Holidays of the Slavs - Yarilo Veshny

The holiday of Yarila Veshny falls on the 23rd bloom (April) according to the old style, according to the new style - on May 6. Yarilo Veshny is the patron saint of fields and animals. On this day he fertilized the Earth, after which the grass began to grow vigorously. According to Slavic beliefs, Yarilo rode around his lands on a white horse, met wolves in the forests, and gave them instructions for the coming year. On this day, priests and witches performed rituals for a good harvest, healthy livestock, and healing from diseases. They took water from several sources, poured it into a mortar with a sieve, and began to pound it. After this, the witch drew mysterious signs on the water with a pitchfork. The enchanted water was distributed to everyone and was considered healing. After the adoption of Christianity, the image of Yarila was transformed into the image of Yegor the Brave, Yuri Veshny. And this pagan holiday became the day of remembrance of St. George the Victorious. In the morning, the men went to the field and rolled in the morning dew, acquiring all the strength and power of Yarila. They went into the forest and fed the wolves, because they are assistants to the god of fertility. Sick children were lightly struck with willow branches for healing. Women could also go to meet the sun in the grove to make wishes and get rid of diseases. They were also allowed to perform the ritual of bathing in dew, but separately from men. It is important that during these actions the purity of thoughts is maintained, only then will everything that was dreamed come true. It was customary to clean the house, getting rid of everything unnecessary. They cleansed not only the home, but also thoughts and desires. If women were given flowers on Lelnik, then on Yarila Veshniy men were presented with weapons as a sign that they were protectors of the family and the Slavic clan. On this day, the cattle were taken out to pasture for the first time. At the same time, they tapped her back with willow branches so that she would be healthy and find her way home. They chose a shepherd, treated him to scrambled eggs and cajoled him in every possible way so that he would take good care of the cattle. Plowing began on Yarila Veshniy, and in the evening games were held on the same field.