Although water was not perceived by the Slavs as a specific being or deity, according to Slavic ancestors, it was always imbued with magical power thanks to the blessing of the goddess Lada at the very beginning of the ages. Through her power, water became the one that carries magical strength and life itself.
For the Slavic ancestors, it was natural to worship wells and springs. During the winter solstice, a pinch of salt, a nut, an apple, a crumb of festive bread, and a clove of garlic were placed into the well from the festive table. These offerings were thrown into the well to ensure it would not dry up and that its water would remain healthy and tasty.
Water has the miraculous ability to wash away impurities, not only physical ones, and was therefore used in the past for cleansing and healing magical rituals. From the first bath of a child to the ceremonial washing of the dead, the ritual use of water was an ancient part of Slavic holidays. Water was used in various ways: for bathing, sprinkling, anointing, and drinking.
Whether the water came from a well, a stream, rain, or magical dew, water has the ability to transfer powers, not only those that move mill wheels, but also magical ones. It can transmit, store, and remember knowledge and information, even those that have yet to occur. That is why water was often a part of divination rituals.
The magical power of water was always supposed to ensure the strengthening of health, the elimination of bad influences and spells, not only on people, but also on animals, dwellings and even on tools.
The respect our Slavic ancestors had for water was expressed in many ways. To this day, the custom of spring cleaning, once associated with the ritual cleaning of wells and watercourses, has persisted and was to be done before the Feast of Pentecost.
Another expression of respect for water was through ritual sacrifices. The most common offerings were cakes, bread, butter, honey, and eggs. Over time, coins were added to these offerings, and the practice of tossing a coin into water for good luck or as thanks has survived to this day. If necessary, more lavish gifts were offered to the waters, usually in the form of boars, horses, weapons, jewelry, and sometimes even human sacrifices.
Another way to honor water was to hang colorful scarves and ribbons on trees near water. These ribbons often had knots tied in them, which contained secret wishes or requests spoken during moments of reflection.
These various ritual expressions of respect and sacrifice were a means of honoring water and gaining the favor or help of water deities and magical beings.
The Slavs were deities of water VODAN, the king of waters, and his wife, the water goddess DIVA. According to the religious beliefs of our ancestors, these deities ruled the seas and oceans, but their power also extended to rivers, lakes, and underground waters that emerged in springs and wells. They entrusted the rule over the freshwater waters to various magical beings, such as water men and water fairies.
