Day of the Guardian: the mystery of the Slavic goddess who protects our worldThe Slavic calendar is full of mysteries. Among the many forgotten holidays, there is one that still lives in the popular memory, although it is almost no longer officially celebrated. This is the Day of the Guardian — a festival when our ancestors honored the great goddess-protector, the mother of all spirits and earthly riches. And today, centuries later, on July 15, we can touch this ancient tradition and learn what power it holds.Who is the GuardianIn ancient Slavic mythology, the Guardian is one of the most mysterious and revered goddesses. Her name comes from the word “to protect”, and this defines her essence. She is a protector from evil, misfortune, diseases, and evil spirits. But not only that. The Guardian is the mother of all living things, the patroness of the family, the hearth, the harvest, and fertility. She connects human destinies, helps to find love, and maintain harmony in the family. It was believed that the Guardian gave birth to all living things on Earth, and her power permeates every corner of the world.In popular beliefs, the Guardian often appeared in the form of a white-stemmed birch — a sacred tree that was considered to be the embodiment of life, purity, and feminine wisdom. Sometimes she was depicted as a beautiful fair-haired woman with a kind face, who walked through meadows and fields, protecting all living things. In some legends, she also appeared in the form of a mermaid, patronizing fishermen.When and how the Day of the Guardian was celebratedThe Day of the Guardian was celebrated every year on July 15 (July 2 according to the old style). This festival was one of the most significant in the Slavic summer calendar, as it fell in the middle of summer — a time when nature reaches its peak and the harvest needs special protection. It was on this day that our ancestors turned to the goddess with prayers for prosperity, asking to preserve the harvest and prot ... Читать далее