Slavic patterns. sacred meaning

This article appeared due to the fact that the article "Solar signs around us" was of increased interest. The theme of solar symbols captivates many. First, its antiquity. Solar symbols have appeared since the beginning of time, perhaps at the very moment when man consciously looked at the radiant fiery circle in the sky, the circle that we call the Sun. Secondly, the fact that this is one of the symbols often used by the Slavs. Thirdly, the theme of the sun is close to everyone, well, who among us does not rejoice when the sun peeks out after a long bad weather?

In the modern Runet there is a lot of different information on solar signs and, therefore, it is very important to “separate the wheat from the chaff”. That is, if you are interested in the real story, this article can and should be read, if you are satisfied with pseudo-Slavic cranberries, then there is no point in reading the article, buy yourself some kind of “Perunitsa”, “Star of Lada” or “original Slavic symbol” “Kolovrat” and calm down. For those who are going to reach the end, I advise you to be patient.

All illustrations in the article can be viewed in an enlarged form (right mouse button - open image)

Sun worship.

Let's talk about how we know about solar signs, such as they were understood and portrayed by the Proto-Slavs, Slavs and then Russian people. The sources of our knowledge are primarily archeology and ethnography. Archaeological excavations provide numerous material: jewelry, cult objects and household items. Ethnographers provide material in the form of house carving, carving on household items, embroidery and oral art, rituals.

Archaeological finds speak about the antiquity of the cult of the Sun. For example, solar signs from the Sungir site. . The Sungir River is a tributary of the Klyazma, not far from Vladimir. The age of the disks is approximately 25,000 years (from 20 to 29 thousand years). In the graves of mammoth hunters, the discs were arranged in such a way that the version of their cult significance, primarily the protective significance of solar signs, is seriously considered by many scientists. The high level of burial culture, high technologies in the manufacture of clothing (the hunter's clothes were embroidered with 10,000 thousand mammoth bone beads), weapons (a spear made of straightened mammoth tusk) and household items indicate the development of cults and culture in general. (read the article by O. N. Bader “Elements of the Cult of the Luminaries in the Paleolithic”)

It is believed that the cults of worship of the sun were born in the Neolithic. And of particular interest is the fact that these cults are characteristic of almost everyone. And farmers, and cattle breeders, and hunters-fishermen revered the sun in a similar way. The cults of the sun were similar in different ethnic societies, sometimes living far from each other and not connected with each other in any way. Very similar to each other are the symbolic signs that are associated with the cult of the sun. These signs have been preserved among many peoples of the world in one form or another, usually in the form of ornamentation. In embroidery, folk crafts, in everyday life.

Solar signs of the Slavs.

Let's leave the distant past alone and talk about what, according to historians, happened quite recently. About the times of the formation of Kievan Rus and the first centuries of the formation of the Russian state. In particular, we are interested in real artifacts of the past, found by scientists, and "something" invented from the head of modern entertainers.

The theme of solar signs was most fully presented in his book "Paganism of Ancient Russia" by the remarkable scientist B. A. Rybakov. In his book, several main theses are traced regarding the solar signs that the Slavs used.

The solar signs of the Eastern Slavs carry, first of all, a protective, protective meaning. The Slavs used various variants of solar signs to protect a person and his home from evil otherworldly, nighttime forces. From ghouls and navi.

Rybakov believes that the symbols of the sun were used by our ancestors not by themselves, but as part of the universe, which the Eastern Slavs imagined as follows: the “terrestrial firmament”, with plants, animals and people, was covered with an arc of the sky, along which the sun moved. With this movement, the sun was depicted in several guises - Morning, Noon, Evening, all three suns together made up the Triune sun. Often at the same time, below ground level, the Midnight sun was depicted, which in the evening, having gone beyond one edge of the earth, was shown from behind the other edge in the morning. Above the firmament there were “abysses of heaven” in which all the moisture was stored, which then falls in the form of rain. The jets of rain connected the "abyss of heaven" with the earth.

Rybakov proposes to distinguish solar signs by shape. For example, he fills a circle with four spokes with the meaning of the amulet "on all four sides." The solar symbol with six spokes is traditionally called the thunder wheel and correlates it primarily with the cult of the sun. Rybakov correlates the solar sign with many spokes or rays not with the Sun, but with the White Light, the concept of which he distinguishes from the concept of the Sun (read optionally about the White Light in Rybakov). Rybakov does not separately define solar symbols with eight spokes, he only speaks of the rarity of their use by the Slavs.

The main images of solar symbols that the Slavs used in life and everyday life.

	A simple version of the solar symbol
	Solar sign "on all four sides"
	Solar sign "six spokes" - Thunder wheel"
	Solar sign "eight spokes"
	Multibeam solar sign. This option has a large number of various images.
	Multibeam solar sign. This option has many various images.
	"Artistic" solar symbol. This option has many various images.

Protective meaning of solar signs.

According to scientists, solar signs were used by the Slavs primarily as protective, protective symbols. The course of the sun across the sky was predetermined and has not changed since the time that human memory was kept. Day after day, the fiery wheel rose above the horizon and, rolling across the sky, descended to the other side of the earth. It was necessary to pray to the sky that it would send rain, it was necessary to pray to the gods that they would save them from bad weather, hail, invasion and other misfortunes. But the sun, for its unshakable course across the sky, could simply be revered and thanked. Day after day, the sun, rising above the horizon, gave people its warmth and light, dispersing the night twilight and driving away the cold. The sun embodied the victory of light forces over dark ones. The triumph of the forces of good over the forces of evil.

Therefore, solar signs carried in themselves, first of all, a protective meaning - the eternal victory of good over evil. What dark creature will stick its head where the bright and hot sun is depicted?

Thus, we can conclude that the Slavs and later the Russian people used numerous images of the sun as a powerful amulet symbol in the hope of protecting themselves and their home from all sorts of misfortunes "known and unknown"

Protective house carving of the Slavs.

The native home, a sacred place for every person, had to be protected first of all. During the raid of enemies, the man picked up a spear and went into battle, trying to defend his house. But what about invisible misfortunes, evil and evil spirits, navyas and ghouls? To protect the house from this threat, the Slavs used well-developed methods of house carving, obligatory element which were images of the sun.

All entrances to the hut were covered with solar signs like locks. This protective complex primarily included carvings on the berths and carved architraves on the windows.

Rybakov unequivocally connects the ornamental carving on the huts with the Slavs' understanding of the structure of the universe.

Prichelins embody the firmament, according to

to which the triune sun moves. Bottom left - rising, under the ridge midday, right - setting. Several suns may be depicted, probably to enhance the action. Under the ridge, on a vertical board - a towel, several sun signs could also be depicted. One of which was most often a thunder wheel. Images of a thunder wheel (six spokes) under the ridge were supposed to be used as a talisman against thunder and lightning. Along the upper edge of the piers, a wavy line was often launched, which, according to Rybakov, was a “heavenly abyss”.

But, cover from evil forces the main entrance to the hut was not enough. The windows also had to be protected. The protective function for the windows was performed by solar signs carved on the platbands, among other ornamental patterns.

In addition to the external security complex, an internal protection of the hut was also created. Ceiling beams (logs), which were called svoloks or matitsy, carrying great domestic and sacred significance in the hut, were also decorated with amulets carvings, which included solar symbols.

Protective household carving of the Slavs.

The amulet carving of the Slavs extended to all aspects of human life. Protecting the hut was not enough. Therefore, protective measures were also taken to household items that people used in their lives.

Many objects were decorated with symbols of the sun. Crockery - ladles, clay pots, chests, lari. The backs of armchairs and children's cradles were decorated with solar signs.

Among the protected household items and tools, a special place is occupied by those that were used in the production of fabric and clothing throughout the creation cycle. Tools and accessories for weaving and spinning were especially richly decorated with solar symbols. All items used in the fabric creation cycle - rolls, flails, ruffles, carded and others - bore solar signs.

Distaffs were decorated with especially generous carvings, often representing a true work of folk art. All work with yarn was considered sacred and often images associated with weaving were used in various magical rituals.

Rybakov believed that the amulet carving on the shovels of spinning wheels often not only carried images of the sun, but often reflected the Slavic worldview, with its earthly surface, the course of the sun and "heavenly abysses" connected with the earth by rain threads.

Household items decorated with amulets solar carvings.

Items related to the production of textiles. Spinning wheels, rollers, ruffled.

I would like to dwell on this illustration in more detail. She is from the book of Darkevich V.P. "Journey to ancient Ryazan." Ryazan was destroyed by the troops of Batu in the winter in 1237. There has never been a city on this site again. That Ryazan, which we know now, was built in a different place.

Darkevich led the Staroryazan archaeological expedition for many years. The richest material was found, including numerous bottoms of pots bearing stamps. Very often the hallmarks were solar symbols.

One of the hypotheses says that these signs are the personal marks of the masters. But Darkevich, after an in-depth study of the material, claims that these brands are symbols of amulets from evil spirits, applied to pots with magical purposes.

Protective clothing protection.

Having protected the hut, objects of work and life, it was necessary to protect ourselves. Human clothes, both male and female, were covered with amulets embroidery or were already woven with amulets ornaments. Ornamental images of solar signs, earth, a sown field protected the “holes” of clothes - collars, sleeves at the wrists, hem. Women's clothing was more carefully decorated.

Such a part of clothing as a belt was decorated with amulets. Not a single Slav costume was conceived without a belt. The belt was a mandatory accessory of the costume. The belt was often used in folk customs, carrying a sacred protective and connecting meaning. Appearing in public without a belt was unthinkable.

Another sacred part of the costume of the Slavs and Russians was the headdress. The girl, after marriage, always wore a headdress covering her head and hiding her hair. Women in the hut did not take off their hats like men. Women's headwear, as well as clothing, was richly decorated with embroidery and various metal items.

Often a woman's headdress, especially a festive one, was a product that was difficult to understand, each detail of which carried one or another sacred and protective meaning. The decoration (especially festive) of the women's headdress was also various products from metal, but more on that below.

Quantity various options and the richness of the decoration of women's headdresses is amazing. But often you can find symbols of the sun that protect a woman from evil.

And here is another interesting illustration. On the left is a drawing of embroidery on magpies (one of the options for a female headdress) from the book by G. A. Grigoryeva "Headdresses of the Russian North".

Such embroidery can be mistaken for some kind of traditional ornament with floral elements.

But! If we try to apply to this embroidery the theory of the universe of the Slavs according to Rybakov, then we can easily distinguish the "terrestrial firmament" in this embroidery - it is symbolized by a floral ornament, the sky with many suns depicting its course, and a wavy line of "heavenly abysses" above the suns.

Here it is - the Slavic universe, depicted in the center of the female headdress.

