SLAVIC PAGANISM

Slavic paganism is also known as Rodnoverye, a term formed from two words: “rodnoye”, which translates to “native”, and “vera”, which means “faith”. Rodnoverye is frequently used to describe the resurgence of pre-Christian religious beliefs and practices amongst the Slavic people. This encompasses the efforts to reconnect with ancient rituals, customs and traditions that were practiced in the early history of the Slavic communities, before the region was Christianised, around 1000 years ago. The revival of Rodnoverye is often seen as an avenue to honour and celebrate the Slavic cultural heritage, promoting a closer relationship with the natural world, ancestry, and the cycles of life.

Slavic pagans have always treated nature as sacred. They believed that any natural element like a tree, a river, or an animal held spirits of various deities within. These supernatural beings – Leshy, Vodyanoy, Domovoy and more –were both good and evil, and it was important to honour them through rituals and offerings of food.

At the core of Slavic paganism was ancestral worship. The deceased elders were honoured through family rituals, as it was believed that they still had an impact on the life and fortune of their offspring. A person’s ancestors were seen as mentors and guardians. These beliefs can be seen in the folk-tales about ancestors’ spirits, who frequently offer advice or warnings to the living.

The origins of many folk beliefs and superstitions in Slavic communities can be found in paganism. For instance, Slavic paganism can be linked to traditional healing practises, protection charms, and beliefs in house spirits (e.g. Domovoy). Most traditional fairy-tales were greatly influenced by Slavic paganism. While much of the specific customs and beliefs have been lost over time, oral traditions have been used for centuries to relay tales of gods, heroes, and fantastical beings.