 |
| Orthodox Nativity scene depiction |
I decided to write about these traditions, as very
little seems to be known about them, and online searches provide next to
nothing about them. Well, truth be told, the traditions and customs related to
Christmas among the Eastern European
Orthodox Christians/ folks may be uncommon, and bit strange when compared to
modern, Catholic or otherwise atheistic/mundane Christmas celebration ( and
yes , what a paradox ) but being that many of them draw from
Slavic Paganism, anyone with an interest
in field of esotery may find something familiar, among these.
I myself am a Christian, first and foremost, hence
certain folk customs and traditions,
particularly that having
originated from Slavic-Pagan cult of men ( as dominant , better gender )
, and sacrifice, I do not really practice nor advocate, but will elaborate on
them due to their historic, and
folkloric value here.
And why am I writing this just now, in January ? Well in case, You did not read any
of my articles before, I shall explain.
Christmas falls on 25th December indeed, but in Russian and Serbian
Orthodox Christian Church ( one of which
I am part of ) Gregorian calendar is
still used in Church work
primary, whereas the Julian is used as mundane, or secular calendar.
This means we celebrate Christmas on 7th of January according to
Julian calendar. Furthermore in Orthodx
Christian community worldwide , Christmas is commemorated for three consecutive
days 25th, 26th,27th December, the Second day
of Christmas ( 26th ) being dedicated to our beloved Mother Mary ( Theotokos ) and
the Third day of Christmas is also
dedicated to St. Stephen the protomartyr
The Christmas is preceded by numbers of days very
important to it’s celebration in Orthodox Christianity, which may vary slightly
depending on the country where
observed , but among the most important, and most popular are:
·
6th of the December – St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
which is a “feast day” ( family patron Saint
) of many Serbian, Montenegrin, Macedonian and Russian Orthodox
Christians, and enjoys nearly cultic
reverence among these people. It’s feast
day is a part of Nativity/Advent fasting day
period
·
8th of the December ,
dedicated to birth of St. Ana, Virgin Mary’s mother, but among Orthodox also a
day dedicated to Children, and the folk name ( “Detenci” ) could be translated as Children-day. It’s
important here because it’s the day
associated with the folk custom in which kids are tied ( more symbolically than
really ) by their parents, usually for
chair, and in order to be set free ( untied ) they are to express their love to
parents of offer tokens of it, small gifts, often handcrafted, or a simple few
lines of lyrics, or even fruits and nuts of all sort. The very act is merely
symbolic depiction of love an harmony between the child and the parent. This
day is part of the Nativity fast days , and is also dedicated to St Patapius of
Thebes
·
16th of the December , week
later is dedicated to St. Haggai a Prophet, and
the folk dedicate this date to Mothers , often cold (
org.sr./mc./ru “Materice” ) Mother-day,
when much like in the previous example children tie up their
mothers, which then must give them some
sort of present , be it a mere kiss, to be set free. Also a day dedicated to St. Teophania ( Greek
Orthodox ) , and a part of the
Advent/Nativity fasting day series
·
23rd of December ( 5th of January according to
Gregorian Calendar ) a day dedicated to the Ten Martyrs of Crete, and St.
Naum ( often misspelled online “Naoum” ) of Ohrid ( Serbian,
Bulgarian, Montenegrin, Russian, parts of Macedonia ) and founding of (H)Agia Sophia
( Greek Orthodox ) , in Serbia and Montenegro also called Beat-day ( or.sr. “Tucindan” from the verb “tuchi”
which means “beat” , as in beat up, and “dan” which means “day” ) because on this day an animal was ( and still
is in many parts of the countries listed ) beaten to death with a very large salt nugget to death. The mentioned animal was fed
throughout the fasting period on with Oak acorns, because it was believed that
this particular aliment regime will cause animal to be more “sacred” thus more appeasable sacrifice. The shoulder blade
( bone , Os Scapula ), the heart and the meat itself , played important role in
Christmas eve, and Christmas Customs associated with divination, abundance, and
blessings. The meat may be baked and
prepared on 23rd or 24th, but was eaten on Christmas ,
and was regarded as “ Christmas roast” thereafter. A part of it was reserved
until 1st of January ( 14th according to Gregorian ),
which would than be burned.
