of the embroidery. If they were present, then needlework did not acquire magical power.

Embroidery as a talisman was never done for oneself. In order for it to really have protective magical properties, it had to be made by a close person (most often a mother or wife) who sincerely wishes happiness. Most often, Old Russian craftswomen embroidered various symbols of the sun. In addition, the symbolism of a tree was present in the embroidery - 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 cut off. Otherwise, he will not be able to protect against evil spirits. One product could not protect immediately from all troubles. Each embroidery had its own meaning and had its own power. Ritual towels in Ancient Rus' were of particular importance. The patterns on them were supposed to reflect special family events. For example, a newborn midwife laid on a new towel embroidered by her mother, which protected him from the evil eye. On funeral towels, it was customary to depict symbols of loss: a rhombus (the same as the symbol of the earth, only empty).

Everyday items were embroidered with special protective symbols, mainly red roosters. The people believed that the voice of a rooster drives away demons. In order for the embroidery to acquire maximum strength, it should have been made in a day. A simple ornament, for example, the same rooster, can really be done in a day. Often embroidery-amulet was made with red threads. In addition to red, similar colors were used: brick, beetroot, 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 covered the wealth of the owner. One of the most ancient Slavic amulets was a bell. It had to be made from clay with one's own hand. According to popular beliefs, his ringing could scare away any attack and evil spirits from the house.

In Ancient Rus' it was unrealistic to find a hut in which there were no amulets described above. All of them are simple, thanks to which they are accessible even to a modern person. It is not difficult to make them at home, the main thing is that there is a desire.

At all times, the Slavs tried to protect themselves and their loved ones from evil, problems, slander, illness and mental anxiety with the help of amulets. If we touch on history, then the ancient Slavs worshiped the cult of the Sun, therefore Slavic amulets were always with solar signs, the main task of which is to protect the person wearing them.

You should not think that any amulet can protect a person, because there are no universal options, as, for example, in Christianity. In order for the amulet to serve as reliable protection, it must be properly selected. One of the clearest examples of Slavic amulets (individual) can be considered the solar sign of the Valkyrie, which was worn only by Slavic women who cared about protecting their kind and family. The charms of the Slavs have long been intended to create a kind of protective screen for a person, home, family from all sorts of troubles, illnesses and troubles.

Each Slavic amulet is individual, so it is important to select it not only for its beauty, but also for its value. Choosing a talisman is a complex process, requiring not only the definition of beauty criteria, but also basic knowledge about a particular type that will become a real helper, and not just another fashion accessory.

Each culture is characterized not only by its own epic and traditions, but also by its own system of esoteric images, in which, on the basis of the most elementary geometric figures, the foundations of being and worldview of representatives of a particular nationality are laid. We can safely say that symbols and emblems are an obligatory component of all religious denominations, communities and cultures.

Our Slavic ancestors had enough knowledge to compose their own

model of the device of the surrounding world. the brightest

the same shape as DNA. If we turn to the Sumerian epic Enuma Elish, then it clearly traces the connection between the Vedas of Ancient India, the basis of which can be safely considered Slavic traditions. This epic describes in sufficient detail the processes of the emergence of the solar system. Don't forget about
Mahabharata, which is written on the basis of the Perun Vedas. The history of the Slavs is full of secrets and mysteries, and anyone who wants to comprehend them should not just look at the pictures with Perun or Dazhbog, but really study the records and testimonies that have survived to our times in the epics of various countries. Unfortunately, some people, having seen and bought Slavic amulets, consider themselves descendants of the great Aryans, but this is not entirely true, because for them they are nothing more than a trinket, and such people have nothing to do with Slavic history.

These are far from all examples of the fact that the ancient Slavs had knowledge that modern mankind does not yet have. To maximize the preservation of the knowledge gained over the centuries, symbols were used - simple images that are much more understandable to a knowledgeable person than numerous volumes of libraries. By the way, paper media can be easily destroyed (just remember the Library of Alexandria), and a symbol applied to a talisman or just a stone will not be distorted by a certain vision and will retain its original meaning. Every descendant of the Slavs is simply obliged to know and understand the meaning of the foundations of ancient Slavic mythology, runes and amulets, because this is our history, no matter how hard they try to hide it behind Christian canons, it will remain a real story.

