207-630: The Native Polish Church , or Native Church of Poland ( Rodzimy Kościół Polski , RKP ) is a West Slavic pagan religious association that adverts to ethnic, pre-Christian beliefs of the Slavic peoples . The religion has its seat in Warsaw , with local temples throughout the country. In March 1995 the RKP was registered with the Polish Interior Ministry 's registry of denominations and churches. The name of
414-453: A mimeographed publication in Canada that was titled Ridna Vira ("Native Faith"). The portmanteau Ridnovir began to be used by Ukrainians to refer to the broader movement (not restricted to Sylenkoism ) by at least 1995, popularised by Volodymyr Shaian . From Ukraine, the term began to spread throughout other Slavic countries. In 1996, the non-compound form was adopted by a Polish group,
621-404: A mimeographed publication in Canada that was titled Ridna Vira ("Native Faith"). The portmanteau Ridnovir began to be used by Ukrainians to refer to the broader movement (not restricted to Sylenkoism ) by at least 1995, popularised by Volodymyr Shaian . From Ukraine, the term began to spread throughout other Slavic countries. In 1996, the non-compound form was adopted by a Polish group,
828-504: A new religious movement . The movement has no overarching structure, or accepted religious authority, and contains much diversity in terms of belief and practice. The sociologist of religion Kaarina Aitamurto has suggested that Rodnovery is sufficiently heterogeneous that it could be regarded not as a singular religion but as "an umbrella term that gathers together various forms of religiosity". The historian Marlène Laruelle has described Rodnovery as "more inclusive than just adherence to
1035-528: A " philosophy " or " worldview " ( mirovozzrenie ). According to Schnirelmann, it was the Soviet Union 's official scientific atheism , which severely weakened the infrastructure of universalist religions, combined with anti-Westernism and the research of intellectuals into an ancient "Vedic" religion of Russia, that paved the way for the rise of Rodnovery and other modern Paganisms in Eastern Europe. After
1242-418: A central authority. Therefore, socio-political views can vary greatly from one group to another, from one adherent to another, ranging from extreme pacifism to militarism , from apoliticism and anarchism to left-wing and to right-wing positions. Nevertheless, Laruelle says that the most politicised right-wing groups are the most popularly known, since they are more vocal in spreading their ideas through
1449-418: A central authority. Therefore, socio-political views can vary greatly from one group to another, from one adherent to another, ranging from extreme pacifism to militarism , from apoliticism and anarchism to left-wing and to right-wing positions. Nevertheless, Laruelle says that the most politicised right-wing groups are the most popularly known, since they are more vocal in spreading their ideas through
1656-441: A central role in the world's future. Rodnovers oppose Christianity , characterizing it as a "mono-ideology." Rodnover ethical thinking emphasises the good of the collective over the rights of the individual. The religion is patriarchal , and attitudes towards sex and gender are generally conservative . Rodnovery has developed strains of political and identitary philosophy . The contemporary organised Rodnovery movement arose from
1863-464: A designation of the Slavic Native Faith". The appropriate name of the religion is an acute topic of discussion among believers. Many Rodnovers have adopted terms that are already used to refer to other religions, namely "Vedism", referring to the historical Vedic religion and the ancient Iranian religion , and "Orthodoxy", commonly associated to Orthodox Christianity . For instance, one of
2070-402: A designation of the Slavic Native Faith". The appropriate name of the religion is an acute topic of discussion among believers. Many Rodnovers have adopted terms that are already used to refer to other religions, namely "Vedism", referring to the historical Vedic religion and the ancient Iranian religion , and "Orthodoxy", commonly associated to Orthodox Christianity . For instance, one of
2277-409: A distinction between the two terms. Laruelle has emphasised that Rodnovery "cannot necessarily be defined as a religion in the strict sense"; some adherents prefer to define it as a " spirituality " ( dukhovnost ), " wisdom " ( mudrost ), or a " philosophy " or " worldview " ( mirovozzrenie ). According to Schnirelmann, it was the Soviet Union 's official scientific atheism , which severely weakened
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#17328440610802484-666: A faithful continuation of the ancient beliefs that survived as a folk religion or a conscious "double belief" following the Christianisation of the Slavs in the Middle Ages . Rodnovery draws upon surviving historical and archaeological sources and folk religion, often integrating them with non-Slavic sources such as Hinduism (because they are believed to come from the same Proto-Indo-European source). Rodnover theology and cosmology may be described as henotheism and polytheism —worship of
2691-433: A form of Folklorismus . Simpson has noted, speaking of the specific context of Poland, that unlike historical Slavic beliefs, which were integral to the everyday fabric of their society, modern Slavic Native Faith believers have to develop new forms of social organisation which set them apart from established society. Textual evidence for historical Slavic religion is scant, has been produced by Christian writers hostile to
2898-541: A multiplicity of sources and charismatic leaders just on the brink of the collapse of the Soviet Union and it spread rapidly during the mid-1990s and 2000s. Antecedents of Rodnovery existed in late 18th- and 19th-century Slavic Romanticism , which glorified the pre-Christian beliefs of Slavic societies. Active religious practitioners who were devoted to establishing the Slavic Native Faith appeared in Poland and Ukraine during
3105-580: A name) will always remain beyond human perception. Members believe that the Highest God (in his pure form as eternal, infinite and unlimited absolute – in itself containing all reasons for existence) cannot be described in terms of good and evil, nor using any other human, subjective criteria. At the same time believers accept that these criteria (though to a certain degree) may be applied to minor gods and goddesses who dwell somewhat nearer to human existence. Other gods and goddesses (as simplified manifestations of
3312-555: A pantheon of over thirty deities emanated by the supreme Rod; these include attested deities from Slavic pre-Christian and folk traditions, Slavicised Hindu deities (such as Vyshen , i.e. Vishnu , and Intra , i.e. Indra ), Iranian deities (such as Simargl and Khors), deities from the Book of Veles (such as Pchelich) and figures from Slavic folk tales such as the wizard Koschei . Rodnovers also worship tutelary deities of specific elements, lands and environments, such as waters, forests and
3519-509: A pantheon of over thirty deities emanated by the supreme Rod; these include attested deities from Slavic pre-Christian and folk traditions, Slavicised Hindu deities (such as Vyshen , i.e. Vishnu , and Intra , i.e. Indra ), Iranian deities (such as Simargl and Khors), deities from the Book of Veles (such as Pchelich) and figures from Slavic folk tales such as the wizard Koschei . Rodnovers also worship tutelary deities of specific elements, lands and environments, such as waters, forests and
