That same day, 11 February, which in ancient times was called "lute", our ancient ancestors-pagans celebrated the so-called Cow festival honoring the god Veles Wise, the patron saint of animals. And while the magicians prophetic charms worked and brought to the designated places (shrines) in requiring tightly knit butter, storytellers (whose patron, by the way, was also Veles) tirelessly but know this story: "Mid winter. All nature in the icy sleep. Only a lone Velez Korovichi by playing in his magic flute, going through towns and villages, not allowing people to be sad. Mad Madder-winter in Veles, by subjecting him dead of winter, and the cattle, "the cow's death," but to beat, can not. "
Velez is perhaps the most mysterious god of Slavic mythology. Chronicles claim that the main act of Vélez - cast the created Svarog Rod and the world in motion. It is thanks to Veles day gives way to night, for the winter, is inevitably followed by spring, summer and autumn, with the breath - inhale, but for the joy of sadness.
On the Day of Veles began the morning with people that sprinkled the beast with water, saying: "Veles, god of cattle! Give happiness to smooth heifers, bulls on thick: to the yard go-played and walked off the field, galloping, "and the young women drinking strong honey "to the cows were affectionate," and then hit their husbands head (board for spinning flax) to "The oxen were obedient ".
But besides the greatness and power, which were attributed to Veles, there is another story: a beautiful but very sad The Legend of Love, penetrated into the heart of the deity and the characters, which we are accustomed from childhood to consider only fabulous. Listen to it carefully, it is no wonder the ancient chronicles carried through the centuries and have kept it. Maybe for someone who can read between the lines, it will be useful. So.
Love story in the Slav Epic
He - the god Veles, she - a young girl named Yagin that a child called Yozhkoy (anything you do not like these names?). They met by chance, and saw at a glance that made for each other. He took her in his arms, seated on his horse and brought to his home. And when he wanted to introduce his beloved mother, heard in response: "How? I brought the girl without parental blessings and want to call your wife? Do not be! "
Velez had long to persuade the mother to accept and take Yagin. Whatever it was, but she resigned, believing his mother right in their reproaches. There was a wedding feast. Velez then had to leave, and returning found he loved the house. She is searching for her everywhere, but answered him everything, including his mother and one "No it. I left the house. " And only sister, seeing the mountain of Veles, admitted that lured mother Yagin the bath, there is venomous whip brooms, and then dead and hid in an oak deck and let the sea.
Velez ran in search of his beloved, and when with the help of other gods, after all, found it was unable to revive her. Goddess Mokos demanded of her other life. And he did not hesitate for a minute said, "Take my." Yagin came to life, and only opened the eyes, immediately said: "We will meet with him?" Makosh promised: "Certainly! Just be you in other bodies, in different guises. But each time will get to know each other and be together! "
Defender of hearth
That's the story. Actually, so in ancient times Velez, in addition to his other great duties was considered the protector of all lovers, the patron saint of family happiness, to know that he never had a chance. And today, 11 February, his day.