Very often, instead of the traditional circle, a swastika symbol in the form of a four-beam cross with curved ends was used as solar symbols in ornamental embroidery. Or various combinations of connecting these characters. Scientists traditionally include this swastika symbol in the group of solar signs, sometimes they talk about the second meaning of this sign. This sign symbolizes fire. However, the signs of fire are easily correlated with solar symbols, since the sun is nothing but "heavenly fire."

The presence of a swastika (traditional, four-beam) in embroidery is associated, as one might assume, with the embroidery technique. Rectangular symbols are easier to embroider (weave) than round ones; it is easy to build repeating complex patterns from them.

It should be especially noted that all the wealth of swastika symbols that in our time were invented by "neopagans" and with which online stores selling "pseudo-Slavic cranberries" are stuffed folk embroidery is absent.

Charm jewelry and metal ornaments.

In the issue of jewelry, the undoubted primacy belongs to women. It is the women's costume, and especially the headdress, that is richly decorated with metal products that carry various amulet meanings. Almost always, solar signs are depicted on jewelry.

Necklaces, pendants, necklaces, temporal pendants of a headdress, bracelets, rings often bore the image of the sun, additionally covering the owner from dark forces. The temporal rings of the female headdress can also be correlated with solar symbols. It is interesting that, descending on both sides of the woman's head, pendants with images of the sun, as it were, covered the woman's ears. After all, the ears are holes in the body and through them the penetration of evil is possible.

At this point it will be interesting to draw some analogy. In my article on pagan women's tattoos, I wrote about the tattoos of Berber women. Berber women protected all the openings of their bodies by applying guard tattoos. This detail interestingly coincides with the construction of the amulets of the Slavic costume, in which they try to cover all the holes through which dark forces can gain access to the human body with embroidery. Apparently people in Africa and here, on the territory occupied by Slavic tribes, thought the same way.

Coin-like pendants (see below). From the book of Sedova M.V. "Jewelry of ancient Novgorod. ( X-XV centuries). These pendants were found mostly in layers XI-XIII centuries and you can see how many of them carry the Christian cross and how many solar signs. Quite a comparable amount. This indicates the breadth of the distribution of solar amulets in the form of coin-shaped pendants.

Rings with geometric patterns (see left). Most of the finds were made in the Moscow region in the basin of the upper Klyazma, its tributaries the Ucha and Vora, in the basin of the middle Moskva river. All these finds were made in burial mounds of the Vyatichi people. It is believed that the time of existence of these rings is the beginning of the third quarter of the XII century. Among the patterns, patterns containing solar symbols in the center of the composition are easily distinguished. (T. V. Ravdina “Old Russian cast rings with geometric ornaments”).

The Arabic numeral to the right of each ring design indicates the number of specimens found.

As you can see, solar symbols and swastikas were a popular part of the ornaments.

Comparative table from the article by Darkevich V.P. "Symbols of heavenly bodies in the ornament of Ancient Russia". I - general view of decorations of the 10th-13th centuries, II - scheme of ornamentation on decorations, III - signs used as solar symbols in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Darkevich included decorations in the form of a cross in the table, some in the form of a clear Christian cross, on the grounds that the cross is an ancient symbol denoting fire and the sun, but nevertheless, in the era to which these decorations belong, these crosses carried an unambiguous meaning - the meaning of the Christian cross, so the basis for including such decorations in this table is doubtful.

Conclusion.

Finishing the theme of the protective solar symbols of the Slavs, we can say the following - against the forces of evil, against the dark forces and various misfortunes "known and unknown", our ancestors used a powerful, so to speak, "in depth" defense.

The first line of protective symbols protected the dwelling.

The second is household and labor items.

The third line was used to protect people and especially carefully women.

It can be assumed that this protection ritual was developed by our ancestors long before the times of Kievan Rus and was used long after, already in Christian times, as a well-proven protection. However, the hidden semantic meaning of such protection was gradually lost.

In fact, there was another line of defense! But she no longer carried in herself a material image of solar signs, although she resorted to direct protection of the sun. More on that below.

Addition for those who are especially interested, like me J

The protective value of the sun in conspiracies.

Almost finishing this article, I thought about the fact that such a powerful faith in the good power of the sun should have left traces in the oral work of the Russian people. In search of such traces, we can only operate on what ethnographers have collected for us in the last centuries of existence. tsarist Russia. It is clear that we cannot see the amulets of the Slavs, in the form in which they existed in pagan times. Century Orthodox faith they introduced a strong Christian element into the conspiracies, and in appeals to the active acting force, Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and various Christian saints appear primarily. This is quite understandable and understandable.

But, you can find traces of the solar cult in its protective meaning (the cited quotes are taken from the book by A.L.Toporkov “Russian conspiracies from handwritten sources of the 17th - first half of the 19th century”). I will not give conspiracies in full, only what is connected with our topic.

A conspiracy from sorcerers, evil people and damage.

Speak (s) on Yvan Friday (nitsa) in the morning to the castle. Lord bless, father. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Se yaz, slave name, I will bless (s), I will go cross (s), a shell of a red sun(highlighted by me), I will gird (b) with a bright dawn, sweat (b) with frequent stars, I will take in my hand the young bright moon, and I will go to an open field, and I will see my guardian angel and the Most Pure Mother of God; and pray (s) and cry (s): Cover me with your roof and your wing and protect me with your garment from the sorcerer and from the sorceress (s), from the sorcerer and from the thing (s), and from every evil person, and from every an evil parable on the waters and on the earth. …

Hunting conspiracy List from Timoshkin's letters to Polokhov.

Lord God, bless the father. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Saint Trufan lure me from the rivers and from the lakes and from the shoal. And the same Saint Trufan brings to me, to the servant of God, the name of the son, from all four sides, every duck to my holy films, my holy films have sugar, on my circles on my vomit honey drink, and eat your fill and drink until drunk. Earth to every man, father and mother, I will support the earth, but I will fence off the sky, I will gird myself with dawn, I dress with the red sun from the sorcerer, from the sorcerers and from the sorceress, from every kind of horse magician and from every kind of sorcerer from white and from black, from the black and from the blueberry and from the head of the girl, from dashing blood and from envy. …

Conspiracies from arrows, bullets and adversaries.

This ace, servant of God's name, shielded by the sun, covered with stars, dressed as a seer from sorcerers and sorceresses. Stand near me, the servant of God, the name, the fireplace wall from our adversaries, who are fighting against me. I conjure you, iron and mark, and tin, all kinds of arrows, flying day and night, at any time from cannon bullets, from a knife and from an ax, and from a reed, and from a saber, and from mines, and from a horn, and from an awl, and from a wooden blow. Amen.

Here are some conspiracies. And in each of them there is the sun, as a kind and strong protection from dark and evil forces. Concerning the formula from the first conspiracy "... the red sun on itself..." Toporkov gives explanations by correlating this formula with the Christian basis (the Revelation of John the Theologian), maybe he is right, only this phrase is painfully accurate for our topic - the sun as a talisman. In the end, you can understand it literally - put on clothes decorated with solar symbols.

As can be seen from the quotations, the main active force to which the one who speaks addresses is the Christian - Orthodox power, but, however, the "name" does not forget to use the powerful protective power of the "red sun", as his ancestors did from time immemorial. In the plot, the protective power of the sun is used against sorcerers and other evil people, as well as against weapons.

The most interesting thing is that this is far from all.

In almost every amulet or security conspiracy, the sun is mentioned. It is almost always said that the conspiracy is pronounced in the light of the sun - “at dawn, as the red sun rises”, “under the red sun”, “turning towards the sun”, “to the east, under the morning dawn, under the red sun”. That is, the one who pronounces the conspiracy, as it were, calls the sun to witness, and the sun, in turn, illuminates both in the direct and in the divine sense, fixes this magical action. Often this consolidation occurs by an action, for example, by going around three times in the direction of the sun - “salting”, the person pronouncing the conspiracy imitates the course of the sun across the sky, thus further strengthening the conspiracy.

Thank you for your attention.

nordicrunes, April 2015

Bibliography.

Rybakov B.A. "Paganism of Ancient Russia"
Darkevich V.P. "Symbols of heavenly bodies in the ornament of Ancient Russia"
Darkevich V. P. "Journey to ancient Ryazan"
Voronov V. "Peasant Art"
Grigoryeva G.A. "Headdresses of the Russian North"
Kruglova O.V. "Russian folk carving and painting on wood"
Kutasov S.N., Seleznev A.B. "Pectoral crosses, cross-included and cruciform pendants"
Lebedeva N.I. "People's way of life in the upper reaches of the Desna and in the upper reaches of the Oka."
Kolchin B. A. “Novgorod antiquities. Carved tree»
Sedova M. V. "Jewelry of Ancient Novgorod (X-XV centuries)"
Toporkov A.L. (comp.) “Russian conspiracies from handwritten sources of the 17th-first half of the 19th century. (Traditional spiritual culture of the Slavs)"
Chekalov A.K. "Folk Wooden Sculpture"
Ravdina T. V. "Old Russian cast rings with geometric ornament"
Golubeva L. A. "Symbols of the Sun in Finno-Ugric Jewelry"
Badera O. N. "Elements of the Cult of the Luminaries in the Paleolithic"

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Hello dear readers!

At first glance, it may seem that the figures and ornaments in the pattern are only a figment of the imagination of its author. In fact, all its constituent elements are symbols of ancient knowledge.

They are part of the mythology and cultural heritage of a particular nation. And today we will look at some Buddhist patterns and find out their meaning using the example of Buryat ornaments - ugalza.

Definition and functions performed

The word ornament in Latin means "decoration, pattern." Its main characteristic feature is that it is not independent, that is, it cannot exist separately from the object it decorates.

But decoration is not the only function of this image. It also serves for protection, as a talisman and for the transmission of certain information that reveals the properties of objects or phenomena, the qualities of a person.

Not every pattern is destined to become an ornament. For a pattern to fit this definition, the patterns in it must alternate or repeat in a certain order.

creative sources

Where do the ideas for this type of creativity come from? Usually they are drawn from the folk faith, the natural environment of many generations, their way of life.

All patterns are divided into:

• cosmogonic (natural);
• zoomorphic (animalistic);
• geometric;
• vegetable;
• cult.

Variety of constituent elements

The most popular motifs are suggested by nature itself. These are rain, thunder, water, wind, sun, moon, stars, fire, rainbow, mountains, as well as mythical animals elevated to the rank of deities.

Animals may not be depicted in their entirety. Some part of their body is often taken as the basis. The most popular is the "horned" pattern, where the image of the horn is repeated.

The oldest motifs are a variety of geometric shapes:

• straight,
• zigzag lines,
• spirals and curls
• different types of crosses
• circles and circles
• diamond patterns.

They symbolize natural phenomena associated with fertility. For example, round shapes represent celestial bodies, zigzag and wavy ones represent the air environment, reflecting the influence of wind, clouds and clouds on getting a good harvest.

Plant patterns include images of leaves, flowers, stems, shoots, fruits, trees. Of particular sacred significance for any Buddhist is the image of a lotus flower. It usually forms the throne of the deities on Buddhist icons, on which they sit or stand.