3726-486: A pantheon of pre-Christian gods". The scholar of religion Alexey Gaidukov has described "Slavic Neopaganism" as a term pertaining to "all quasi-religious, political, ideological and philosophical systems which are based on the reconstruction and construction of pre-Christian Slavic traditions". The scholar of religion Adrian Ivakhiv has defined Rodnovery as a movement which "harkens back to the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of ancient Slavic peoples", while according to
3933-657: A perceived affinity with the contemporary Germanic Heathens who also commonly use that term. Another term employed by some Rodnovers has been "Slavianism" or "Slavism", which appears especially in Polish ( Słowiaństwo ), in Russian ( Slavianstvo ), and in Slovak ( Slovianstvo ). The ethnonym "Slavs" (Polish: Słowianie , South Slavic: Sloveni , Russian: Slavyane ), derives from the Proto-Slavic root * slovo , "word", and means "those who speak
4140-454: A perceived affinity with the contemporary Germanic Heathens who also commonly use that term. Another term employed by some Rodnovers has been "Slavianism" or "Slavism", which appears especially in Polish ( Słowiaństwo ), in Russian ( Slavianstvo ), and in Slovak ( Slovianstvo ). The ethnonym "Slavs" (Polish: Słowianie , South Slavic: Sloveni , Russian: Slavyane ), derives from the Proto-Slavic root * slovo , "word", and means "those who speak
4347-433: A preference for a particular deity over others. Some Rodnover groups espouse the idea that specific Slavic populations are the offspring of different gods; for instance, groups relying upon the tenth-century manuscript The Lay of Igor's Host may affirm the idea that Russians are the grandchildren of Dazhbog (the "Giving God", "Day God"). The Union of Slavic Native Faith Communities founded and led by Vadim Kazakov recognises
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#17328440610804554-433: A preference for a particular deity over others. Some Rodnover groups espouse the idea that specific Slavic populations are the offspring of different gods; for instance, groups relying upon the tenth-century manuscript The Lay of Igor's Host may affirm the idea that Russians are the grandchildren of Dazhbog (the "Giving God", "Day God"). The Union of Slavic Native Faith Communities founded and led by Vadim Kazakov recognises
4761-561: A religious organisation of believers and their clergy. The beliefs of the Native Polish Church are on one hand based on the concept of henotheism , and a mixture of pantheism (or even panentheism ) and polytheism on the other – i.e. the belief that fate is decided by a cosmic force known as the Highest God (identified by many Polish Native Church rodnovers as the Multiverse ), whose various aspects (incarnations) are manifested in
4968-440: A single God whom the movement identifies with the name Dazhbog, regarded as the life-giving energy of the cosmos. Sylenko characterised Dazhbog as "light, endlessness, gravitation, eternity, movement, action, the energy of unconscious and conscious being". Based on this description, Ivakhiv argued that Sylenkoite theology might better be regarded as pantheistic or panentheistic rather than monotheistic. Sylenko acknowledged that
5175-440: A single God whom the movement identifies with the name Dazhbog, regarded as the life-giving energy of the cosmos. Sylenko characterised Dazhbog as "light, endlessness, gravitation, eternity, movement, action, the energy of unconscious and conscious being". Based on this description, Ivakhiv argued that Sylenkoite theology might better be regarded as pantheistic or panentheistic rather than monotheistic. Sylenko acknowledged that
5382-591: A stabilising and responsible social force. They may even view their upholding of social traditionalism as a counterculture in itself, standing in the face of modernism and globalism . Ideas and practices perceived as coming from Western liberal society—which Rodnovers perceive as degenerate—are denounced as threats to Slavic culture; for instance, alcohol and drug consumption, various sexual behaviours and miscegenation are commonly rejected by Rodnovers, while they emphasise healthy family life in harmonious environments. Many groups in both Russia and Ukraine have demanded
5589-591: A stabilising and responsible social force. They may even view their upholding of social traditionalism as a counterculture in itself, standing in the face of modernism and globalism . Ideas and practices perceived as coming from Western liberal society—which Rodnovers perceive as degenerate—are denounced as threats to Slavic culture; for instance, alcohol and drug consumption, various sexual behaviours and miscegenation are commonly rejected by Rodnovers, while they emphasise healthy family life in harmonious environments. Many groups in both Russia and Ukraine have demanded
5796-435: A variant of the swastika (Sanskrit: "wellbeing", "wellness"). As such, it represents wholeness, the ultimate source of renewal, the cosmic order and the four directions. According to the studies of Boris Rybakov , whirl and wheel symbols, which also include patterns like the hexafoil , "six-petalled rose inside a circle" (e.g. [REDACTED] ) and the "Perun's sign", or "thunder wheel" (e.g. [REDACTED] ), represent
6003-435: A variant of the swastika (Sanskrit: "wellbeing", "wellness"). As such, it represents wholeness, the ultimate source of renewal, the cosmic order and the four directions. According to the studies of Boris Rybakov , whirl and wheel symbols, which also include patterns like the hexafoil , "six-petalled rose inside a circle" (e.g. [REDACTED] ) and the "Perun's sign", or "thunder wheel" (e.g. [REDACTED] ), represent
6210-411: Is "fundamentally concerned with questions of community and ethnic identity", while the folklorist Nemanja Radulovic has described adherents of the movement as placing "great emphasis on their national or regional identity". They conceive ethnicity and culture as territorial, moulded by the surrounding natural environment (cf. ecology ). Rodnovery typically emphasises the rights of the collective over
6417-411: Is "fundamentally concerned with questions of community and ethnic identity", while the folklorist Nemanja Radulovic has described adherents of the movement as placing "great emphasis on their national or regional identity". They conceive ethnicity and culture as territorial, moulded by the surrounding natural environment (cf. ecology ). Rodnovery typically emphasises the rights of the collective over
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6624-471: Is "not the master of the universe, but it itself the universe". While most Rodnovers call it Rod, others call its visible manifestation Svarog or Nebo ("Heaven"), and still others refer to its triune cosmic manifestation, Triglav ("Three-Headed One"): Prav→Yav-Nav , Svarog→ Belobog - Chernobog , Svarog→ Dazhbog - Stribog , or Dub→Snop-Did . Peterburgian Vedists call this concept "One God" (Единый Бог, Yediny Bog ) or "All God" (Всебог, Vsebog ). Rod
6831-471: Is "not the master of the universe, but it itself the universe". While most Rodnovers call it Rod, others call its visible manifestation Svarog or Nebo ("Heaven"), and still others refer to its triune cosmic manifestation, Triglav ("Three-Headed One"): Prav→Yav-Nav , Svarog→ Belobog - Chernobog , Svarog→ Dazhbog - Stribog , or Dub→Snop-Did . Peterburgian Vedists call this concept "One God" (Единый Бог, Yediny Bog ) or "All God" (Всебог, Vsebog ). Rod