·
24th of December ( 6th
of January according to Julian Calendar ) is
Christmas Eve ( and of the ways
it’s celebrated in Eastern Orthodox folk Christian tradition we shall discuss latter in this article ) and a day
dedicated to Fathers , according to Eastern European folk ( and Russians ) referred simply as “Fathers” ( org. sr. “Oci”
,org.ru. “Otci” ) and commemorated by
children tyin g up their fathers, releasing them only If , and after they’ve
paid the “toll” , in symbolic gifts, such as smaller amounts of money or other
kind of present. As we can notice, it’s
a three day ( separated each by
week ) practice of symbolic
binding of the beloved ones, binding towards oneself, strengthening the family
/ blood bonds and harmony between children and parent , more than likely being hereditary to some Pagan ( Slavic Polytheistic ) ritual/ tradition
Period from November 15th- 24/25th
December ( November 28th – January 7th
according to Gregorian calendar )
is fasting period of Six weeks
( well 40 days really ) ,
alternatively called Winter Lent, or Nativity fast, or among Eastern
Catholic’s Advent. The goal is to get the prepared, spiritually and mentally for the birth of
Christ and most joyful Christian holiday. Orthodox Christian theology, sees body and
soul as intertwined, fused in a way, hence which affects one, will affect
another, hence the fasting affects both
body and soul [1] The very voluntary
food deprivation should, however, be accompanied by restraining from anger, ill
will, accusation of others and judging, greed, unhealthy bodily passions , in essence,
resisting sin and being unrighteous to other people. Fasting draws one closer to G’d,
cleanses the body of sin, and as noted
in Western occultism, broadness
spiritual awareness and increases spiritual potential s. No wonder many Solomonic magick style
Middle-age grimoires suggest fasting for days before some ( more elaborate ) “operations” or rites.
During this particular fast (Winter Lent, or
Phillipian fast) meat, poultry, dairies
and eggs are not allowed. On particular days, even the use of oil is
restricted or forbidden ( Wednesday and Friday
) and this is often referred to as “water-y fasting” or “fasting on
water” by Christian folk. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, least
otherwise specified, in which case the Church’s Theocracy would enlist such exempts
in Orthodox Christian calendar.
Christmas Eve
Among the Orthodox Christians , Christmas Eve is
specially observed, and all the rituals,
customs, beliefs and superstitions present on this day, among Russian, Serbian,
Montenegrin and Greek, could fill pages
of a very large book. I’ll be
discussing, here, those that I have had the chance to either
witness, or take participation n in.
 |
| Oak tree, placed in front of doors |
The trademark symbol of Christmas eve on Balkans, is
the Macedonian Oak ( Quercus trojana, syn. macedonica )
, a semi-deciduous (
retains most of the leafs during the
winter , although they are not
photosyntetically active ) xerophytic oak tree,
with distribution throughout Italy , Balkan peninsula, some occurring in
Turkey as well. Sadly, where I live,
from an large tree, this beautiful Oak , is reduced to larger bush in most of
the places, due to anthropological factor ( read over-exploitation ). The tradition suggests burning branches of this tree , on Christmas eve,
well large/er branches, but people ,
driven by commercialism ( people cut these tree and sell them to the faithful people ) and typical,
I’ll dare to say, vulgar, Slavic competitive spirit, make people cut
down the whole, young tress . And so many of them, too, which they may afterwards sell to those that could not be bothered to go "tree hunting" ( lol ) themselves, but will rather simply purchase, though by doing so, help someone economicaly, which is in a way part of Christmas tradition :)
 |
Host of Oak trees, of species Quercus trojana syn. macedonica
being sold on street, prior to Christmas eve |
The tree however, has very nice symbolism. According to Orthodox theology, branches of the tree, represent the wood that the shepherds had brought to the righteous Joseph , at the cave to light a fire and warm up ,
Mother Mary, The Newborn Lord Christ and himself . It also symbolizes The Holy Venerable Cross,
blessings and abundance. The burning of the tree is symbolic
“reenact” of lighting fire for
the Newborn Christ, and is a call of all pious Christians to gather around the
sacred fire, and celebrate the arrival
of the most joyful Christian festivity (
along with Easter ) . The tree is cut in the morning, and only men may take
part of it, which is reminiscent of Slavic “men cult”*. I remember though, my sister taggin g along when I was a kid, lol, luckily ( and strangely, considering the mentality of the people in Balkans ) people
where I live have not really clang g on that particular superstition. Women’s
job was to prepare the Christmas meals, for tomorrow, for the table was to be set in a very rich
fashion, featuring abundance of bountifully
, well prepared meals. The very tree was sprinkled with Corn, and the vine was
poured over it, prior to cutting the branch with words such as:
“I give You Corn and Vine , and You grant me abundance and blessings in/of everything”
Today, however, these words are frequently
substituted with common Orthodox Christian greeting associated with the Christmas ; “Christ is born” ( or.sr. “Hristos se rodi” ) . It
has to be cut “from east to west” , and “taken down in as less swings , as
possible” according to the
folklore. The three was cut into three pieces, logs,
each akin to Yule log , considering the
way it was treated.
