The history of the development of the human race is filled with various traditions and beliefs, which for the most part do not withstand any constructive criticism. However, there is something before which even the most unbending skeptics pass - legends and myths about religion. So, everyone knows for certain that paganism laid the foundation for the development of modern spiritual views. The ancient Slavs living in the territory of modern southern and eastern Europe worshiped a huge number of gods, the main of which was the god Perun - the son of Svarog. To date, evidence of worship of the Thunderer is found all over the world.
The very first mention of it is to the world of Old Slavonic treaties, manuscripts and annals. One of the most striking examples is the famous "Tale of Bygone Years", in which the god Perun is presented as one of the six main pagan Slavic gods.
It is worth noting that this Almighty was the master of lightning, thunder and rain. According to some reports, it was identified with crop and fertility. The cult of veneration of Perun was especially pronounced during the reign of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, also known as the "Red Sun". It was then that this god of thunders began to be revered as the patron saint of squads and warriors. In those days, a huge number of temples appeared, where services were held, a constant witness of which was the eternal flame.
Perun is the god of heaven, but also the earth was considered his estate. His immediate authority was subordinated to fields, forests and groves. Therefore, it is not surprising that in those days it was considered sacrilege and sacrilege to tear a branch from a reserved tree. Inevitable punishment followed for such a sin. Oak grove was given special significance. It was believed that among the powerful secular branches of this tree, a mighty supreme force hides during a thunderstorm. Based on this, the Slavs believed that if lightning hit the oak, the god Perun was angry and indicates that people were angry with him.
Sometimes animals were sacrificed to the Almighty, most often wild boars. The boar was believed to be the offspring of evil, and to fight against it, it was necessary to bring gifts to Perun. In addition, many tales and annals claim that even people lay on the altar to pay the price for great transgressions and to appease God. It should be noted that bloody offerings were very rare: usually only once a year, in July.
It is worth saying that the god Perun is the patron saint of fern. It was believed that only the father of the whole Earth is able to endow him with flowers. Ancient temples and shrines sometimes had a shape resembling an octagon of fern. The ancient Slavs called this plant nothing more than "Perunov color." They sacredly believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala, God would deal with unclean forces with the help of lightning, thunder, and thunder. It is from the charge sent to the earth that the fern blooms.
Some sources claim that there are records representing the commandments of the god Perun. There are 33 in total. Each of them teaches a person to be better, cleaner and more truthful, punishes how to live in harmony with oneself and the world.