Since the green world draws strength from nature, floral motifs usually personify motherhood, vitality, and powerful energy.

The peoples who professed always tried to live in harmony with nature. She inspired them to create unique and original drawings. Buryat patterns are similar to the motifs of ancient and modern South Siberian and Central Asian nomads and semi-nomads.

Elements in iconic images

Speaking of Buddhist ornamentation, one cannot fail to mention 8 auspicious symbols that can be found everywhere both in temples and on altar tables in the dwellings of believers. This is

• white umbrella,
• two goldfish,
• treasure jar,
• sink with right turn,
• endless knot ,
• victory banner,
• golden wheel.

8 symbols of Buddhism

In different Buddhist cultures, these objects are interpreted in different ways: in China they are associated with internal organs Buddha, in Tibet - with parts of his body. Also, each of these items has many more independent meanings.

Description of some images

All Mongolian-speaking peoples, including the Buryats, prefer geometric shapes. Among them, the most common patterns are:

• hammer (alkhan hee, meander),
• braid (ulza),
• (has).

Hammer motif has many varieties: the ancient Greek classics, the options are simpler and more complicated than it. The meander contains the idea of ​​continuous movement:

meander pattern

Cattle breeders also expressed their respect for artisans and love for the craft itself, using the name of an ancient tool - a hammer in the designation of this ornament.

It is a well-known fact that the nomadic tribes became famous as great craftsmen in the manufacture of jewelry and horse harness.

The scope of the meander is wide. They decorate both hard objects and soft ones. This is:

• parts made of wood;
• furniture;
• felt products;
• embroidery;
• clothes;
• utensils;
• harness;
• musical instruments.

Patterns on the dwelling of nomads

If earlier the hammer ornament was found only on things dear to the heart, then in the age of working people it can be seen everywhere.

Swastika- symbolizes:

• the path of the sun around our planet;
• four Seasons;
• a life;
• light;
• abundance;
• generosity.

The two Sanskrit words from which the "swastika" came from, together mean "welfare."

The image focuses on the winter and summer solstices and on the four cardinal directions. The swastika can show movement both clockwise and counterclockwise. Accordingly, it symbolizes male and female energy, as well as good and evil.

The right-handed swastika dominates the material and controls energy on the physical level in order to prevent lower forces from manifesting.

The left-handed swastika gives freedom to both physical forces and instincts, which interferes with the influence of higher forces. She personifies black magic and negative energy.

This symbol can be seen in all places associated with Buddhism: on statues, rocks, in temples, on, in caves.

Ulzy- This is an image in the form of weaving, which is a symbol of prosperity and longevity. The sign can be framed with floral motifs. It can be placed on an object made of any material, it can be woven from beads. In Buddhism, it means infinite, which echoes the meaning of the meander.

Ulzy

Tattoo in Buddhism

Many Buddhist images look spectacular on the body in the form of tattoos. The attitude of the Buddhists themselves to this is ambiguous.

Some Buddhist branches are neutral about stuffing, others are sharply negative, especially when sacred patterns are placed by people who do not adhere to the Buddhist faith on their feet.

Nevertheless, in the southeastern countries there is the practice of Sak Yant - applying sacred images to the body.

A specially trained Buddhist master applies the desired design using bamboo sticks and either oil (if the client wants no one to see him) or ink. At the same time, he reads prayers, and at the end he becomes the spiritual teacher of the customer. The image plays the role of a talisman.

Getting a tattoo at the Sak Yant festival in Thailand

Among the popular tattoos there is an image of an unalome. It symbolizes enlightenment. Winding lines represent the vicissitudes of fate, and a straight line - victory over weaknesses and desires and spiritual purity.

Conclusion

Buddhist ornamentation has not yet been sufficiently studied. If all its mysteries are ever revealed, the understanding of the unique Buddhist culture will certainly expand significantly.

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Ancient Slavic symbols

Original ancient Slavic symbols carry encrypted messages in their image. Our ancestors were aware of the simplicity and complexity of perceiving the World. Each group to which Slavic signs and symbols belong has a direct impact on our true desires. Thanks to this, consciousness is tuned to a healthy tone of work.

Slavic protective symbols are divided by elements, they are conductors of male or female energy. Symbols set up consciousness, perform protective functions, serve as conductors between the worlds created by the Family. This article is the key to understanding the swastika, runic symbolism. Here you will find everything you need to interpret Slavic symbols used in embroidery folk clothes, in everyday life, in military affairs, sorcery.

Perception of a graphic image by the brain

For a contemporary, it is no secret that our brain is a complex and mysterious phenomenon. Conventionally, it is divided into two halves: conscious and unconscious perception of reality. Its structure contains the evolution of humanity itself.

Called "elongated", the oldest department is responsible for our primary instincts, actions that are not controlled by us intentionally. It is also responsible for our reaction to any phenomenon and the subsequent work of the whole organism.

The most amazing thing is that Slavic signs and symbols are able to directly carry information to this department. In this case, images of Scandinavian runes or Celtic ligature do not have such an effect. This is due to the fact that our deep departments store codes for decoding genetic memory.

Thus, Slavic symbols are in contact with our brain. They are engaged in a dialogue not only with us, but also with a whole generation of ancestors. The graphical structure of each sign is read, conveying the embedded information at the root level.

Static lines and dynamics

Considering the ancient Slavic symbols as geometric patterns, one can notice their amazing property. Simple lines are woven into a pattern perceived as movement. This is not an optical effect. We fix the direction, and the brain completes the dynamics according to its ideas.

The ingenious decision was the fruit of the observation of our ancestors. A thrifty attitude and sensitivity created these images in their worldview. Logic is honored in every stroke, the absence of superfluous or cumbersome.

Slavic signs and symbols - what did our Ancestors see in them?

All characters can be divided into groups:

• magical and protective;
• tied to the elements;
• personifying the gods;
• reflective phenomena of nature;
• for different generation groups;
• patrons of crafts.

The most incomprehensible thing is that Slavic symbols, with all their diversity, have common features. They are aimed at uniting the soul and spirit of man.

Our Ancestors believed in the complexity and multifaceted structure of the World. Such was, in their opinion, the man. The individual was divided into spirit, which filled the essence with content. At the same time, the soul was another phenomenon bestowed by the Gods.

With all the separation, the ancient Slavic symbols were not isolated from each other. They had a specialization, but at the same time they had common features. Thus, each sign was part of the general and complemented the whole picture.

Mysterious messages from the past: Slavic signs in the structure of the Universe

The ancient Slavic symbols known to us store not only specific information. They carry the codes of the structure of the Universe. It is already known that the Slavs knew about the diversity of cosmic bodies. They had access to information about celestial bodies ah, which cannot be seen without special equipment.

The explorer of the cosmic interior, Yakov Nikolaevich Borzhevsky, once noticed that the structure of the solar sign of the Solstice resembles a rotating galaxy. Considering his assumption in more detail, he became convinced of the affinity of other Slavic symbols with the appearance of cosmic bodies.

It remains to be assumed how much knowledge we have not yet inherited from our ancestors. And what secrets carry the true meanings of ancient drawings. Perhaps the combination of symbols reveals amazing details of the creation of our universe or the possibility of interstellar travel.

How symbol information was collected

For a long time, scientists attributed the available information about the found images to applied art. The currently collected Slavic protective symbols are the product of a long and painstaking work.

Only a part of the surviving ancient monuments became a clue to the true meaning of the inscriptions. With each new found city or excavated temple, the number of images multiplied. At the same time, there was no doubt that graphic images carry sacred and cult information.

Mosiacs of the Etruscans

Ethnographers and adherents of the original faith conducted their own research, replenishing the treasury with transcripts. The source of reliable information was the folk epic, which can still be touched. Epics, sayings and other information revealed the true meaning of Slavic signs.

Analogies with symbols of other countries

Considering Slavic symbols, one can note their affinity with other cultures. One of the fundamental inscriptions - the Cross - can be found in the culture of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Scandinavia, Celtic and German cultures, Anglo-Saxon, Hinduism and Buddhism.

The crossed lines denoting the field in all cultures have a similar meaning. The swastika, or solstice, has the same design and meaning in all cultures.

buddha statue

Swastika Slavic symbols can be traced on the map of the entire globe. This fact is confirmed by:

• folklore;
• excavations;
• religious movements of many peoples, where swastika symbols serve as the basis of the cult movement;
• the architecture of ancient structures, which are thousands of years old.

One example of such monuments of ancient architecture is the temple buildings of the city of Baalbek, located in Lebanon. Baalbek is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. Unique footage provided by employees of the Veles online store.

Temple buildings in Baalbek

However, Slavic protective symbols, despite all the similarities with the cultures of other countries, have their own unique impact on our consciousness.

Protective properties

Slavic protective symbols for the culture of modern man enjoy great attention. The need to become aware of oneself and feel connected to one's roots leads people to explore meanings. Each inscription carries its own unique information, which is aimed at eliminating blocks and negative programs in the mind.

Due to their positive essence, Slavic protective symbols influence:

• to a holistic perception of one's personality;
• adjustment of internal systems of life;
• harmonization of energy metabolism;
• restoration of mental balance;
• creation of strong logical connections between parts of the brain;
• balance of perception of reality.

Putting on the chosen symbol, a person interacts with it at all levels of his essence. This allows him to build his own shield from negative external influences. A complex or simple interlacing of lines works as a cipher against the entry of hostile entities. Thus, the owner receives not only protection, but also help from the ancestors themselves.

The meaning and interpretation of Slavic symbols

Our ancestors transmitted the description of Slavic symbols orally. The process of Christianization has largely disrupted the continuity of generations. That is why disputes and disagreements are raging among modern admirers of the original culture in the true interpretation of Slavic symbols. However, it is necessary to understand that our modern perception in many respects differed from the everyday way of life of the ancestors. The accumulated knowledge, sacred meaning and unique worldview were invested in each cult image.

How did our ancestors perceive the world?

The intricate tie of patterns left by our ancestors carries a whole ocean of knowledge. In trying to decipher their meaning, we little think about how different a person's worldview is then and now.

Modern man is surrounded by various encrypted and open information. Artificial heap blocks the true perception of things. Our ancestors invested in Slavic symbols and their meaning only those information that are of real importance for the body and spirit.

Our ancestors saw the drawing of intricate patterns in every bend of a branch or plexus of a web. The openness and emancipation of consciousness allowed them to read information without distortion. That is why the study of the basics of the signs and symbols of the Slavs is a kind of healing of the mind from the layers of excess intellectual burden.

Subtleties of energy connection with the universe

The description of Slavic symbols contains many provisions on energy exchange. The direction, the number of turns and the smoothness of the lines are important. For our forefathers, all this served as a kind of map of the ley lines along which they led their energy.

In the center of each image there is always a place for the most important element - a living beating heart. The symbol itself is part of a single flow of power. Reuniting with a person, this chaotic energy of life is transformed into creation.