7038-425: Is a modern Pagan religion . Classified as a new religious movement , its practitioners hearken back to the historical belief systems of the Slavic peoples of Central and Eastern Europe , though the movement is inclusive of external influences and hosts a variety of currents. "Rodnovery" is a widely accepted self-descriptor within the community, although there are Rodnover organisations which further characterise
7245-443: Is a pantheistic view that is holistic in its understanding of the universe. Similarly to the ancient Slavic religion, a common theological stance among Rodnovers is that of monism , by which the many different gods (polytheism) are seen as manifestations of the single, universal impersonal God—generally identified by the concept of Rod , also known as Sud ("Judge") and Prabog ("Pre-God", "First God") among South Slavs . In
7452-443: Is a pantheistic view that is holistic in its understanding of the universe. Similarly to the ancient Slavic religion, a common theological stance among Rodnovers is that of monism , by which the many different gods (polytheism) are seen as manifestations of the single, universal impersonal God—generally identified by the concept of Rod , also known as Sud ("Judge") and Prabog ("Pre-God", "First God") among South Slavs . In
7659-519: Is a creator God (Rod, Svarog ), sometimes regarded as the One and Indivisible who created the world (or worlds). He gave birth to the creator gods of the Earth, the male and female principles (Svarog and Lada), who gave life to other gods. Monotheism can be combined with pantheism (for example, in "Skhoron Yezh Sloven"). The influence of neo-Hindu currents is traced, like Trimurti. In a number of currents, under
7866-425: Is a creator God (Rod, Svarog ), sometimes regarded as the One and Indivisible who created the world (or worlds). He gave birth to the creator gods of the Earth, the male and female principles (Svarog and Lada), who gave life to other gods. Monotheism can be combined with pantheism (for example, in "Skhoron Yezh Sloven"). The influence of neo-Hindu currents is traced, like Trimurti. In a number of currents, under
8073-477: Is also "Time" ( Kolo ), scanned by the cycle of the Sun, and reflected in the turning of the hours, the days, the months, the seasons, and the year. The root * rod is attested in sources about pre-Christian religion referring to divinity and ancestrality. Mathieu-Colas defines Rod as the "primordial God", but the term also literally means the generative power of family and "kin", "birth", "origin" and "fate" as well. Rod
8280-431: Is also "Time" ( Kolo ), scanned by the cycle of the Sun, and reflected in the turning of the hours, the days, the months, the seasons, and the year. The root * rod is attested in sources about pre-Christian religion referring to divinity and ancestrality. Mathieu-Colas defines Rod as the "primordial God", but the term also literally means the generative power of family and "kin", "birth", "origin" and "fate" as well. Rod
8487-443: Is closely tied to the historical Slavic religion is a very strong one among practitioners. In crafting their beliefs and practices, Rodnovers adopt elements from recorded folk culture, including from the ethnographic record of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Practitioners often legitimise the incorporation of elements from folk culture into Slavic Native Faith through the argument that Slavic folk practices have long reflected
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8694-443: Is closely tied to the historical Slavic religion is a very strong one among practitioners. In crafting their beliefs and practices, Rodnovers adopt elements from recorded folk culture, including from the ethnographic record of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Practitioners often legitimise the incorporation of elements from folk culture into Slavic Native Faith through the argument that Slavic folk practices have long reflected
8901-550: Is conceived as the spring of universal emanation , which articulates in a cosmic hierarchy of gods; Rod expresses itself as Prav (literally "Right" or "Order"; cf. Greek Orthotes , Sanskrit Ṛta ) in primordial undeterminacy ( chaos ), through a dual dynamism, represented by Belobog ("White God") and Chernobog ("Black God"), the forces of waxing and waning, and then giving rise to the world in its three qualities, Prav-Yav-Nav (meaning "right"-"manifested"-"unmanifested", but called with different names by different groups ), namely
9108-550: Is conceived as the spring of universal emanation , which articulates in a cosmic hierarchy of gods; Rod expresses itself as Prav (literally "Right" or "Order"; cf. Greek Orthotes , Sanskrit Ṛta ) in primordial undeterminacy ( chaos ), through a dual dynamism, represented by Belobog ("White God") and Chernobog ("Black God"), the forces of waxing and waning, and then giving rise to the world in its three qualities, Prav-Yav-Nav (meaning "right"-"manifested"-"unmanifested", but called with different names by different groups ), namely
9315-534: Is destined to supplant the mono-ideologies whose final bankruptcy the world is now witnessing. Schnirelmann has stated that Rodnovery does not actually constitute the "restoration of any pre-Christian religion as such". Rather, he describes the movement as having been "built up artificially by urbanised intellectuals who use fragments of early pre-Christian local beliefs and rites in order to restore national spirituality". In this way, Slavic Native Faith has been understood—at least in part—as an invented tradition , or
9522-455: Is often positive since this "folk faith", thanks to its "dual faith", allegedly preserves the "Vedic tradition". The most common slogan in Rodnovery is "We are the children of the gods, not the servants of God." In polemics with Christianity, most Slavic neopagans show ignorance of the foundations of Christian teaching. According to Ivakhiv, despite the intense efforts of Christian authorities,
9729-403: Is often positive since this "folk faith", thanks to its "dual faith", allegedly preserves the "Vedic tradition". The most common slogan in Rodnovery is "We are the children of the gods, not the servants of God." In polemics with Christianity, most Slavic neopagans show ignorance of the foundations of Christian teaching. According to Ivakhiv, despite the intense efforts of Christian authorities,
9936-577: Is possible to grant membership to a foreigner, especially one of Slavic descent. The church is a religious association based on the principles of democracy. It declares an attitude of generous tolerance and objection to racism, Nazism and intolerance of other creeds, backgrounds and nationalities. All clerical positions within the Church are based on cadencies and elections. Membership is free. Slavic Neopaganism The Slavic Native Faith , commonly known as Rodnovery and sometimes as Slavic Neopaganism ,
10143-430: Is regarded as obsolete within the religion. Some polytheist Rodnovers have deemed the view adopted by Sylenko's followers as an inauthentic approach to the religion. Perun is considered a thunderer, the god of warriors and a rival of Veles , and the embodiment of spring thunderstorms that fertilize the earth. According to the book Dezionization by Valery Yemelyanov , one of the founders of Russian neopaganism, in
