Perun's Day is a military holiday in Russia, which in ancient times was celebrated on a large scale. Later, when the Slavs adopted Christianity and the idols of the thunder god Perun were overthrown, the traditions of this holiday began to be partially observed on the day of Elijah the Prophet.
Perun in Slavic mythology was the god of thunder and lightning, as well as the patron saint of the prince and his entire squad. The day dedicated to him was primarily a holiday of warriors, during which initiations, competitions, fights, etc. took place. It was also customary to sacrifice to the great god. A few days before the holiday, with the help of a special lot, it was determined what exactly would be sacrificed. Most often it was about bulls, which were later slaughtered on Ilyin's day, but they could also choose a rooster. Also, the lot could indicate that money should be donated or that ritual fights should be held. Preparing for the holiday, the Slavs brewed special ritual beer and baked pies.
At the very beginning of the holiday of Perun, it was customary to arrange a solemn procession and glorify the God of Thunder. After that, the men put their weapons in a specially prepared place, an animal or a bird was sacrificed to God, and then the priest spoke the weapon, sprinkled the foreheads of the soldiers with the blood of the victim, and consecrated the amulets over the fire. After the end of the ritual, the men took their talismans, knives, axes, swords, etc.
Further, the battle between Veles and Perun was played out, in which the thunder god invariably won. After that, ritual gifts were burned, and the ashes were covered, creating something like a grave, over which special military rituals were performed. This grandiose ritual ended with a feast, during which it was necessary to remember all the fallen soldiers of Russia and make speeches in their honor. Various games, competitions and other amusements were organized. There were also rituals of initiation of young men into warriors, which included a number of tests.
However, on the day of Perun, it was not enough for a glorious warrior to win in fights and competitions. Merry games were held until late in the evening, after which each warrior had to find a woman who would agree to spend the night with him. Thus, military amusements were replaced by amorous pleasures, which sometimes continued until the early morning.