After all, only a person is able to transform the world around him to his inner state. That is why it is necessary to select symbols carefully, with knowledge of the subtleties.

Slavic signs: interpretation of the symbol

Even in the culture of our ancestors, the interpretation of Slavic symbols was a real art. Knowledge of the rules of inscription and the time of making an amulet or amulet was highly valued. It was possessed by the most experienced members of the community and some masters.

The geometry of life

An amazing fact, but Slavic symbols and their meaning are directly related to geometry. Even before this science acquired its own name, its foundations were actively used by our ancestors.

The main geometric shapes in symbolism:

• cross - the definition of the four cardinal points, the distribution of energy;
• the circle is the sphere of each standard of living;
• square, rhombus, rectangle - stability of positions;
• dot - basis, creation, outcome;
• bending is a complex figure that personifies movement.

Our ancestors more deeply and broadly understood the structure of any geometric phenomenon. Stable sharp corners are combined with soft fluid transitions. It is the center of perfect balance in which any act of creation is possible.

Direction in sign

The most common description of the right-hand and left-hand direction in signs. However, the description of Slavic symbols includes much more complex provisions. If we compare the movement of the symbol with the direction of the blood flow through the human body, we can get a clear picture of the distribution of energy according to the sign.

In the female body, the left half of the hemisphere has the greatest activity, in men - the right. It affects the activity vascular system. That is why female and male symbols act differently on representatives of different sexes.

Inscription on clothes

The interpretation of Slavic symbols contains sacred information about human capabilities. The combination of a cross and an oval gives a stable composition of the distribution of the flow and the suppression of third-party interference. Broken and smooth lines give direction to the active zones of our body.

If creativity prevails in a person, he is able to give more than he takes. This creates an unstable position in the exchange of energies. In the old days of such a person, relatives would embroider a shirt with rhombuses and squares. Thus, his energy through the prism of the sign would be in balance.

Masculine and feminine

Slavic symbolism is divided according to the principle of strengthening energy centers. In this series, male Slavic symbols combine a list of signs, are associated with the elements of air and heavenly fire. Whereas the Slavic symbols for women are turned to the moon, the water element, the earthly principle. All of them make up a single cycle of balanced protective symbols.

Male Slavic symbols

The traditional Slavic symbol for a man represents:

• strength;
• protection;
• freedom;
• motion;
• power.

All these signs refer to the elements of fire, air and heavenly light. The semantic load that the Slavic symbol carries for a man is aimed at awakening his true beginning.

The sword in the symbolism of the Slavs

Symbols deserve special attention - swords. They have different forms of writing, but each sign has characteristic features:

• direction;
• magnitude;
• sustainability.

The sword is an attribute of power, protection and patronage. These concepts were perceived in the broadest aspect. Divine patronage, absolute power. However, this implied a wise perception of one's power, aimed at the benefit of the community. Swords served as a security and attacking symbol at the same time.

Kolovrat

Kolovrat is the personification of rebirth, the ascending energy of life. He absorbed the cosmogonic picture of the structure of the World, created by our ancestors. It is a direct reference to the ancient knowledge of the universe.

Ratiborets

Patiborets is a bright solar symbol, the true embodiment of universal fire. This is not just sunlight, but rather a flash in which life is born. One of the strongest signs of the male line.

Yarovrat

Sign Yarovrat - refers to the art of war and agriculture. Our ancestors praised the plowman on a par with the defender. There are two styles of Yarovrat - six- and four-beam. At the same time, the root "yar" makes a reference to the blazing fire that protects from darkness.

Falcon

The image of the Falcon is interpreted as freedom, victory, superiority, protection. In mythopoetics, a Slavic symbol for a man means the ascent of the spirit, the fulfillment of a karmic duty to the family.

Slavic symbols for women

A special place was occupied by female Slavic symbols, personifying creation and creation.

Messages are hidden in every female sign:

• fertility;
• veneration of ancestors;
• hidden sacred knowledge;
• women Health.

According to the surviving information, Slavic symbols for women were compiled based on their status, occupation and significance for the community.

Lunnitsa

Almost all female Slavic symbols are divided into three age period. Lunnitsa depicts a young moon, it is a symbol of the tide and fertility. It could be worn by young unmarried women recently married.

Rozhanitsa

One of the oldest symbols Rozhanitsa personifies the connection with the family, ancestors. This is the power of matriarchy, the protection of the most valuable gift - childbearing. He is the creation, creation and giving of life in one image. The symbol was worn by women who entered maturity, married and gave birth to children.

Ladinets

The paired sign Ladinets echoes the male symbol Kolyadnik. This is a symbol of the harmony of the two principles. It contains the patronage of the feminine chaotic principle, ready to move into a peaceful state of creation. It contains two figures representing fire and the full moon.

The amulet is intended for women practicing mysticism. Is an strong defense and guide in the Implicit World. Protects from false knowledge, reveals consciousness. Through it, the owner reveals the deep ancient female magic.

Symbols of the Slavic Gods and their meaning

Universal love is the power carried by the symbols of the Slavic gods. Each sign contains unique codes that reveal the secrets of the universe. Through the symbols of the Slavic gods and their meaning, we receive the blessing of our ancestors.

Strength and harmony in every sign

In the view of our ancestors, the main driving force was love. Everything generated by the Gods was permeated by it and consisted in unbreakable harmony. If we consider the symbols of the Slavic Gods separately, it is easy to notice a unique fact.

All images of the Gods can be combined, creating groups of new signs. At the same time, the strength of each element subordinate to God will be summed up. The clear geometry of the symbolism makes it possible to compose ornamental rows.

The sacred semantic load, which the symbols of the Slavic Gods possessed and their significance in the life of their ancestors, has only partially survived to this day. From the known data, it is clear that the signs served as a kind of communication center with the patron. Turning to the deity through a symbol, a person tuned in to creation.

Common symbolism of the Slavs

The symbols of the Slavic Gods are divided into personal and elemental. Some are addressed specifically to God, others are the elements that he commands.

The collected symbols of the Slavic Gods and their meaning differed slightly among different nationalities. The transcripts below describe the most characteristic features of signs that coincide in meaning with all Slavic peoples.

Lelnik

Lelnik was considered a symbol worn by children and young girls. The decoding of the name has the meaning "nurtured", that is, nurtured in love. The patronage of the deity protected the growing children, a special favorable attitude towards girls.

It was believed that Lelnik absorbs the power of sincere deep love and drives away evil spirits and evil thoughts.

Symbol of the Family

The symbol of the Family enjoyed special love for our ancestors. He personified powerful forces:

• the relationship of generations;
• help of ancestors;
• Creator of all things;
• creative power of creativity.

Worn by representatives of different generations and genders. Possesses incredible power, enhanced by a respectful attitude towards the family tree. Influences the fate of the owner, giving him clarity of thought.

Ax of Perun

The traditional male symbol of the ax of Perun refers to personal amulets. Connecting with the energy of the owner, it influences his character and worldview.

Impact on character:

• willpower;
• sobriety of thinking;
• courage;
• self-discipline;
• strength of mind.

The ax was one of the types of weapons that Perun used to fight the dark forces.

Veles symbol

The personal symbol of Veles has a schematic outline of the head of the tour. According to one version, the deity turned into this animal. Through the amulet, a person established a connection directly with the deity.

The strength of the sign stands guard over justice, it is a defense against lies in any manifestation. It is believed that contracts were concluded on the sign. The owner of the amulet gets the opportunity to feel the hidden meaning.

Veles seal

Veles seals are depicted as two signs - the paws of a wolf and a bear. Both animals were considered sacred, through them they carried out their will in the Explicit World.

By semantic meaning the bear's paw belongs to the iconic amulets. He grants the owner good luck in solving legal affairs, trade. The symbol nourishes the inner strength of a person, giving him the breadth of thinking.

The wolf paw amulet is suitable for mystical personalities. His strength embodies the power of Veles over the world of the subtle plan. It is in his power to protect a person engaged in spiritual practices from mental attacks.

Star of Lada

The traditional female protective symbol was the star of Lada, the patroness of love and family. The personalization of the Goddess through the sign protects the life and house of the owner.

The value of the amulet has a wide range:

• honour;
• Vera;
• justice;
• love of freedom.

This is a guide to the source of the wisdom of generations, carrying out the relationship with the ancestors. He is credited with protecting motherhood, since it contains the power of omnipotent love.

Reza Dazhdboga

The solar sign Dazhdbog carries the unshakable power of the deity. It contains the energies of fertility, rebirth and sunlight.

Under his patronage:

• weddings;
• prosperity;
• military courage;
• spiritual guidance.

He is a powerful protection and guide for those who find themselves in a difficult life situation.

Reza Chura

The strong sacred sign Chur refers to personal amulets. It is in his power to establish powerful protection from otherworldly forces. God Churu obeyed the spirits of nature, living next to a person. Under the patronage of a deity, the owner may not be afraid of the machinations of opposing forces.

Makoshi sign

The Makosh amulet is intended for wise women. It is a powerful conductor of fertility energy. Through symbolism, the Goddess guides her children, helping them find inner peace and wisdom.

The image of the symbol bears two main geometric shapes - a cross and a rhombus. The first is a conductor of solar energy, the second is the personification of the earthly principle. Uniting, they form a sown field - fertility and prosperity.

Reza Beloboga

Consisting of broken lines, the harmonious symbol Belobog develops into a bizarre labyrinth. Its features contain knowledge of the complex structure of the universe. Refers to personal symbols; conductor of pure energy of love and light.

Wishes are encoded in it:

• well-being;
• clarity of thought;
• of good;
• purity of thought.

Reuniting with the owner, the sign brings the inner world into harmony with the thoughts and aspirations of a person. Thanks to the amulet, the wearer gains the ability to soberly weigh the facts and find the right solutions.

Kolyadnik or cut Kolyada

The amazing Kolyadnik is the personification of the power of rebirth. This is the eternal desire of the Universe to renew and recreate life. The solstice depicted on the sign is in perpetual motion, the so-called “salting” direction.

Symbolism of the ancient Slavs memory from the depths of time

The first discovered finds bearing Slavic signs date back to the 1st millennium BC. e. The Penkovskaya, Prague-Korchak and Kolochinskaya cultures are recognized as the progenitors of the Slavic nationality. The discovered everyday and cult objects are covered with the symbolism of the ancient Slavs, the meaning of which has practically not changed to this day.

Slavic signs - early archaeological finds

In the works of Soviet and Russian archaeologists, the first Slavic signs are attributed to the period from the 1st millennium BC to the 1st millennium BC. e. until the 6th century.

These include graphics:

• carved on stone statues;
• covering clay and wooden utensils;
• embossed on leather or jewelry.