How to choose the right Slavic amulet

Slavic amulets and their meanings are a whole section of history, despite all simplicity and clarity at first glance. Everyone who decides to buy a Slavic amulet should know that it only benefits if it is charged on time and according to all the rules. In ancient times, this mission was undertaken by the Magi, who specialized in concentrating energy in the amulet. Today it is almost impossible to meet them, but this is not a reason to be upset - the amulet can be charged on its own if you follow a simple set of actions. You should not think that the process of loading the amulet resembles some kind of satanic actions with obligatory sacrifices, in most cases the forces of nature are used, unity with which for the Slavs has always been the most important magical ritual. In order for Slavic amulets to work to protect their owner, it is important to choose them correctly. Below are the main tips for choosing and using Slavic symbols in everyday life:

Male and female amulets

All Slavic amulets are divided into two main categories - for men and for women. The basis of any amulet is the symbol depicted on it, associated with certain forces of nature. Despite the fact that faith in higher powers and gods today is not as great as it was before, amulets are closely connected with higher powers that constantly affect a person. That is why it is important not only to choose the right amulet, but also to charge it with pure thoughts, constantly wear it and believe in its magical power. It just so happened that in the beliefs of the ancient Slavs there was a clear division into male and female patrons, therefore, amulets should be chosen in accordance not only with the month of birth, but also with gender. Silver is considered a traditional material for the manufacture of Slavic amulets, since this metal has unique properties of purification and durability.

In culture Ancient Rus' occupied a special place amulets- items designed to protect from misfortune and bring wealth and love to the house.

They could be very different: clay or bone figurines, jewelry, embroidery on clothes, pieces of birch bark with incantations...

Having arisen in pagan times, the 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 to it, as well as inside - in places that, according to the owners, needed special protection.

: Even painted household utensils served primarily to ward off misfortunes, and only then - to please the eye. For the same purpose, carvings were made on doors, shutters or platbands - these were not just decorations, but protective signs.

The oldest protective symbols were patterns associated with the three elements worshiped by the Slavs: Earth, Water and Fire. It was they who were most often called upon to protect the dwelling. The sign of the Earth and fertility was a rhombus, divided into four parts with dots inside each, the symbol of Water was wavy lines, and the Fire-slanting 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 (a six- or eight-pointed star inscribed in a circle) or crosses that protect a person from evil forces from the four cardinal points.

The symbols of the sun were supposed to protect the dwelling from the evil spirits of the night. On the facade of the house, the sun was often depicted three times - morning, noon and evening (the middle sign is at the highest point, and the two side signs are lower).

Next to the solar symbolism, there could be a thunder sign (a circle divided into six sectors) - the symbol of Perun, which protected the house from lightning, as well as the sign of Rarog (a cross surrounded by a circle) - a symbol of the harmony of heavenly and earthly fire, "responsible" for the health of the inhabitants of the house.

Correct horseshoe

The image of a horse, a sacred animal for the ancient Russians, is associated with solar symbolism - it was a heavenly chariot driven by Dazhbog, personifying the sun. In order for the owners of the hut to live long, this image was placed on the roof.

The swings in the yard were also decorated with figurines of horses. In the songs and legends of the Slavs, the swing of a girl on a swing correlated with her love for the sun and further luck in marriage. And joint swinging on a swing of a young man and a girl was considered as a wish for them happiness.

: To attract happiness, old bast shoes and pots were hung on the fence, and horseshoes were nailed to the gate. It was believed that the horseshoe resembles a moon in shape and is a talisman, because it is forged from iron in a cleansing 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, then nightmares would not occur.

A horseshoe was also hung over the front door. This ancient custom has survived to this day - however, today such a talisman can often be found hanging with the ends down, while the ancient Russians placed it with the ends up. After all, a horseshoe open up catches and stores happiness, and an open one cannot hold it and misses it.

Archaeological finds of ancient Slavic amulets. This is what could be found in the usual settlement of the Vyatichi. Bank of the river Vyssa, Kaluga region. The settlement burned down and was destroyed several times. 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 temporal ring for a girl, a crescent moon, belt pads, fragments of temporal rings, pendants, and objects of unknown purpose. In addition, the arrowhead, similar to the Polovtsian.

Broom for brownie

Inside the house, almost all household items were covered with a protective ornament: a stove, a kitchen table, utensils, and working tools.