10350-430: Is regarded as obsolete within the religion. Some polytheist Rodnovers have deemed the view adopted by Sylenko's followers as an inauthentic approach to the religion. Perun is considered a thunderer, the god of warriors and a rival of Veles , and the embodiment of spring thunderstorms that fertilize the earth. According to the book Dezionization by Valery Yemelyanov , one of the founders of Russian neopaganism, in
10557-416: Is seen as arising from the union of the right free decisions of reflexive individuals. By using terms of Émile Durkheim , Aitamurto says that what Rodnovers reject is "egoistic individualism", not "moral individualism". Immediately related to the morality of a responsible community is the respect for the whole world of nature, or what Aitamurto defines "ecological responsibility". Rodnovers are concerned with
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#173284406108010764-416: Is seen as arising from the union of the right free decisions of reflexive individuals. By using terms of Émile Durkheim , Aitamurto says that what Rodnovers reject is "egoistic individualism", not "moral individualism". Immediately related to the morality of a responsible community is the respect for the whole world of nature, or what Aitamurto defines "ecological responsibility". Rodnovers are concerned with
10971-487: Is sufficiently heterogeneous that it could be regarded not as a singular religion but as "an umbrella term that gathers together various forms of religiosity". The historian Marlène Laruelle has described Rodnovery as "more inclusive than just adherence to a pantheon of pre-Christian gods". The scholar of religion Alexey Gaidukov has described "Slavic Neopaganism" as a term pertaining to "all quasi-religious, political, ideological and philosophical systems which are based on
11178-461: Is the all-pervading, omnipresent spiritual "life force", which also gives life to any community of related entities; its negative form, urod , means anything that is wretched, deformed, degenerated, monstrous, anything that is "outside" the spiritual community of Rod and bereft of its virtues. Sometimes, the meaning of the word is left deliberately obscure among Rodnovers, allowing for a variety of different interpretations. Cosmologically speaking, Rod
11385-461: Is the all-pervading, omnipresent spiritual "life force", which also gives life to any community of related entities; its negative form, urod , means anything that is wretched, deformed, degenerated, monstrous, anything that is "outside" the spiritual community of Rod and bereft of its virtues. Sometimes, the meaning of the word is left deliberately obscure among Rodnovers, allowing for a variety of different interpretations. Cosmologically speaking, Rod
11592-456: Is the ancestral bond to the supreme source. Rodna or rodnaya is itself a concept which can denote the "nearest and dearest", and such impersonal community as one's native home or land. A variant of "Rodnovery" is "Rodianism" ( Rodianstvo ), which Laruelle also translates as "Ancestrism". The earliest known usage of this term was by the Ukrainian emigree Lev Sylenko , who in 1964 established
11799-404: Is the ancestral bond to the supreme source. Rodna or rodnaya is itself a concept which can denote the "nearest and dearest", and such impersonal community as one's native home or land. A variant of "Rodnovery" is "Rodianism" ( Rodianstvo ), which Laruelle also translates as "Ancestrism". The earliest known usage of this term was by the Ukrainian emigree Lev Sylenko , who in 1964 established
12006-473: Is to be defended as sacred creation. While it is assumed that nature does not need any holy scriptures, be it books or regulations such as the Decalogue, to justify the sacredness of her laws, and to avoid multiplication of entities beyond necessity, as well as recognising that the ability of woman or man to think for her or himself and maintain a sense of empathy is vital – the association avoids formulating some of
12213-562: Is usually open to multiple interpretations. In developing Slavic Native Faith, practitioners draw upon the primary sources about the historical religion of Slavic peoples, as well as elements drawn from later Slavic folklore, official and popular Christian belief and from non-Slavic societies. Among these foreign influences have been beliefs and practices drawn from Hinduism , Buddhism , Zoroastrianism , Germanic Heathenry , Siberian shamanism , as well as ideas drawn from various forms of esotericism . Other influences include documents like
12420-499: The Book of Veles , which claim to be genuine accounts of historical Slavic religion but which academics recognise as later compositions. According to the folklorist Mariya Lesiv, through this syncretic process, "a new religion is being created on the basis of the synthesis of elements from various traditions". Some Rodnovers do not acknowledge this practice of syncretism and instead profess an explicitly anti-syncretic attitude, emphasising
12627-454: The Book of Veles , which claim to be genuine accounts of historical Slavic religion but which academics recognise as later compositions. According to the folklorist Mariya Lesiv, through this syncretic process, "a new religion is being created on the basis of the synthesis of elements from various traditions". Some Rodnovers do not acknowledge this practice of syncretism and instead profess an explicitly anti-syncretic attitude, emphasising
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#173284406108012834-538: The Eastern Bloc , new variants of Rodnovery were established by Slavic emigrants who lived in Western countries, later, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, they were introduced into Central and Eastern European countries. In recent times, the movement has been increasingly studied by academic scholars . Scholars of religion regard Slavic Native Faith as a modern Pagan religion. They also characterise it as
13041-631: The Eastern Slavs (Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians), the Western Slavs (Poles, Czechs, Slovaks) and the Southern Slavs (Slovenes, Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Macedonians and Bulgarians). The belief systems of these Slavic communities had many affinities with those of neighbouring linguistic populations, such as the Balts , Thracians and Indo-Iranians . Vyacheslav Ivanov and Vladimir Toporov studied
13248-418: The Eastern Slavs (Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians), the Western Slavs (Poles, Czechs, Slovaks) and the Southern Slavs (Slovenes, Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Macedonians and Bulgarians). The belief systems of these Slavic communities had many affinities with those of neighbouring linguistic populations, such as the Balts , Thracians and Indo-Iranians . Vyacheslav Ivanov and Vladimir Toporov studied
13455-407: The Highest God ) watch over specific aspects of nature and are often synonymous with nature itself. The Native Polish Church uses three major religious symbols. These are Cyclic : Other : Occasional (family celebrations): The observation of the main cyclic festivals is usually carried out in public and open to everybody – guests from outside the community are welcome provided they respect
13662-526: The Johns Hopkins University , Rodnovery is strictly intertwined with the development of East Slavic languages , and especially of Russian language , which preserved embedded in themselves ideas and terminology of ancient Slavic religion over the centuries facilitating its revival in the modern era. By the mid-1930s, the term "Neopagan" had been applied to the Polish Zadrugist movement. It