The Christmas roast, made from animal that was
ritually killed by lump of salt ( on 23rd of the December ) , is taken inside after
the sunset, alongside with the tree ( Macedonian Oak ) by the “men of
the family” or head of the family , all the same , and the tree was cut into three parts , one
which was burnt right away, at the wood
stove, or chimney. After the roast, and the Tree , the
straw was taken in, to be spread on the floor , commemorating the Births Scene , as our Lord
was born in a cave with animals. Nuts,
chestnuts, currencies, and sweets are thrown into the straw lain on the floor, which the kids will pick after. Sometimes the
very Tree was adorned with such. Then
the first part, which was the largest, as it would contain the smaller branches
and the leafs as well, of the tree was
burnt while chanting:
“As much/How
many sparks, so much/many money,
As much sparks/How many , so much/many success,
As much sparks/How many, so much/many health…”
Second part is either burnt the same night following
the same steps, although often “dressed”
with vine ( poured over ) and sprinkled with maize, or more frequently , on Christmas, in the morning. The third part
of the tree was reserved to be burnt on 14th of January ( 1st
Of January according to Gregorian
calendar ) when a folk celebration of “Srbian New Year” was observed, this
occurring only in Srbian people. For other Eastern Orthodox 14th was simply referred as “small
Christmas” , and was a day when the
third part of the Tree was to be
burned.
Today, when wooden stoves are hardly ever used, and chimney
 |
| Detail from the public Oak burning, this Jan. |
place is not present in every house, public festivities
are held , an d organized by Orthodox Christian Church , where people gather
and burn their Trees together, on a large bonfire. When most of the trees burn
down, people will usually celebrate by
greeting each other with “Christ is/was
born” ( note org. sr. mne.mk. ba. Hristos se rodi, uses tense that can not be properly translated to
English ) while the person to which the greeting is directed replies “Indeed he
is” ( org. “Vaistinu se rodi” ) or
“Truly he is born”[2] . The same way of greeting is used among the Orthodox
Christians of Balkan peninsula and Russia
is used all until the Feast ofTeophany.
In Mindinght Christmas Church services are held, either
than or the next morning starting at
8am, when people take communion, If they
have been fasting taking the
blood and the flesh ( bread and vine
) of our Lord Christ.
I have observed myself this funny ritual, preformed by priests and believers , during the Midnight mass. See
, they go around the Church three times,
circling it , while reading the
mass. Similar custom is observed with
the Holy fire phenomenon, occurring at Eastern , where the Patriarch, monks,
and pilgrims circle the Church of
resurrection in Jerusalem, there times before the Patriarch enters. The
significance of the circling during the Christmas mass, is still a mystery to me.
Christmas eve is also a day when some folk here believe is the day
to go treasure hunting. This was/is believed to be achieved by following an ominous, guiding flame
appearing in Heavens to guide the worthy
ones towards the treasure. During the flowing
the fire and digging, one must be
completely mute, least they feel inclined to say the formula : “Dancing gold”,
once a while, very quietly as they
follow the fire. If the “treasure hunters” were to infact find a
treasure, they would alos bring some soil from
the excavation site, to a cunning folk, which would then determine If
the gold requires sacrifice, or
not. If the treasure was “bloody” (
cursed ) , sacrifice would be made to prevent the curse and bad luck to befall
on the person that dug it up. There is whole “set” or suggestions, how to
make this task easier and what must be done to overcome
obstacles which may occur,
but perhaps more on that I shall
elaborate e on another occasion.