Clay vessel. Pozdnyakovskaya culture

Basically, these are primitive drawings depicting wavy lines, dots and semicircles. Gradually, these images are transformed, becoming more complex. At the turn of the 6th century, the first examples of clear solar symbolism appeared. The found clay vessel of the Pozdnyakovskaya culture (middle of the 2nd millennium BC) is covered with images of the Fern Flower and wavy lines.

Proto-Slavic and pre-Slavic cultures

The early progenitor cultures include the Penkovsky, Prague-Korchak and Kolochinsky. They existed in the period of the 5th-6th century and left a large number of monuments of those civilizations. Historian-archaeologist V.V. Sedov assumed that during this period the list of running symbols was finally formed.

The Slavic signs and their meaning found in the southern basin of the Pripyat and the upper reaches of the Dniester repeat the elements of ornaments and fragments of images of other regions.

Among the discovered finds of the 5th-10th centuries, graphic symbols are presented:

• solar;
• elements of the cult of the earth;
• stylistic images of animals;
• cult symbols of deities.

There is reason to believe that this historical period the origins of the formation of a single Slavic symbolism are reflected.

Pagan symbolism of the Slavs - Kyiv culture

Cultural monuments of the Kiev type belong to the end of II-IV centuries. Most of the finds were found in the Middle Dnieper, Seim, Desna and Dnieper. Kievan culture echoes the layers of the Baltic and northern tribes.

Among the items of utensils, jewelry and megalithic finds, the symbolism of the Slavs was found, which is repeated in other regions. The main feature of this period was the manufacture of amulets as a separate direction of fishing. Precious metals were used that were not found in earlier finds.

V. V. Sedov assumed that active trade relations with neighboring tribes were established during this period. What influenced the development of pottery and blacksmithing. Judging by the numerous finds, Slavic signs and their meaning were influenced from outside. Elements appeared borrowed from the Romano-Germanic peoples. The Black Sun and the Valkyrie came into use.

Interpretation of symbols

Archaeologist G.S. Lebedev suggested that the Slavic signs reflected a unique understanding of the laws of the surrounding world of our ancestors. Each symbol carries several meanings that have one semantic root.

Alatyr

Named as Alatyr, the image is widespread in folk craft. This symbolism of the Slavs occupied a cult place, since it belonged to sacred signs.

This is evidenced by the list of its interpretations:

• the center of the universe;
• unity of the four elements;
• the unity of the world;
• original fire.

The first finds of this sign date back to the 10th century, they were found at the Troitsky excavation site in Novgorod.

Triglav

Triglav, a symbol of the trinity of the divine principle, is found on stone and clay products of the 2nd century BC. e. It was repeatedly recorded as part of the decoration of religious buildings and stone sculptures of different cultural periods.

Cres

Kres - the symbolism of the ancient Slavs of the 6th-10th centuries BC found in the Caucasus. e. included complex images. Among them, on bronze items, there were prints of an image recognized as Cres - symbols of purification and fire. The drawing included a number of elements that only in 1982 were deciphered and were able to identify the name.

Crean

The pagan symbols of the Slavs had a lot of unique images that belong to pre-Slavic cultures. One of these is Krin, a symbol of new life, a sprouting sprout.

tree of life

common in different eras symbol. Complements the cosmogonic ancient Slavic signs, rooted in the Aryan culture. It was brought by nomadic tribes, as evidenced by the finds of the Smolensk-Polotsk long mounds.

Flower of Life

The plant symbolism of the Slavs and their meaning are inextricably linked with rebirth and the eternal cycle of life. Images of the Flower of Life have been found on numerous finds of household utensils from various eras. Archaeologist P.K. Semenov suggested that the image came from the Aryan culture along with the settlers.

Deer images

The pagan symbolism of the Slavs is closely connected with craft. Images of animals and people in the process of hunting were found on petroglyphs throughout Russia, Belarus, and some regions of the Caucasus. The Deer symbol refers to the early civilizations of the Slavs, apparently depicting the remains of glacial fauna. The Scythian culture is especially rich in deer images - apparently this animal was the main totem of the people of that time.

Tour

The animalistic symbolism of the Slavs and their meaning refers to sacred cults that preceded a single pantheon. The Tur symbol is found on cult stones and rock carvings. T.N. Grekov put forward the theory that our ancestors tried to borrow the strength and power of the animal.

indrik beast

Ancient Slavic signs were supplemented not only with real animals, but also with mythical fauna. The symbol of Indrik the beast adorned the walls of Radagost, according to the testimony of Titmar of Merseburg. The images of the indrik carved on wooden facings were found by P. A. Vavilov in the excavation under the village. Kanevo, Vologda region.

Swastika symbols of the Slavs and their meaning

Slavic solar symbols are built according to the laws of the universal harmony and sacred geometry. Each bend or curl is subject to the law of equilibrium and balance. Through these schematic representations, our Ancestors turned not only to the power of the luminary itself, but also to the energy of creation.

heavenly fire

In the view of the ancients, the Explicit World was created by a powerful life force. Directing this energy with the power of creative thought, the mighty Rod recreated everything that exists. An incredible amount of energy was involved in this act, which had visible forms of heavenly fire.

That is why for the Slavs swastika symbols played a leading role in culture. Their images were an integral part of the cultural and everyday life. The most important meaning of the solar sign is the living embodiment of divine love for all that exists.

Swastika Symbols and Sacred Geometry

From the point of view of geometry, the swastika symbols of the Slavs combine similar features:

• cross;
• starting point;
• sphere or hemisphere.

The direction of movement of the sign determines the course of energy through the lines. Continuous rotation pulls particles of life force into the center of the symbol. Thus, any solar image is a powerful accumulator.

Experts recommend that when choosing a sign, take into account the activity of blood movement in the human body. For women it is left-sided, for men it is right-sided. However, it is worth paying attention to personal characteristics, as well as the meaning of the symbol that has come down to us.

Unique swastika symbolism

The Slavic solar symbols known to us form an arcade of many signs. And this set is not accidental. It is a unique combination of stability and contradiction. The main interpretation of multidirectionality is the departure of the obsolete, the re-creation of the new. The symbol of rebirth formed the basis for the description of each solar image. Taking on one of the amulets, a person agrees to be included in the process of good changes and renewal.

Svarozhich

Svarozhich heads the Slavic solar symbols, one of the strongest protective signs. He is the embodiment of the heavenly power of Svarog. The visual labyrinth system builds an insurmountable defense against spiritual degradation, the protection of the soul.

Rodimich

Not inferior in importance to Svarozhich. Rodimich also crowns swastika symbols and embodies the power of the Family. He patronizes ancestral memory, carries a powerful charge of the creative energy of creation. Symbol of the continuity of generations.

Fern flower

The embodiment of spiritual purity, vitality and regeneration. Suitable for people involved in spiritual practices, because it builds reliable protection from otherworldly interference. The Fern Flower has the power to bring out the hidden.

Overcome-grass

Odolen-grass is an incredibly powerful symbol of protection against ailments. The process of purification takes place on the bodily and all levels of spiritual existence. Purifies the thoughts of a person, setting him up for goodness and harmony.

Molvinets

Complements the swastika symbols of the Slavs, facing the Family. Molvinets embodies ideas spiritual growth, internal "burning" of the spirit. Protects from slander, negative thoughts. Protects family ties from curses.

Radinets

Active security sign. It is based on images of meridians - celestial arrows. Protects babies from evil, often depicted on cradles. Radinets is filled with the power of joy and peace.

Wedding attendant

An ornate sign promises protection to all newlyweds. The bridegroom attracts good luck and happy occasions. It is aimed at the successful embodiment of the desire to create a family hearth.

Doukhobor

Dukhobor is an important symbol for leaders and spiritual practitioners. Strengthens the spirit and restores the relationship with the soul. Protects inner harmony and agreement of the true "I" with the world.

Light

A unique sign that has a double direction. The lantern models the movement of energies in the universe. Its essence is the reunion of the earthly and the spiritual. Divine embodiment of love.

Svitovit

Svitovit is a transforming symbol that brings the energy of renewal to the owner. Resonates with the essence of the owner, revealing his inner potential. Symbol of the defenders of truth and justice.

Znich

The incarnation of the heavenly fiery deity. Keeper of the universal fire. It encodes a whirlwind of vitality. Znich carries protection from destruction and internal disagreement.

Newborn

The embodiment of balance and movement. A newborn gives inner peace, acceptance of the true "I" of a person. Directs the owner's aspirations to the knowledge of true laws.

bogovnik

Bogovnik is the quintessence of the patronage of all the bright Gods. An energetically rich depiction of the relationship and opposition of the four basic elements of life.

rodovik

Rodovik redirects the collected heritage of previous generations into one powerful stream. Connects the owner to this current. The result of this process is a clear understanding of one's destiny, the choice of the right path.

Grozovik

Image of celestial electricity. Has a salting direction, protects from lightning. It carries the meaning of the will of the gods. Depicted on the doors of dwellings, temple complexes.

Thunderbolt

The direction of the sign is to the left. Bestows the patronage of Indra on the wearer. The meaning is heavenly wisdom, longevity and the weapon of a true warrior of the spirit. They were applied to the entrance portals of the vaults. It was believed that the Thunderbolt strikes those who entered with bad thoughts.

Valkyrie

Symbolism of the defenders of the fatherland. Valkyrie recreates a single chain with relatives who defended their homeland. Increases the spiritual potential of the wearer. It carries the meaning of "peaceful warrior".

Swati

Recreates the picture of Perunov's way. Embodies a graphic representation of the structure of the solar system. Oriented to people of creativity, leading spiritual quests.

vaiga

Complements the swastika symbols of the Slavs with a contradictory (bipolar) meaning. It bears the seal of the goddess Tara, who protected the four spiritual paths of man. Helps to search for the true purpose, its generic program. At the same time, sharply curved lines embody the four great winds opposed to the spiritual search.

Velesovik

Recreates a harmonious relationship with nature. It gives strength to join the surrounding world, to find in it a reflection of oneself.

Vseslavets

A powerful symbol of protection of balance, reunion. It unites all childbirth, allows you to connect to a common karmic network. Appeal to the spiritual flame, transmitted from generation to generation.

fireworks

Female solar symbol. It personifies the protection of heavenly mothers. Through him, the appeal to any of the Goddesses receives the strength of an increasing impulse. Protects motherhood, bonds of parents and children.

Slavets

The symbol combines two geometric shapes - a cross and lightning. Counts female sign reproductive protection. It was of particular importance for young girls, protecting their fate from damage and the evil eye.

Garuda

Personification of the God of the Highness in the sign. Embodies protection from decline, lack of money. Attracts the benevolent energies of creation, wealth and balance.

dunia

The task of the symbol is to preserve the paths of the true search for the meaning of life. Reunion of heavenly and earthly fire.

sky boar

Included in the swastika symbols of the Slavs. The personification of the meeting of the future and the past. Protects the spiritual self-improvement of the owner, endows him with perseverance in achieving goals.

spiritual swastika

The symbol of immaterial fire, which embodied the thoughts of the Sort. This is the pure energy of universal love, imprinted with lines.

soul swastika

Connects to the energy of the spirit. Regulates the conscious life of the earthly incarnation. It has power over the lines of a person's fate, responding to his intentions.