13869-401: The Johns Hopkins University , Rodnovery is strictly intertwined with the development of East Slavic languages , and especially of Russian language , which preserved embedded in themselves ideas and terminology of ancient Slavic religion over the centuries facilitating its revival in the modern era. By the mid-1930s, the term "Neopagan" had been applied to the Polish Zadrugist movement. It
14076-466: The Proto-Slavic roots * rod , which means anything "indigenous", "ancestral" and "native", also "genus", "generation", "kin", "race" (e.g. Russian rodnaya or rodnoy ); and * vera , which means "faith", "religion". Within the movement, it has also been used to define the community of Native Faith practitioners themselves as an elective group. The term has different histories and associations in each of
14283-412: The Proto-Slavic roots * rod , which means anything "indigenous", "ancestral" and "native", also "genus", "generation", "kin", "race" (e.g. Russian rodnaya or rodnoy ); and * vera , which means "faith", "religion". Within the movement, it has also been used to define the community of Native Faith practitioners themselves as an elective group. The term has different histories and associations in each of
14490-416: The historical belief systems of the Slavic peoples of Central and Eastern Europe , though the movement is inclusive of external influences and hosts a variety of currents. "Rodnovery" is a widely accepted self-descriptor within the community, although there are Rodnover organisations which further characterise the religion as Vedism , Orthodoxy , and Old Belief . Many Rodnovers regard their religion as
14697-403: The "Bittsa Appeal" ( Bittsevskoe Obraschchenie ), in which, among the many topics discussed, they expressed the view that "Rodnovery" should be regarded as the foremost name of the religion. The spread of the term reflected the degree of solidarity in establishing a broader brand and a sense of international movement despite the disagreements and power struggles that permeated the groups. The term
14904-403: The "Bittsa Appeal" ( Bittsevskoe Obraschchenie ), in which, among the many topics discussed, they expressed the view that "Rodnovery" should be regarded as the foremost name of the religion. The spread of the term reflected the degree of solidarity in establishing a broader brand and a sense of international movement despite the disagreements and power struggles that permeated the groups. The term
15111-427: The "restoration of any pre-Christian religion as such". Rather, he describes the movement as having been "built up artificially by urbanised intellectuals who use fragments of early pre-Christian local beliefs and rites in order to restore national spirituality". In this way, Slavic Native Faith has been understood—at least in part—as an invented tradition , or a form of Folklorismus . Simpson has noted, speaking of
15318-410: The "this-worldliness" of morality and moral thinking, seen as a voluntary and thoughtful responsibility towards the others and the environment that sprouts from the awareness of the interconnectedness of all things and of the continuity of spirit–matter and not as a strict set of rules. Rodnovers generally believe that death is not a cessation of life, and believe in reincarnation only in mankind and in
15525-410: The "this-worldliness" of morality and moral thinking, seen as a voluntary and thoughtful responsibility towards the others and the environment that sprouts from the awareness of the interconnectedness of all things and of the continuity of spirit–matter and not as a strict set of rules. Rodnovers generally believe that death is not a cessation of life, and believe in reincarnation only in mankind and in
15732-537: The 1930s and 1940s, while the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin promoted research into the ancient Slavic religion. Following the Second World War and the establishment of communist states throughout the Eastern Bloc , new variants of Rodnovery were established by Slavic emigrants who lived in Western countries, later, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, they were introduced into Central and Eastern European countries. In recent times,
15939-605: The Association of Native Faith ( Zrzeszenie Rodzimej Wiary ) and in 1997 by the Russian Union of Slavic Native Belief Communities (Союз Славянских Общин Славянской Родной Веры) led by Vadim Kazakov, while the portmanteau Rodnoverie was widely popularised in Russia by volkhv Veleslav (Ilya G. Cherkasov) by 1999. By the early 2000s, the term was widespread across Slavic countries. In 2002, six Russian Rodnover organisations issued
16146-446: The Association of Native Faith ( Zrzeszenie Rodzimej Wiary ) and in 1997 by the Russian Union of Slavic Native Belief Communities (Союз Славянских Общин Славянской Родной Веры) led by Vadim Kazakov, while the portmanteau Rodnoverie was widely popularised in Russia by volkhv Veleslav (Ilya G. Cherkasov) by 1999. By the early 2000s, the term was widespread across Slavic countries. In 2002, six Russian Rodnover organisations issued
16353-506: The Bible. Some Russian and Ukrainian Rodnovers employ, respectively, Yazychestvo and Yazychnytstvo (i.e. "our own language craft", "Gentility"), but it is infrequent. Yazychnik has been adopted especially among Rodnovers speaking West Slavic languages , where it has not any connotations related to "paganism". Thus, Czech Rodnover groups have coined Jazyčnictví and Slovak Rodnovers have coined Jazyčníctvo . According to Demetria K. Green of
16560-458: The Bible. Some Russian and Ukrainian Rodnovers employ, respectively, Yazychestvo and Yazychnytstvo (i.e. "our own language craft", "Gentility"), but it is infrequent. Yazychnik has been adopted especially among Rodnovers speaking West Slavic languages , where it has not any connotations related to "paganism". Thus, Czech Rodnover groups have coined Jazyčnictví and Slovak Rodnovers have coined Jazyčníctvo . According to Demetria K. Green of
16767-690: The Christianisation of the Slavs, and especially of Russians, was very slow and resulted in a "thorough synthesis of Pagan and Christian elements", reflected for instance in the refashioning of gods as Christian saints ( Perun as Saint Elias , Veles as Saint Blasius and Yarilo as Saint George ) and in the overlapping of Christian festivals on Pagan ones. The scholar of Russian folk religion Linda J. Ivanits has reported ethnographic studies documenting that even in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Russia there were entire villages maintaining indigenous religious beliefs, whether in pure form or under
16974-631: The Christianisation of the Slavs, and especially of Russians, was very slow and resulted in a "thorough synthesis of Pagan and Christian elements", reflected for instance in the refashioning of gods as Christian saints ( Perun as Saint Elias , Veles as Saint Blasius and Yarilo as Saint George ) and in the overlapping of Christian festivals on Pagan ones. The scholar of Russian folk religion Linda J. Ivanits has reported ethnographic studies documenting that even in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Russia there were entire villages maintaining indigenous religious beliefs, whether in pure form or under
