On the day of the vernal equinox, the ancient Slavs celebrated the arrival of spring and honored the heavenly patroness - the goddess Vesta, who was the keeper of the wisdom of the highest gods. She was a symbol of a renewing world and the awakening of nature from winter peace.
Feast of the goddess Vesta
According to legend, Vesta was the younger sister of the goddess Marena, who brings winter and peace to the earth. The ancient Slavs believed that it was on the day of the vernal equinox that winter finally recedes, nature awakens, birds return from warm lands. It was a real holiday, when pancakes, pancakes with solar symbols and figurines of dough in the shape of larks were baked in every home.
Vesta - knows the word, which is approved by the gods. The Slavs had an institution of female priesthood. Literally all girls underwent training before marriage and became messengers - “messengers” of the will of the gods.
On the day of the meeting of the goddess Vesta, the names of girls ready for family life were usually announced. On the day of the vernal equinox, it was customary to congratulate and give gifts to women. It was a real women's day, which was celebrated on an incredible scale. All the fair sex felt like real goddesses.
On the second day, it was customary to see off the goddess Marena, Vesta's older sister. On this day, the ceremony of burning a straw doll, which symbolized a snowy winter, took place. The ashes were then scattered over a field or garden in order to harvest a rich harvest in the fall.
It is on the day of the vernal equinox that Marena and Vesta meet. The older sister leaves to make way for the younger sister. The day becomes longer than the night, and nature begins its awakening. By the way the effigy of winter burned down, they guessed what the coming spring would be like.
On the feast of the goddess Vesta, it was customary to get rid of everything old, throw unnecessary things out of the house, and forget the hidden resentment and anger in the heart forever.
In addition, the goddess Vesta symbolized not only the acquisition of the wisdom of the highest gods, but also the receipt of pleasant and good news. Each representative of the Slavic Family expected to receive important news from their ancestors and guidance from heavenly patrons. The word "news" literally means a thought extracted from Vesta.
Vesta and brides
The ancient Slavs called Vesta an adult woman who already has a family and children. She had enough knowledge and skills to look after her loved ones.
Unmarried girls were called brides. They have not yet acquired enough worldly wisdom and have not learned family life. Before marriage, the bride must learn many things: prepare food, take care of the baby, keep the house clean. She has yet to become the keeper of the hearth, to become a real Vesta.
When she got married, the girl was innocent and fresh, but she already possessed all the necessary knowledge for her future life. She, like the goddess Vesta, is ready to give the world a new, clean and healthy offspring.