Spiritual strength

Spiritual power helps to feel the relationship of the mind with the subtle plane. Adjusts the flair to the subconscious choice of the right path.

Dhata

The image of a person in both hypostases - material and spiritual. It helps to manifest the opportunities bestowed by the Gods and pacifies negative character traits.

Colard

A female symbol that can be worn by men. Its main meaning is fertility, bestowed by the Mother of the Raw Earth. A gift from the origins of life, bringing prosperity to the owner.

Solard

Retribution symbol. Enhances any action, allowing you to quickly feel the results. This is an energy boomerang that allows you to get the fruits of what you honestly earned on time.

Source

Embodiment of the original nature of the soul. It personifies the halls of Alive, from which the creative energy of creation comes.

Kolokhort

Equilibrium symbol of the order of the Universe. Light and dark beginning in the eternal dance of true harmony. A person on the path of spiritual search shows all the visible and hidden paths of development. The choice of path determines what energy the sign will use.

Navnik

The embodiment of the connection of two parallel worlds - Navi and Yavi. Grants access to the unique capabilities of a person in the spiritual realm. Protects from otherworldly interference.

Narayana

It unites the spiritual and physical energy of a person. A symbol of the connection between pure light and the material world. Increases the momentum of aspiration, allowing you to see your goals more clearly.

solar cross

The embodiment of the powers of Yaril - the summer sun. Enhances the health and power of a person. Strengthens the connection between spirit and soul. Patronizes warriors. Male symbol.

heavenly cross

A universal symbol suitable for both sexes. Depicts the eternal power of rebirth. Protection given to spiritual search, family ties.

fireman

Another symbolism of the Sort. Often depicted on his idols. An insurmountable barrier from the evil influence on family ties, the support of the ancients.

Yarovik

Male symbolism of fertility. The fullness of life, the fire of eternal flame. Was considered protective sign from diseases for livestock, maintaining profits in the house. It was drawn on stables and cowsheds, applied to news posts.

Rubezhnik

Sign of fortitude, male symbol. Aimed at protection from unclean creatures, allows you to develop both sides of the essence. It gives stability to the psyche, connecting the internal reserves of a person.

Rysich

The symbolism of the unity of the entire race of Slavs. Conductor of powerful creative energy of creation. Gives protection to the entire nation. It revives the desire to know the roots and heritage.

sologne

Household symbols that protect home life and prosperity from external interference. Endowed with the power to increase the material heritage. Universal sign.

Yarovrat

Incarnation of Yaro-God. Male symbol of fertility, rebirth and life after death. Symbols were painted on barns as protection of the seed from spoilage. Gives fertility and a bountiful harvest.

Sadhana

Symbols of the Slavic halls

The Svarog circle is united by 16 signs, each of which is under the auspices of a certain deity. The semantic load carries the concept of the structure of all layers of the world. Each image has unique features that affect the fate and character of the owner.

The meaning of the symbolism of the palace for a person

At birth, a person is given the opportunity to enlist the support of the gods. You can contact your intercessor through the symbols of the halls. The sign is a conductor of the will of the petitioner and a channel of energy transmission. Since each symbol has its own characteristics, unique changes will occur in the life and character of a person. Amulets allow you to acquire protection and direct the energy and efforts of the owner to achieve harmony with his life task.

Under the auspices of the gods

The symbols of the Slavic halls are endowed with unique features. Their value makes adjustments to the characteristics of the wearer, depending on the patron deity.

Virgo

It is under the tutelage of the goddess Jiva. Refresh energy conductor.

The owner is endowed with the following qualities:

• independence;
• stubbornness;
• purposefulness.

All these qualities are manifested due to the transmitted energy of youth, love for life.

boar

The sign is under the auspices of Rahmat, the deity of the Heavenly Court, Universal justice and law and order.

Gives character traits:

• striving for purity of thoughts;
• clarity of consciousness;
• balance.

The owners of the sign are determined, but not reckless.

Pike

Those born in this sign were lucky to become the beloved children of Rozhana, who is responsible for family comfort and prosperity.

The people of this symbol are inherent in:

• calm;
• equilibrium;
• desire for peace.

It is difficult for the owners of the sign to leave the comfort zone. However, they adapt well to change.

Swan

The Great Heavenly Mother of God Mokosh leads the destinies of people born in the sign of the Swan.

Character carriers are characterized by:

• caring for others;
• joyfulness;
• abundance;
• well-being.

He bestows the gift of clairvoyance on women who have reached their peak.

Snake

The sign is subject to the keeper of the Heavenly Fire Semargl. The symbols of the Slavic palaces associated with the fire element have the strongest influence on the owner.

Those related to the amulet have:

• clear sober mind;
• perfect internal balance;
• irascibility;
• ambition.

The sign has a supportive effect during a difficult period.

Crow

The sign is under the jurisdiction of Kolyada. The patron of change and the paths of human destinies endows the owner of the symbol:

• good nature;
• sense of humor;
• deep wisdom.

The bearers of the amulet have an amorous and open character.

Bear

One of the main symbols belongs to Svarog.

Those born in the hall have:

• fortitude;
• justice;
• boundless kindness.

The owners of the amulet strive to achieve a strong position through creative work. Their quality is to destroy vital barriers on the way to the chosen goal.

busl

The ancient symbols of the halls always refer to the power of ancestral ties. The Hall of the Stork is under the auspices of the Family. It is particularly strong bonds with past generations.

The owner is given the following features:

• flair;
• ability to navigate in life situations;
• developed sense of duty;
• desire to create a family.

The carriers of the amulet receive a blessing for the birth of healthy and full-fledged offspring.

Wolf

The symbolism belongs to Veles, the keeper of the Gates of the Interworld. Supports the defenders of the family and the fatherland.

The characteristic qualities of the carrier are:

• success in business;
• Thirst for knowledge;
• prosperity and prosperity.

The owners of the symbol are able to build strong communications.

A fox

The wise earthly goddess Marena sends a blessing to the bearers of the sign.

The owner of the amulet grants:

• mental flexibility;
• cunning;
• curiosity.

Enlisting the support of the goddess, a person achieves good luck in business, shows ingenuity.

Tour

The sign is supervised by the god Kryshen. God has two hypostases - a warrior and a reaper.

In his ward enhances the qualities:

• diligence;
• the ability to listen to oneself;
• sense of the true purpose of life.

God helps his child to gain confidence and stability in self-interest.

Elk

Mother Lada patronizes the life of those born in the sign.

Thanks to her supervision, a person acquires:

• honesty;
• a strong desire for justice;
• love;
• understanding with others and with yourself.

People of this sign are devoted to their work, find joy in serving society.

Finist

The god of the bright worlds Navi Vyshen takes care of the carriers of the symbol.

The sign helps the owner to acquire:

• perseverance in the fight against dark forces;
• sincerity;
• clear vision.

It protects the wearer from slander, the evil eye.

Horse

The Kupala amulet complements the symbols of the halls, providing the wearer with protection from the disease.

The qualities of the owner of the mark are:

• purity of soul;
• body strength;
• a heart free from false feelings.

Being under the auspices of Kupala, a person receives a deep inner impulse for renewal.

Eagle

Perun patronizes the soldiers and defenders of the peace of the fatherland.

The owner of the symbol is endowed with the following properties:

• firmness;
• internal balance;
• decisiveness.

The owners of the mark act without hesitation, always find the right solution.

Ras

The Keeper of the great universal Wisdom Dazhdbog blesses those born in his sign.

They are endowed with the following qualities:

• prudence;
• foresight;
• the ability to make plans.

The owners of the symbol radiate inner light and confidence. They know how to unite people around them, leading them to true goals.

Slavic symbols and Runes

Slavic symbols and runes cause heated debate among the scientific community. Since the facts that have come down to us are fragmentary, the very existence of writing is called into question. However, there is evidence that the symbols of the runes performed a ritual role and were of a communication nature. The signs of the Slavic runes allowed the tribes to conduct business, to transmit information. The found symbols of ancient runes are known for their sacred meaning.

Runic symbols of the Slavs

The Slavic peoples had developed communication, which for foreigners created the impression of a single nationality. Despite the originality of each tribal union, the runic symbolism of the Slavs made it possible to transmit information in an accessible form.

There is evidence that the symbols of the ancient runes had two purposes:

• writing;
• divination.

The German chronicler Titmar of Merseburg, who studied the monuments of Slavic religious culture, described that in Radogost each idol was inscribed with the name of a god or goddess. Despite the fact that those who came to give praise were from different tribes, they read and understood these inscriptions in the same way.

This suggests that the symbols of the runes come from a single source that gave rise to all the cultural branches of the Slavs. The remaining decoding into Slavic symbols and runes refers to their religious meaning. The fact that this information reached contemporaries in a relatively complete form speaks of the special place that the signs of the Slavic runes occupied in the cultural life of our ancestors.

Symbols of ancient runes

Known rune symbols include 18 characters. Some of them are named after gods. The meaning and interpretation depends on who the inscription is dedicated to.

The runic symbols of the Slavs used as divination have a unique set of meanings. Each decoding embodies the originality of the worldview of our ancestors.

World- He is also called Belobog. The embodiment of the World Tree, a sign of prosperity, order and prosperity.

Chernobog- chaos, a destructive force that brings change.

Alatyr― the embodiment of balance and harmony, the starting point of the World.

Rainbow- the sign symbolizes movement, the path. The rune signifies a spiritual or physical journey followed by inner development.

Need- the personification of Viy, means the destined outcome of the current action or event. Everything that happens is in the power of higher powers, does not depend on the will of the fortuneteller.

Krada- financial stability, rebirth after a long stagnation or complete ruin. A symbol of ascending forces that bring prosperity to any area of ​​​​life.

Force Spiritual cleansing energy, Warrior Spirit. Combining purpose and aspiration.

Treba- a symbol of the edge of the sword, masculinity and victory. The strength of perseverance and faith in victory, backed by the spiritual patronage of the gods.

Wind― personification of spirits and elements of air, the pointer of a way. It means the direction of willpower towards goals that will lead to the integrity and successful outcome of the enterprise.

Bereginya- a symbol of protection from negative influences. Powerful spiritual protection, support of ancestors. Delivered irresistible protection from the evil eye.

Oud- the second interpretation of the name Yarilo. The embodiment of the power of love, the energy of passion. It personifies a powerful creative principle.

Lelya- the potential of creativity, the rune of imagination, the power of intuition. Indicates a smooth course of change of direction.

Rock- closed possibilities, the inevitability of what is happening. A pre-planned scenario, the course of which cannot be changed.

Support- a rune of good luck, the help of higher powers. The key value of the message from the ancestors, support from their side.

Dazhdbog— the symbol has double meaning. A test that brings purification. Support of the divine patron.