Christmas, faith, customs, and beliefs
Christmas is the day, when our beloved Lord Christ
was born, to save the humanity from our
sins. Lord was born in a cave in
Bethlehem, by Virgin Mary or Theotokos as often referred among the
Orthodox. The very conception was
without sin, through power of Holy Spirit,
thus miraculously conceived. Here is how the source I like to consult for
some of my blog posts describes this event:
“According to the Bible and to Holy Tradition, Jesus
was born in the city of Bethlehem in a cave, surrounded by farm animals and
shepherds. The baby Jesus was born into a manger from the Virgin Mary, assisted by her husband
St.Joseph. St. Joseph and the Theotokos were forced to travel due to a Roman
census; the odd location of the birth was the result of the refusal of a nearby
inn to accommodate the expecting couple (Luke 2:1-20). Since it is known
historically that dwellings were built directly over such caves housing
livestock--in order to make use of the heat” [3]
We can note how little sympathy had people for
Virgin Mary and St Joseph, and how the
Lord Christ, despite being higher than any king, was born in a humble
environment, surrounded by animals and
straw, Hence the use of straw in folk customs
and rituals among Orthodox ( as well as some Catholic Christians ) in
Christmas related rituals.
Before the Three Wise Men, Holy Kings, or Magi as
also referred, certain shepherds, that
were watching their flocks nearby, came to see the Infant Jesus,
and according to Christian lore they had
brought firewood, which may been
influential to rituals of burning Oak tree logs on Christmas eve in Balkans and Russia. Shepherds were directed there, through the
act of providence , for the Angels appeared telling them to go and greet the
Newborn King, and then proceeded with a song that glorified the birth of
Messiah, peace among the people
and goodness and profusion on Earth.
Here is how The Good Book, describes possibly the very the most important event in humanity’s existence :
8
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch
over their flocks at night. 9
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were terrified. 10 But
the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will
cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today
in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You
will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest
heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them
and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:8-2:15 [4]
The role of either shepherds or more frequent
Magi, in Orthodox Christian and folk traditions of Balkans, is embodied in a single male person, that was the first to enter the
house of people and congratulate the holiday to them. This person is referred
by folk as “Layer” or “one that lays” ( my own , liberal translation of the
Serbian phrase for this people ) coming
from phrase “Polozajnik” which comes from Serbian verb “poloziti” which translates: “to lay ( down )” and is illustrative of the concept of “laying
down the luck on the house” , a concept akin to Hoodoo “laying down the
tricks”. Therefore, If we could call
the certain person a “trick layer” , we could call this person “luck layer” as
they were supposed to lay blessings, luck and in some areas, serve as “omens” of
a kind , foretelling male children , to
those families that were without them, to the house they enter. Most preferably
, it was a Young men in question. They were to come as soon as the liturgical
service ( mass ) was done and the
families would come home ( meaning
early in the morning, If the mass was held at midnight, in break of the dawn even ) and then they’d approach the fireplace , If
there was one, or a wooden stove, and making sparkles and moving the coals
around ( with some tool , obviously such as tongs ) says something along the
lines :
“How many sparks, that
much happiness in this house.
How many sparks, that
much money in the household head's pocket.
How many sparks, that
many sheep in the pen.
How many sparks, that
many pigs and lambs.
How many sparks, that
many geese and chickens,
and most of all, health
and joy.” [5]
In some areas, Layer would
then push the log ( second part of the Tree, Oak burned on Christmas eve
) in fire, sometimes throwing in
a coin
as well ,
and would then be feasted by
family , which would also give him a gift in form of round cake embedded with
coin, towel, new pair of socks , shirt, or what is most present today, money
J
In some parts of the Serbia, he also plays the role of
executioner of the
family’s
roaster, which is then served as part of
Christmas supper, to which he
is to
take part of himself ( the Layer- person ).
In some places, the Layer is not necessarily a human , but an animal
such as sheep, ox,
swine, calf or alike
would assume the role, being guided into the house, by some household member,
who would serve as an ambassador or assistant of the animal and would
often
proceed with other rituals.
Christmas bread,
which
was a loaf made circular ( something like a round Johnnycake, made ritually ),
makes another trademark of Christmas tradition , in Serbian, Montenegrin,
Russian, Macedonian and (some) Greek Orthodox Christians.