17181-743: The Christians. Another term employed by Rodnovers, but historically associated to the Russian Orthodox Christian movement of the Old Believers , is "Starovery" (Russian: Старове́ры Starovéry , "Old Faith"). Some Slovenian practitioners use the Slovenian language term ajd , which is a loan-word of the Germanic-language heathen . When using English language terms to describe their religion, some Rodnovers favour "Heathen", in part due to
17388-455: The Christians. Another term employed by Rodnovers, but historically associated to the Russian Orthodox Christian movement of the Old Believers , is "Starovery" (Russian: Старове́ры Starovéry , "Old Faith"). Some Slovenian practitioners use the Slovenian language term ajd , which is a loan-word of the Germanic-language heathen . When using English language terms to describe their religion, some Rodnovers favour "Heathen", in part due to
17595-410: The Native Polish Church insist that their Slavic ancestors were followers of the same God as the Christians and Muslims and others worship in their own special way. This means that one can be both a member of the Native Polish Church and a member of a different religious association (not necessarily pagan). Therefore, membership with the Native Polish Church does not require any formal act of apostasy from
17802-595: The Native Polish Church was inspired by the name of a church associating the descendants of the native peoples of America, the Indians: the Native American Church . Likewise as the Native American Church, the Native Polish Church refers to the old (pre-Christian) ethnic beliefs, at the same time respecting all later-come religions. The term Church that appears in the organisation's name is used solely to denote
18009-631: The Polish artist Stanisław Jakubowski, under the name słoneczko ("little sun"). According to Laruelle, Rodnovers believe that it is a symbol of "accession to the upper world". For some Rodnovers, the Orthodox cross is another Slavic version of the swastika . Rodnovers generally present their symbols in high-contrast colour combinations, usually red and black or red and yellow. The Anglicised term "Rodnovery", and its adjective "Rodnover(s)", have gained widespread usage in English and have been given an entry in
18216-531: The Polish artist Stanisław Jakubowski, under the name słoneczko ("little sun"). According to Laruelle, Rodnovers believe that it is a symbol of "accession to the upper world". For some Rodnovers, the Orthodox cross is another Slavic version of the swastika . Rodnovers generally present their symbols in high-contrast colour combinations, usually red and black or red and yellow. The Anglicised term "Rodnovery", and its adjective "Rodnover(s)", have gained widespread usage in English and have been given an entry in
18423-402: The Russian and Ukrainian centres of Rodnover theology, the concept of Rod has been emphasised as particularly important. According to the publication Izvednik , a compilation of views on theology and cosmology of various Rodnover organisations, "the rest of the gods are only his faces, noumena, incarnations, hypostases", it is a God similar to the cosmos of ancient Greek philosophy in that it
18630-402: The Russian and Ukrainian centres of Rodnover theology, the concept of Rod has been emphasised as particularly important. According to the publication Izvednik , a compilation of views on theology and cosmology of various Rodnover organisations, "the rest of the gods are only his faces, noumena, incarnations, hypostases", it is a God similar to the cosmos of ancient Greek philosophy in that it
18837-678: The Sicheslavsky Natural Icon "Perun's Sign" "Slavic Community of the Temple of the Wisdom of Perun" - the latter was part of the Ynglism movement). In Novokuznetsk, a "Slavic Community" publishes the magazine Perun . There was also a magazine titled Wrath of Perun . Alexander Belov's Slavic-Goritsa wrestling is based on an ideology built on the cult of Perun, military honor, and valor, and it has many followers in Russia. In Slavic-Goritsa wrestling,
19044-463: The Sicheslavsky Natural Icon "Perun's Sign" "Slavic Community of the Temple of the Wisdom of Perun" - the latter was part of the Ynglism movement). In Novokuznetsk, a "Slavic Community" publishes the magazine Perun . There was also a magazine titled Wrath of Perun . Alexander Belov's Slavic-Goritsa wrestling is based on an ideology built on the cult of Perun, military honor, and valor, and it has many followers in Russia. In Slavic-Goritsa wrestling,
19251-574: The Slavic languages in which it appears. The suffix "-ism" is usually avoided in favour of others that describe the religion as if it were a practice or craft (which is the meaning of the Ukrainian and Russian suffix -stvo , thus translatable with the English suffix " -ery, -ry "). Sometimes the term "Rodnovery" has also been interpreted as meaning "faith of Rod", a reference to an eponymous concept of supreme God, Rod , found in ancient Russian and Ukrainian sources. Aitamurto stated that in addition to being
19458-525: The Slavic languages in which it appears. The suffix "-ism" is usually avoided in favour of others that describe the religion as if it were a practice or craft (which is the meaning of the Ukrainian and Russian suffix -stvo , thus translatable with the English suffix " -ery, -ry "). Sometimes the term "Rodnovery" has also been interpreted as meaning "faith of Rod", a reference to an eponymous concept of supreme God, Rod , found in ancient Russian and Ukrainian sources. Aitamurto stated that in addition to being
19665-580: The Soviet Union, the pursuit of Rodnovery matured into the spiritual cultivation of organic folk communities ( ethnoi ) in the face of what Rodnovers consider the alien cosmopolitan forces which drive global assimilation (what they call " mono-ideologies "), chiefly represented by the Abrahamic religions . In the Russian intellectual milieu, Rodnovery usually presents itself as the ideology of "nativism" ( narodnichestvo ), which in Rodnovers' own historical analysis
19872-493: The Soviet idea of an "undefeated paganism", and those who say that Russian Orthodoxy is an out-and-out syncretic religion. Slavic Native Faith adherents, as far as they are concerned, believe that they can take traditional folk culture, remove the obviously Christian elements, and be left with something that authentically reflects the historical beliefs of the Slavic peoples. The attitude of Russian Rodnovers to Russian folk Orthodoxy
20079-444: The Soviet idea of an "undefeated paganism", and those who say that Russian Orthodoxy is an out-and-out syncretic religion. Slavic Native Faith adherents, as far as they are concerned, believe that they can take traditional folk culture, remove the obviously Christian elements, and be left with something that authentically reflects the historical beliefs of the Slavic peoples. The attitude of Russian Rodnovers to Russian folk Orthodoxy
20286-420: The aforementioned pogan and yazychnik . The latter, which is a derivation of the near-homophonous yazyk , "tongue", is prevalent and has a less negative acceptation, literally meaning "pertaining to (our own) language". It is often more accurately (though by no means thoroughly) translated as " Gentile " (i.e. pertaining "to the gens ", "to the kin"), which in turn it itself renders in Slavic translations of