Perun- the intervention of powerful forces, a person endowed with power.

There is- material abundance obtained by following one's destiny. A reward for long and hard work.

Source- stop, calm before a favorable period. Hidden deep growth, stagnation phase.

Slavic symbols in embroidery, their meaning and patterns

Slavic symbols in embroidery were used as a talisman for the body and spirit of the wearer. Techniques for applying cult images include satin stitch and cross-stitch techniques. Geometric symbols formed into ornaments, the meaning of Slavic symbols in embroidery formed a message to higher powers.

Cult signs in everyday life

Even before the formation of writing, signs and symbols served for our ancestors as a means of transmitting and saving information. Cult signs were applied to household items and clothing. According to the set of images and the nature of their application, the nationality of a person and his social status were determined.

The signal system was most clearly expressed by Slavic symbols in embroidery. She covered both outerwear and lower layers. Each type of decoration had its own set of drawings and signs. There were unwritten rules according to which the images were subject to a clear structure of inclusion in the composition.

Ornament formation rules

The signs used in embroidery were not performed separately. Each element was included in a complex ornament. By the nature of the arrangement of the picture, it was possible to read the encrypted meaning. The meaning of Slavic symbols in embroidery determined the group of symbols that could be included in a single pattern.

Women's and men's signs have never been combined. They were diluted with a pattern with a neutral meaning.

For example, the symbolism of abundance - birds of paradise always coexists with earthly signs of fertility.

Slavic ornaments are geometrically correct forms drawing, the balance of every detail. The protruding parts do not break the composition, they are complemented by balancing elements.

Women's and men's symbols

The difference in female and male symbolism lies not only in the set of symbols. Solar signs and elements of nature are introduced depending on the nature of the meaning.

So the right-handed Kolovrat was depicted only in mature men, the left-handed one could be present in the female ornament. Signs were distributed according to age criteria, for example:

• Bereginya with lowered hands is a symbol of a young maiden;
• folded on the sides - a married mature woman;
• hands raised - an elderly person.

Plant topics were also differentiated according to gender and age criteria:

• rose, lily, viburnum - female drawing;
• oak, cornflower, Chernobrovtsy - male signs;
• hop - youthful ornament;
• poppy is a girlish sign.

Male ornaments were more symmetrical and clear. Fluid smooth lines prevailed in women's patterns.

Reading the scheme of embroidery of Slavic symbols

Reconstructed craftsmen embroidery schemes of Slavic symbols practically did not change. To read an encrypted message, it is enough to know both individual values ​​and their group value. By the type of images used, it was possible to find out where a person lived and what position he occupied in the tribal union.

Among the inhabitants of mountainous areas, broken angular lines prevailed in embroidery. Wavy in combination with ovals were found among the inhabitants of the water area of ​​reservoirs. The higher the status of a person in the community, the denser the outfit is covered with patterns.

For boys and girls, the edges of shirts and underwear were embroidered. Married women had several margins on their shirts from shoulder to wrist.

The solar symbol of the swastika was found in the southern and central regions of the Slavic peoples. Among the northern tribes, animalistic patterns often predominated.

Rules for embroidering Slavic patterns

In order to observe a clear sequence of alternating fragments, a corner part is selected to start work. From this point the space is divided into squares. Schemes for embroidery of Slavic symbols are formed based on who will be the bearer of the product.

The fields of edges were filled in first. Then large details of the pattern were located above it. Various additions were made last. The course of the pattern always had a direction to the female or male side.

In the school curriculum, an important place in the study of national culture is occupied by ancient images in folk art. Fine arts (fine arts) begin to teach with primary school, and one of the first topics is devoted to the symbols that our distant ancestors embroidered on clothes, carved on wooden utensils, depicted on jewelry and clay pots. served not only as decoration - they carried a sacred meaning.

Spiritualization of images

Encoded in architectural compositions, household items, works of art and folklore texts, ancient images in folk art reflect the ideas of our ancestors about the world around us. The outstanding scientist Nikolai Kostomarov considered ancient symbols to be a figurative manifestation of moral ideas with the help of objects of physical nature endowed with spiritual properties.

Academician Vernadsky noted that the life of a given era and a given people is manifested in the works of folk art, and thanks to this, one can study and understand the soul of a people. He recognized the deep symbolism of artistic creativity, which the Cosmos bestows on us, passing through the consciousness of a living being.

Basic images

Examples of sacred symbols and their meaning are presented in an accessible form in the school topic “Ancient Images in Folk Art” (Grade 5, Fine Arts). This is a geometric ornament, images of the sun, eggs, the Tree of Life, sky, water, mother earth, images of animals and others.

• The sun personified the bosom of the universe.
• The Tree of Life is the center of the universe, the hierarchical structure of being.
• The egg is a symbol of life, the celestial sphere from which stars and planets arise.
• The image of the Earth was associated with the image of the mother-nurse.
• With the help of ornaments, the sky, earth, water, animals and plants, fire, manifestations of nature (wind, rain, snow, etc.) were depicted.

The sun

This is the oldest image in folk art. The sun was considered the center of the world and the source of life, it symbolized heavenly spirituality, often acquiring the image of individual gods. The cult of the Sun was worldwide. In 1114, it is indicated that "The sun is the king, the son of Svarog, the hedgehog is Dazhbog." According to other sources, Svarog was considered.

The sun is the "Eye of God", which is endowed with the epithets "holy", "righteous", "clear", "red", "beautiful". Later, the Sun occupies a special place in the heavenly hierarchy next to the Almighty: a clear month, a bright sun and the God of Heaven. Recall that he pointed out the need to give "the morning Praise to God, and then to the rising sun."

In a school textbook about ancient images in folk art (grade 5) it is said that the Sun was designated by our ancestors allegorically in the form of rhombuses, round rosettes and even horses (they symbolize the arrival of spring). They were decorated with women's hats, belts, beads, pastries, a wedding loaf, Easter eggs, ceramics, etc.

Tree of Life

This is no less ancient image in folk art than the Sun. The Tree of Life symbolizes the trinity of the world, the mythical bird - the creator of the Existing. It unites heaven (branches), earth (trunk) and the underworld (roots). The Tree also means genus - hence the name "family tree", "roots of the genus", "native roots".

The image of the Tree of Life has, perhaps, the most complex ornamental structure. This is a bizarre pattern depicting a sprawling tree, with leaves, large fruits and flowers. Often the tops of the ornamental tree are crowned with images (hence the expressions “ Blue bird", "The Bird of Happiness"). Canonically, the Tree is depicted as growing from a bowl (vessel), thus indicating the origins of its roots from the sacred bosom (receptacle of the world, the universe). The well-known folklorist Xenophon Sosenko noted that the idea of ​​the World Tree "is considered by the people as the first peacemaking factor."

Mother Earth

The Earth has always been associated with the female image of the mother, because the Earth is the nurse. The goddess of fertility is found in many world cultures. Ancient images in the folk art of Mother Earth were personified with a large-breasted woman. She can give birth to children, and “give birth” to the harvest. Until now, archaeologists have found figures of female wooden idols installed in the fields.

On ornamental images, Mother Earth almost always stands with her hands raised to the sky, and instead of a head, a rhombus can be depicted - one of which emphasizes the dependence of the crop on solar heat and sky (rain).

Sky

According to ancient beliefs, the sky was the core of the universe, a symbol of the cosmos, that is, order and harmony, the source of life. The semantics of the word "heaven" among many peoples means "number", "harmony", "middle", "order", "navel", "life" (in particular, in Latin, English, Latvian, Hittite, Irish, Welsh images in folk art endowed the Sky with special power: often the interpretation of the word "sky" is consonant with the concept of "God".

Our distant ancestors believed that the sky is a river along which the bright sun travels. Sometimes a cow was identified with Heaven, which was considered a celestial being and was called the "heavenly cow." The sky seemed to people a hemisphere, a dome, a lid, a vessel that protected them. Images of the sky were indicated on painted eggs, shirts, towels, carpets, etc.

Ornament

From ancient times, pottery, woven, embroidered, drawn, wicker, carved wooden and stone household items were decorated with various ornaments. The patterns had ideological semantics and compositionally consisted of simple elements: dots, zigzags, curls, straight and spiral lines, circles, crosses and others. Among the main groups and types of ornaments (geometric, floral, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic), researchers distinguish a group of symbols of celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars, etc.).

It was in the form of ornaments that ancient images were most often depicted in folk art. The central place in such compositions was usually occupied by astral signs of heavenly fire, stars, the sun and the month. Later, these deified elements were transformed into a floral ornament.

Conclusion

Sun, Tree of Life, Mother Earth, Sky, Month - these are the main ancient images in folk art. The discussion of their meanings both in the school lesson and among scientists develops into a fascinating controversy. It is enough to imagine yourself in the place of an ancient ancestor to understand what an indelible impression the majestic sunrise and the bottomless depth of the sky above your head, the violence of the elements and the pacifying fire of the hearth make. All this beauty, grandeur, unbridledness our forefathers captured in the ways available to them for future generations.

In the modern world, an ornament is a pattern that adorns household items without carrying a semantic load. For us, rhombuses on a carpet are just rhombuses, and circles are just circles. But there were times when people could read ornaments, encrypted their ideas about life, about the other world, about eternal truths in them.

It can be said that a decorative pattern is the result of a found relationship between the perception of nature and a decorative reflection of reality. Over the many years of the existence of decorative art, various types of patterns have developed: geometric, floral, complex, etc., from simple articulations to complex intricacies.

An ornament can consist of subject and non-objective motifs, it may include forms of a person, the animal world and mythological creatures, naturalistic elements are intertwined and articulated in an ornament with stylized and geometrized patterns. At certain stages of artistic evolution, the line between ornamental and narrative painting is “erased”. This can be observed in the art of Egypt (Amaran period), the art of Crete, in ancient Roman art, in late Gothic, modern.

First there was a geometric ornament, it was at the dawn of human culture. What could be simpler than straight or wavy lines, circles, cells, crosses? It is these motifs that adorn the walls of clay vessels. primitive people, the oldest products made of stone, metal, wood and bone. For ancient man they were conventional signs with which he could express his concept of the world. A straight horizontal line meant earth, a wavy line meant water, a cross meant fire, a rhombus, circle or square meant the sun.

According to an old belief, the symbols in the patterns carried a spiritual power that could conjure any evil and injustice of the elemental forces of nature. These symbolic signs, which came to us from ancient ritual holidays, are with magical symbols. For example, in the Filimonovo toy (Russia) we see symbols of the sun, earth, water, fertility. The masters let through all the images and symbols through their worldview and showed their perception of the world in the painting. Ancient symbols are also found in the Dymkovo and Kargopol toys. But they are everywhere different in ornament. In every craft, we notice the symbols of the sun, water, etc. The ancient symbolism of the peasant religion runs like a thin thread through them.