It is , traditionally supposed to be baked
with the “new water” ( org. nenaceta voda, which would literarily translate to
“unopened, unused water” ) water taken
from the spring or , even tap, by a young maiden before the sunrise.
Sometimes , the “Strong water” ( or “Strength water” ,
discussed later
) , and often a small amount of Holy water is
added, particularly last year’s
Teophany or Epiphany if obtainable. It is customary to add coin, preferably
silver or gold one, which were common in Balkan during Middleages and earlier,
and
are still part of
heritage of many families,
though any currency will do, as long as
properly washed prior to adding ( most people wash with detergent and then
sterilize by boiling or placing in
oven
for an hour , on 100+’C / 212 F
) .
Sometimes other symbolic items may be added , such as part of the Tree ( Oak
tree, burnt on Christmas eve, “Badnjak” ) to represent abundance in firewood, a
piece of Corn, to represent
fruitful
fields, and good year, and a piece of Christmas roast to represent a lot
of
healthy animals in flock.
These very , obviously additions most
commonly added by
country folk,
whose
existence was dependant on
agriculture and yields.
When baked,
the bread was divided on equal partitions to all present, and one who’d
find
the coin in their piece, was considered fortunate, and the coin they
could reserve as talisman of luck and success in the upcoming year. It was/is
considered polite, that after
the year
has passed coin was returned to the
original owner,
so it could be
used in
bread again.
Often a Christmas cake was also made, a round yeast dough
based, cake , with Chrismon
impressed over the upper cake’s surface.
The house is fumigated, all the meals as well and the
Christmas Troparion and Kontakion were sang . Sometimes traditional Christmas songs ( like
Carols ) were also sang, particularly by children. Christmas dinner was
traditionally ate, sitting on straws that was strewn on the floor, on Christmas
eve. Also the dinner was to be eaten without
the help of cutlery, though I myself , a great fan of Bon-tone, could
never bring myself to do so lol. It’s suggested
that all the family members participate in Christmas dinner, Christmas
roast ( mentioned before ) is eaten, and in many places it is customary that each member get’s
partition of the animal’s heart. The shoulder blade , was inspected by the head of the family or
someone proficient in divination, for omens about the upcoming year. On the first Christmas day it was customary
to stay home, while the Second day of Christmas ( 26th of December/8th
of January ) was considered a great day
to visit broader family members, cousins
and friends. The Third day of Christmas ( 27th December / 9th
of January ) is dedicated to St. Stephen the Protomartyr, which happens to
be a feast day to many families here (
patron Saint of the family, whose feast day is
commemorated by families who “worshiped them” as their patrons ) .
Now I shall proceed with some rituals/ customs / spell, that
are traditionally preformed on these days here,
yet from which in essence, anyone , anywhere in the world, could benefit
, and could use them If willing and foxy
J
Acorn protective and healing charm
Oak has specific place in many Pagan
traditions, but perhaps it was “most
sacred”
to the Slavic people. The very
Tree, mentioned above, burnt on Christmas eve, is an Oak. A
chief deity of Slavic pantheon, was
considered to
be
strongly
related to Oak, furthermore, sometimes it was said that this deity
resides in Oak ( Perun ) .
Larger and
older Oak trees were considered
sanctuaries in their own rights, temples
of a kind , and a sacred place for rituals and sacrificing. Many Oaks in
remote, often mountain parts of Balkan peninsula are even today marked, and
bear special protective inscriptions ( due to Christianization , the
symbol
inscribed is most often
Cross , or
Christograph, or Chrismon and so on ) , and thus serve as protectors of larger
areas ( like a village )
and must never
be cut down.
But this is a large topic
that would be best suited for another article
J though I made few notes, simply
to stress out how sacred was this tree for
Slavic people, and how sacred is therefore the following amulet, as pretty much
any Oakwood made
tools
The following amulet is used to protect and strengthen the
weak, meek and timid, those of poor health, infants and elderly. Sometimes it’s
used to “protect the mind from
fascination” , or mental disease .
It’s fairly simple, an Acorn ( Oak’s nut ) has to be collected,
while thanking the tree properly ( pouring small amount of vine on
it’s trunk , and sprinkling some maze, or other
seeds
around the base of it, or simple act of watering the tree would befit ) and saying
something along these lines:
“Help me, as Lord has helped You!”