20493-420: The aforementioned pogan and yazychnik . The latter, which is a derivation of the near-homophonous yazyk , "tongue", is prevalent and has a less negative acceptation, literally meaning "pertaining to (our own) language". It is often more accurately (though by no means thoroughly) translated as " Gentile " (i.e. pertaining "to the gens ", "to the kin"), which in turn it itself renders in Slavic translations of
20700-484: The alien cosmopolitan forces which drive global assimilation (what they call " mono-ideologies "), chiefly represented by the Abrahamic religions . In the Russian intellectual milieu, Rodnovery usually presents itself as the ideology of "nativism" ( narodnichestvo ), which in Rodnovers' own historical analysis is destined to supplant the mono-ideologies whose final bankruptcy the world is now witnessing. Schnirelmann has stated that Rodnovery does not actually constitute
20907-542: The ancient Slavs were polytheists but believed that a monotheistic view reflected an evolution in human spiritual development and thus should be adopted. A similar view is espoused by Russian Ynglism , while another distinctively monotheistic Rodnover movement that has been compared to Sylenkoism is Russian Kandybaism . Lesiv reported about a Sylenkoite follower who said that "we cannot believe in various forest, field and water spirits today. Yes, our ancestors believed in these things but we should not any longer", as polytheism
21114-542: The ancient Slavs were polytheists but believed that a monotheistic view reflected an evolution in human spiritual development and thus should be adopted. A similar view is espoused by Russian Ynglism , while another distinctively monotheistic Rodnover movement that has been compared to Sylenkoism is Russian Kandybaism . Lesiv reported about a Sylenkoite follower who said that "we cannot believe in various forest, field and water spirits today. Yes, our ancestors believed in these things but we should not any longer", as polytheism
21321-484: The aristocracy. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union there has been a new wave of scholarly debate on the subject within Russia itself. A. E. Musin, an academic and deacon of the Russian Orthodox Church, published an article about the "problem of double belief" as recently as 1991. In this article he divides scholars between those who say that Russian Orthodoxy adapted to entrenched indigenous faith, continuing
21528-418: The aristocracy. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union there has been a new wave of scholarly debate on the subject within Russia itself. A. E. Musin, an academic and deacon of the Russian Orthodox Church, published an article about the "problem of double belief" as recently as 1991. In this article he divides scholars between those who say that Russian Orthodoxy adapted to entrenched indigenous faith, continuing
21735-403: The awareness that all existence belongs to the same universal, cosmic God. Although some Rodnovers aspire to paradise, they argue that retribution is not deferred to a transcendent future but realised in the here and now; since gods manifest themselves as the natural phenomena, and in people as lineage descendants, Rodnovers believe that actions and their outcomes unfold and are to be dealt with in
21942-403: The awareness that all existence belongs to the same universal, cosmic God. Although some Rodnovers aspire to paradise, they argue that retribution is not deferred to a transcendent future but realised in the here and now; since gods manifest themselves as the natural phenomena, and in people as lineage descendants, Rodnovers believe that actions and their outcomes unfold and are to be dealt with in
22149-415: The candidate's previous faith. The only formal membership requirement is the filing of an appropriate declaration of accession that serves as a statement of creed. As Slavic Neopaganism by definition describes its own territorial scope due to its visible ethnicity, the Native Polish Church does not find a verification of its candidate's descent to be necessary. It is assumed that anyone who feels Polish has
22356-451: The commitment towards the forces at play in the present context is the same as a denial of the gods; it disrupts morality, impairing the individual, society and the world itself. Rodnovers value individual responsibility as the cornerstone for the further maturation of humanity, equating the conversion to Rodnovery with such maturation. This emphasis on individuality is not at odds with the value of solidarity, since collective responsibility
22563-451: The commitment towards the forces at play in the present context is the same as a denial of the gods; it disrupts morality, impairing the individual, society and the world itself. Rodnovers value individual responsibility as the cornerstone for the further maturation of humanity, equating the conversion to Rodnovery with such maturation. This emphasis on individuality is not at odds with the value of solidarity, since collective responsibility
22770-424: The concepts of patriarchy , solidarity and homogeneity, with the latter two seen as intrinsically related. Laruelle similarly found an emphasis on patriarchy, heterosexuality , traditional family, fidelity and procreation. Schnirelmann observed that Rodnovers' calls for social justice tend to apply only to their own ethnic community. Within Rodnovery, gender roles are conservative. Rodnovers often subscribe to
22977-424: The concepts of patriarchy , solidarity and homogeneity, with the latter two seen as intrinsically related. Laruelle similarly found an emphasis on patriarchy, heterosexuality , traditional family, fidelity and procreation. Schnirelmann observed that Rodnovers' calls for social justice tend to apply only to their own ethnic community. Within Rodnovery, gender roles are conservative. Rodnovers often subscribe to
23184-577: The cover of a superficial Christianity. According to her, the case of Russia is exceptional compared to western Europe, because Russia neither lived the intellectual upheavals of the Renaissance , nor the Reformation , nor the other movements which severely weakened folk spirituality in Europe. The most commonly used religious symbol within Rodnovery is the kolovrat ("spinning wheel", e.g. [REDACTED] ),
23391-422: The cover of a superficial Christianity. According to her, the case of Russia is exceptional compared to western Europe, because Russia neither lived the intellectual upheavals of the Renaissance , nor the Reformation , nor the other movements which severely weakened folk spirituality in Europe. The most commonly used religious symbol within Rodnovery is the kolovrat ("spinning wheel", e.g. [REDACTED] ),
23598-445: The designator "paganism", whether "neo-", "modern", "contemporary" or without prefixes and further qualificators, asserting that these are "poorly defined" concepts whose use by scholars leads to a situation in which Rodnovery is lumped together with "all kinds of cults and religions" which have nothing to do with it. Prior to their Christianisation, the Slavic peoples were polytheists , worshipping multiple deities who were regarded as
23805-445: The designator "paganism", whether "neo-", "modern", "contemporary" or without prefixes and further qualificators, asserting that these are "poorly defined" concepts whose use by scholars leads to a situation in which Rodnovery is lumped together with "all kinds of cults and religions" which have nothing to do with it. Prior to their Christianisation, the Slavic peoples were polytheists , worshipping multiple deities who were regarded as