And an ornament in a Russian folk costume. The main motives of which were solar signs - circles, crosses; images of a female figure - a symbol of fertility, mother - damp earth; wavy rhythmic lines - signs of water; horizontal straight lines denoting the ground; images of a tree are the personification of eternally living nature. Embroidery on peasant clothes not only adorned it and delighted those around with the charm of patterns, but also had to protect the one who wore this clothes from trouble, from an evil person. A woman embroidered Christmas trees - it means that she wished a person a prosperous and happy life, because spruce is a tree of life and goodness. A child was born to a peasant woman. And she will decorate his first simple shirt with embroidery in the form of a straight line of bright, joyful color. This is a straight and bright road that a child should follow. May this journey be happy and joyful for him.

The image of the sun occupies one of the main places in arts and crafts. The sun in the form of round rosettes, rhombuses, can be found in various types of folk art.

A straight equilateral cross was also the image of the sun in folk symbolism. The rhombus was revered as a symbol of fertility and was often combined with the solar sign inscribed in it.

The tree of Life

In addition to the geometric, in the ornament of Ancient Russia, you can often find various ancient pagan plots. For example, female figure personified the goddess of the earth, fertility. In pagan art, the tree of life embodied the power of living nature, it depicted the divine tree, on which the growth of herbs, cereals, trees and the "growth" of man himself depended. Very often you can find plots of magical calendar rituals that are associated with the main stages of agricultural work.

The most diverse symbolism is characteristic of the images of the plant world, which included flowers, trees, herbs.
In the ornament of Egypt, the decoration often used a lotus flower or lotus petals - an attribute of the goddess Isis, a symbol of the divine productive force of nature, resurgent life, high moral purity, chastity, mental and physical health, and in the funeral cult it was considered a magical means of reviving the dead. This flower was personified with the sun, and its petals - with the sun's rays. lotus motif received wide use in the ornamental forms of the Ancient East (China, Japan, India, etc.).

The Egyptians also used the image of aloe in the ornament - this drought-resistant plant symbolized life in the other world. Of the trees, date and coconut palms, sycamore, acacia, tamarisk, blackthorn, perseus (Osiris tree), mulberry tree were especially revered - they embodied the life-affirming principle, the idea of ​​​​the ever-fruitful Tree of Life ..

The laurel in ancient Greece was dedicated to the god Apollo and served as a symbol of cleansing from sins, as the sacred laurel branch was fanned to be cleansed. Laurel wreaths were awarded to the winners in musical and gymnastic competitions in Delphi, the main center of the Apollo cult. Laurel served as a symbol of glory.

Hop is a cultivated plant, the picturesque appearance of which contributed to the widespread use of plant forms in ornamentation. The image of hops combined with ears of corn was used as a decoration on household utensils.
Grapevine - bunches and branches enjoyed special reverence in antiquity and in the Middle Ages. In ancient Greek mythology, this is an attribute of the god Bacchus, among Christians - in conjunction with ears of corn (bread and wine, meaning the sacrament of communion) - a symbol of the suffering of Christ.

Ivy is an evergreen climbing shrub, sometimes a tree; like a vine was dedicated to Bacchus. Its leaves have a variety of shapes, most often heart-shaped or with pointed lobes. They were often used in ancient art to decorate vases and wine vessels.
Oak is the king of forests, a symbol of strength and power. Oak leaves were widely used in Roman ornamentation. Their images are often found on friezes and capitals, church utensils and other types of Gothic applied art, as well as in the works of Italian Renaissance masters. Currently, the image of oak leaves along with laurel can be found on medals and coins.

Oak is a symbol of power, endurance, longevity and nobility, as well as glory.

AT ancient China pine symbolizes immortality, longevity. a truly noble personality. The image of a cypress, which in Chinese beliefs was endowed with special protective and healing properties, including protection from the dead, echoes the image of a pine tree. Among the flowers, the central place is given to the peony. The peony is associated with female beauty and family happiness. The orchid and chrysanthemum are associated with the divine world and ritual rituals. The most common symbol among vegetables is gourd gourd, which has become a symbol of immortality and longevity.

Painted gourd, vessel and talisman (China, 19th century)

"Happy fruits": pomegranate, tangerine, orange - symbols of longevity and a successful career.

Sakura motifs are often found in Japanese arts and crafts. It is a symbol of beauty, youth, tenderness, the inevitable variability of the transient world.

Flowers are widely used in ornamental motifs of all times and styles. They serve as decoration for fabrics, wallpaper, tableware and other types of decorative art.
The rose has polar symbolism: it is heavenly perfection and earthly passion, time and eternity, life and death, fertility and virginity. It is also a symbol of the heart, the center of the universe, the cosmic wheel, divine, romantic and sensual love. Rose - completeness, the mystery of life, its focus, the unknown, beauty, grace, happiness, but also voluptuousness, passion, and in combination with wine - sensuality and seduction. The rosebud is a symbol of virginity; withered rose- transience of life, death, sorrow; its thorns are pain, blood and martyrdom.

Heraldic roses: 1 - Lancaster; 2 - Yorks; 3 - Tudors; 4 - England (badge); 5 - German Rose Rosenov; 6 - Russian stamp.

The heraldic medieval rose has five or ten petals, which connects it with the Pythagorean pentad and decade. A rose with red petals and white stamens is the emblem of England, the most famous badge of the English kings. After the "War of the Scarlet and White Roses", named after the breastplates of the names that fought for the English crown, the scarlet rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York were combined in the form of the "Tudor Rose". The bright crimson rose is the unofficial emblem of Bulgaria. The famous tea rose is the emblem of Beijing. Nine white roses are in the coat of arms of Finland.
In ancient ornaments, along with plants, various animals are often depicted: birds, horses, deer, wolves, unicorns, lions. They form the horizontal structure of the tree of life: at the top are birds; at the level of the trunk - people, animals, as well as bees; under the roots - snakes, frogs, mice, fish, beavers, otters.

Animals can be seen on embroidered towels and aprons , on a painted chest X, on carved and painted spinning wheels; on the walls of ancient Russian cathedrals and in the decorations of huts , in letter ornaments. Ancient images of a horse and a bird have been preserved in folk toys and utensils. Pommels for horse whips and combat bows were carved in the form of animal or bird heads. Stylized animals and birds adorned hair combs, utensils and utensils. In ancient times, many natural phenomena were personified in the images of animals, and everyone looked at these phenomena from the point of view that was closer to him, depending on the way of life and occupation: the point of view of the shepherd was different from the views of the hunter, and both of them - from the warrior. People transferred their knowledge about terrestrial animals to atmospheric phenomena.
A bird in folk arts and crafts could personify wind, cloud, lightning, thunderstorm, storm and sunlight. Ladles and salt shakers were carved in the form of birds, embroidered birds adorned women's clothing. . The image of a bird is widely included in the folklore of almost all peoples of the world.

The horse also personified all natural phenomena associated with rapid movement - wind, storm, clouds. He was often depicted as fire-breathing, with a clear sun or a moon in his forehead, and a golden mane. A wooden horse, made for children's fun, was often all decorated with solar signs or flowers. . It was believed that this protects the child from evil forces. Images of horses can often be seen on household items (ladle handles, spinning wheels , spindles), on clothes .

In the northern regions, natural phenomena associated with horses were also attributed by ancient people to deer. . Deer were often depicted near the tree of life on an embroidered towel, sometimes they were placed instead of a ridge on the roof of the hut. The sacred role of the horse, deer in Scythian art is often associated with the hope of a successful ascension of the soul to another world.
The lion in the mythology of many peoples was a symbol of the sun and fire, and also at different times among different peoples, he personified higher powers, power, power and greatness, generosity, nobility, intelligence. The image of a lion has existed in arts and crafts since ancient times.
For many centuries, the lion has remained one of the favorite figures in Russian symbolism. In ancient Russian images associated with the great princely power, the image of a lion, depending on what surrounded him, had two meanings: the power bestowed by God, and the defeated power of evil.

Folk craftsmen often carved lions on the front of the hut or painted on chests surrounded by floral ornaments, craftswomen embroidered them.

feminine beginning. The Great Mother, in her terrible form as weaver of fate, is sometimes depicted as a spider. All moon goddesses are spinners and weavers of fate. The web that the spider weaves is woven from the center in a spiral - a symbol of the creative forces of the Universe, a symbol of the universe. The spider in the center of the web symbolizes the center of the world; Sun surrounded by rays; The moon, personifying the cycles of life and death, spinning the web of time. The spider is often associated with good luck, wealth or rain. Killing a spider is bad luck.

Spider depicted on an American Indian amulet

Due to the stability of religious canons, the meaning of symbols in the ornamentation of Egypt, the art of the countries of the Ancient East remained unchanged for many millennia. Therefore, for ethnographers and archaeologists, ancient ornaments are signs with which you can "read" a kind of magical texts.

Ethno-cultural contacts, trade, military campaigns, religious missions, embassy gifts and invited artists contributed to the movement of works of art from one country to another, which led to the spread of artistic ideas and styles.
Often subsequent generations of artists use the previous art and create their own variations on its basis. Such a striking example is the element of the swastika, one of the earliest symbols that is found in the ornaments of almost all the peoples of Europe, Asia, America, etc. The oldest images of the swastika are already found in the culture of the Tripoli tribes of the 5th-4th millennium BC. e. In ancient and medieval cultures the swastika is a solar symbol, a lucky sign, which is associated with ideas about fertility, generosity, prosperity, movement and power of the sun.

Kolovrat or Solstice is one of the oldest ancient Russian symbols, personifying the Sun and the solar gods Svarog, Dazhdbog and Yarila. The name of the symbol came from the word "kolo" - the sun.

The symbol itself looks like a circle with curved rays, which is why many people associate it with the Nazi swastika. Although this is fundamentally not the case: the Nazis did use this solar symbol, but not vice versa.

In 1852, the French scientist Eugene Burnouf first gave the four-pointed cross with curved ends the Sanskrit name "swastika", which roughly means "bearing good." Buddhism made the swastika its symbol, giving it the mystical meaning of the eternal rotation of the world.
In the ornaments of the new time, there is virtually no modern symbolism, despite the fact that it exists in abundance in the surrounding reality. As an exception, there may be the work of modernist artists. AT late XIX- the beginning of the 20th century. these artists attempted to create their own symbolism and reproduce it in their work.
The ornament in their works no longer played an auxiliary role, but became an integral part of the image, organically woven into the outline of the plot.
At the same time, A. Bely, the theorist of Russian symbolism, wrote: “The symbolist artist, saturating the image with experience, translates it into his work; such a transformed (modified) image is a symbol. And then A. Bely fixes the main slogans of symbolism in art: “1. a symbol always reflects reality; 2. a symbol is an image modified by experience; 3. the form of the artistic image is inseparable from the content.
In these three paragraphs, the well-known poet and prose writer precisely formulated the main provisions for creating a symbolic work that can be used in any kind of art, including ornamental.