When the time is right ( usually around Christmas here )
from the
acorn ( You’ve collected as described above
)
capule ( “cap” looking cover ) is removed, a personal concern placed
inside, and then placed back on, and sealed with wax.
I’d suggest burning white candle, possibly dusted with some protective powder, and using
this wax to seal the acorn, and reading some suiting Psalm, let say 90th
as You seal do this.
Cone prosperity charm
This can be done on the first day of the New Year, Christmas,
of the day after it, and really , I assume it could be done at any prosperity
auspicious time/s, such a Full Moon,
Taurus in Sun lol and so on
You need to light a single red candle, according to the source
[6] although a green one or even gold one, seem more than appropriate as well.
On each cone scale drop a few drops of wax and add small currency coin. As You
do it say something along the lines :
“As much/How many acorns the Oaks have, so much/than many money/fortune send my way Lord!”
Or
“As many cones Pines
have, so many money send my way Lord”
and so on You get the drift
When done let it sit by the candle until it burns out and
keep
in some
suitable place ( on Your desktop, or near to
where You keep money, business stuff and so on ) as a charm to
beacon
constant money income.
If You’d
like to know bit more on
use of Cones
and Pine in magick You can check my
article/post on it .
I think the spell could be done more than well using
minute amounts of Pyrite dust, or lodestone
feeding dust instead of coins. Or interchangeably with them. Heck, maybe even
Patchouli or Basil leafs could
go
instead of
coins
J You could also dress the
Cone with some Money oil, powder
, and while You are makin’
it , or over the finished charm You could
read the Psalm 23
rd ,
or some
prayer for abundance.
Strong water
Strong water, or strenght water is a form of spiritual water obtained only on Christmas morning, and used to cure ills, and strenghten one. Some people advocate it's use in unhexing and uncrossing as well.
To obtain it, a girl , or women, must go to some natural spring or well, or stream, even river , carrying some Maize ( Corn ) and Basil bundle from home. She places these by the spring and takes some water from it using a bucket or other kind of suitable vessel, and brings the water home, which is from there of known as Strenght or Strong water, and used in baths, head washing, home asperings, especialy of those ill , or week. In Russia, it's customary in some places , for the girl that brought the strong water also brings some Willow or Birch twighs ( Cornel is used in Serbia, alongside Willow and Birch ) which are sprinkled with Strong water and used to lightly hit small children or animal in order to render them healthy and strong.
Hope You find
this informative or interesting, and mind that
in Balkan peninsula, January is a month packed full with days of power
that don’t end with Christams. I have written on this in a post dealing
with so called “Unbaptized days” last year J
Many Blessings
NOTES: This article was composed and or written by me, hence, If You want to use any part of it elswhere online, add credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS AND REFRENCES:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_Fast
[2] The latter translation, unlike the first is not
my own, it’s one suggested by author of the following article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Christmas_traditions
[4] retrieved
from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:1-2:20&version=NIV
, respectfully
[5] retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Christmas_traditions
[6]
Translated, parphrased and
adapted for use here by myself, originally from “Kalendar za Srecne dane” by
Jasna Jojic Pavlovski, 2010th
, Belgrade
Other consulted literature and suggested reading :
Cajkanovic, Vesekin (1994). Речник српских народних веровања о биљкама ( the work title translates to : "Dictionary of Serbian folk belifs about plants" )
and : Karadzic, Vuk Stefanovic : "Zivot i obicaji naroda srpskoga" ( the work's title translates to: "Life and customs of Serbian people" ) published by Politika, Narodna knjiga, Belgrade 2005th
Explanations: * While I have used "Slavic cult of men" term troughout the article, there is no such term in official antrophological writings, however it's evident that Slavic Pagans considered men to be more "pure" hence more suited for such spiritual works as household blessing, cattle blessing , as well as playing the " lead role" in inportant annual celebration and ceremonies, which is interestingly different from Central and Western European belif that wiches were predominantly women
IMAGE CREDITS:
Image of the Christmas bread loaf is from http://www.glassrbije.org/srbija/%C4%8Dlanak/obi%C4%8Daji-i-tradicija-kod-srpskog-naroda edited for posting here, used for illustrative purposes without any ill will here. The Nativity Icon from the begining of the post is from http://orthodoxwiki.org/images/c/c9/Nativity.jpg , and the previously said applies here as well, used without ill will
Other images were taken by myself, while I was participiating in local festivities