The door was perceived not just as an entrance to a dwelling - it was the boundary between the inner and outer worlds. In addition to locks and bolts, it was supposed to be guarded by carved crosses, bunches of nettles lying at the threshold, fragments of a scythe or a knife stuck into the cracks of the threshold or jamb.

The threshold for the Russians was the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead (they used to bury the ashes of their ancestors under it to protect the family). For this reason, it was impossible to sweep garbage through it, so as not to sweep someone from the family. It was also impossible to talk or pass anything over the threshold. The guest had to be met at the threshold and let into the house in front of him.

The stove was very revered, it was perceived as a nurse, there lived a fire, a protector and keeper of the family, a manifestation of the god Svarog. Therefore, his signs were present in the ornament of the furnace - a square (family hearth) and two crossed spindles (symbols of a flame). The stove was kept clean, next to it it was impossible to swear.

When bread was baked in it, the doors were locked so that someone else would not enter - it was believed that this would attract poverty into the house. Cleaning the house should have started from the door to the stove, and not vice versa. The heated stove could not be left empty - firewood was put into it so that it would dry out, or water was put in to heat it up.

The ancient Russians believed that the well-being of the home directly depends on the respectful attitude towards the brownie who lives under the stove. For him, a broom, bast shoes and a bread shovel were hung next to the stove - so that he knew that the house would always be clean, rich and satisfying.

Diagonally from the stove was a red corner (pokutie), the best place in the house, to which the headboards were turned. Here the table was located and most of the rites associated with the birth, wedding or funeral were performed.

In the red corner, before the advent of Christianity, there was usually a bunch of ears of corn - a symbol of prosperity, so that bread would not be transferred in the house. Several grains from this bunch were necessarily added to the wheat, which was sown in the field in the spring.

Towel with roosters

A special protective role was given to embroidery, which adorned bed linen, towels, tablecloths and napkins. Its main purpose was protection from misfortune and damage.

To create such an amulet, the ancient craftswomen followed numerous rules and rituals. For example, no knots should remain on the reverse side of the material - otherwise the needlework would lose its magical power.

It was impossible to make embroidery - a talisman for oneself - just as one cannot ask someone to create it. The amulet will have power if created by blood relatives and donated from a pure heart.

Each element of embroidery had a specific meaning. Basically, when creating it, symbols of the sun were used (various crosses, including those with antennae, directed in the direction of the luminary).

But also the signs of a tree (herringbone) were used - a symbol of long life, a star - a symbol of reason, a flower - a symbol of beauty, circles and squares - symbols of fertility.

The pattern was supposed to consist of a closed rounded contour - then it would not let the evil spirits through and serve as real protection. It was not necessary to make several protective embroideries of 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. On holidays, it was on ceremonial towels that bread and salt were taken out (salt served as a symbol of the sun and love, bread - of earth and fertility, and the towel itself - of human destiny). The bride and groom joined their hands during the betrothal, wrapping them in a towel so that there would be prosperity in the future family.

The midwife laid the newborn baby on a new, specially prepared towel. Symbols of loss were depicted on the funeral towel (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 a protective ornament - usually with the image of roosters, the cry of which drives away evil spirits. And in order for the embroidery not to lose its miraculous properties, it had to be done in one day.

With protective embroidery, preference was given to the red color of the threads. Although other colors were sometimes used: brick, scarlet, poppy, currant, cherry (that is, close to red). The drawing itself was not previously applied to the material, but only its size was outlined and the location was determined.

Key and bell

The function of amulets was also performed by many household items - for example, a hide (chest for clothes).

She was inherited from mother to daughter, she was necessarily decorated with protective carvings. It kept the dowry of the girl, which she herself had to embroider: shirts, towels, scarves, bed linen.

A very important piece of furniture was a bed, also covered with protective patterns. She was placed in a good place, which was determined with the help of a cat - where she would sit. It was impossible to sleep on the bed with feet to 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 clothes to protect against evil spirits - or into doorposts from a witch entering the house.

Sometimes an old key was hung on the wall of the hut - it seemed to lock 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 - an earthen 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 would be no amulets. This is a part of the culture associated with pagan traditions and helping to better understand the spiritual essence of the East Slavic peoples.

Platon VIKTOROV