24012-508: The different gods, who proceed from the supreme God, generate differing categories of things not as their external creations (as objects), but embodying themselves as these entities. In their view, beings are the progeny of gods; even phenomena such as the thunder are conceived in this way as embodiments of these gods (in this case, Perun). In the wake of this theology, it is common among Slavic Native Faith practitioners to say that "we are not God's slaves, but God's sons", many of them emphasising
24219-508: The different gods, who proceed from the supreme God, generate differing categories of things not as their external creations (as objects), but embodying themselves as these entities. In their view, beings are the progeny of gods; even phenomena such as the thunder are conceived in this way as embodiments of these gods (in this case, Perun). In the wake of this theology, it is common among Slavic Native Faith practitioners to say that "we are not God's slaves, but God's sons", many of them emphasising
24426-404: The earliest branches of Rodnovery is known as " Peterburgian Vedism ". They explain that "Vedism" derives from the word "to know" and implies that rather than dogmatically believing ( verit ), Vedists "know" or "see" ( vedat ) spiritual truths. The term was first employed by Yury Petrovich Mirolyubov—the writer or discoverer of the Book of Veles —in the mid-twentieth century, and later adopted by
24633-404: The earliest branches of Rodnovery is known as " Peterburgian Vedism ". They explain that "Vedism" derives from the word "to know" and implies that rather than dogmatically believing ( verit ), Vedists "know" or "see" ( vedat ) spiritual truths. The term was first employed by Yury Petrovich Mirolyubov—the writer or discoverer of the Book of Veles —in the mid-twentieth century, and later adopted by
24840-823: The emanations of a supreme God . According to Helmold 's Chronica Slavorum (compiled 1168–1169), "obeying the duties assigned to them, [the deities] have sprung from his [the supreme God's] blood and enjoy distinction in proportion to their nearness to the god of the gods". Belief in these deities varied according to location and through time, and it was common for the Slavs to adopt deities from neighbouring cultures. Both in Russia and in Ukraine, modern Rodnovers are divided among those who are monotheists and those who are polytheists. Some practitioners describe themselves as atheists , believing that gods are not real entities but rather ideal symbols. Monotheism and polytheism are not regarded as mutually exclusive. The shared underpinning
25047-773: The emanations of a supreme God . According to Helmold 's Chronica Slavorum (compiled 1168–1169), "obeying the duties assigned to them, [the deities] have sprung from his [the supreme God's] blood and enjoy distinction in proportion to their nearness to the god of the gods". Belief in these deities varied according to location and through time, and it was common for the Slavs to adopt deities from neighbouring cultures. Both in Russia and in Ukraine, modern Rodnovers are divided among those who are monotheists and those who are polytheists. Some practitioners describe themselves as atheists , believing that gods are not real entities but rather ideal symbols. Monotheism and polytheism are not regarded as mutually exclusive. The shared underpinning
25254-632: The first millennium BCE in an area of Central and Eastern Europe bordered by the Dnieper basin to the east, the Vistula basin to the west, the Carpathian Mountains to the south and the forests beyond the Pripet basin to the north. Over the course of several centuries, Slavic populations migrated in northern, eastern and south-western directions. In doing so, they branched out into three sub-linguistic families:
25461-423: The first millennium BCE in an area of Central and Eastern Europe bordered by the Dnieper basin to the east, the Vistula basin to the west, the Carpathian Mountains to the south and the forests beyond the Pripet basin to the north. Over the course of several centuries, Slavic populations migrated in northern, eastern and south-western directions. In doing so, they branched out into three sub-linguistic families:
25668-466: The form of other, minor gods. While officially the Polish Native Church recognises the highest god to be Świętowit , other names from the highest circles of the Slavic pantheon are commonly used (such as Perun or Swaróg ); members of the Polish Native Church assume that the Highest God will always remain the highest deity irrespective of the name used. The god's true name (should there be such
25875-401: The former collectively represented by Belobog and the latter by Chernobog, also symbolising the spiritual and the material. Such dualism does not represent absolute good and evil , but the black gods become evil when acting out of agreement with older and stronger white gods. Pantheons of deities are not unified among practitioners of Slavic Native Faith. Different Rodnover groups often have
26082-401: The former collectively represented by Belobog and the latter by Chernobog, also symbolising the spiritual and the material. Such dualism does not represent absolute good and evil , but the black gods become evil when acting out of agreement with older and stronger white gods. Pantheons of deities are not unified among practitioners of Slavic Native Faith. Different Rodnover groups often have
26289-405: The founder of Peterburgian Vedism, Viktor Bezverkhy. In Ukraine and Russia many important Rodnover groups advocate the designation of "Orthodoxy" (Russian: Pravoslaviye , Serbian: Pravoslavlje , Ukrainian: Pravoslavya ) for themselves. They claim that the term, which refers to the "praise" or "glorification" ( slava ) of the universal order ( Prav , cf. Vedic Ṛta , "Right"), was usurped by
26496-405: The founder of Peterburgian Vedism, Viktor Bezverkhy. In Ukraine and Russia many important Rodnover groups advocate the designation of "Orthodoxy" (Russian: Pravoslaviye , Serbian: Pravoslavlje , Ukrainian: Pravoslavya ) for themselves. They claim that the term, which refers to the "praise" or "glorification" ( slava ) of the universal order ( Prav , cf. Vedic Ṛta , "Right"), was usurped by
26703-461: The four dimensions of space. When emphasising this monism, Rodnovers may define themselves as rodnianin , "believers in God" (or "in nativity", "in genuinity"). Already the pioneering Ukrainian leader Shaian argued that God manifests as a variety of different deities. This theological explanation is called "manifestationism" by some contemporary Rodnovers and implies the idea of a spirit–matter continuum;
26910-415: The four dimensions of space. When emphasising this monism, Rodnovers may define themselves as rodnianin , "believers in God" (or "in nativity", "in genuinity"). Already the pioneering Ukrainian leader Shaian argued that God manifests as a variety of different deities. This theological explanation is called "manifestationism" by some contemporary Rodnovers and implies the idea of a spirit–matter continuum;
27117-479: The fourth day of the week is dedicated to Perun. In Belov's calendar (1998), Gromovik (Perun's Day) falls on July 23. In Omsk, the followers of Ynglism created an "Old Russian temple" named the "Temple of the Veda of Perun" or the "Temple of the Wisdom of Perun". V. V. Solokhin (Yarosvet) from the organization "Spiritual-Ancestral Power of Rus'" (Astrakhan) held the "position" of "Minister of Perun". Rodnovery emphasises
27324-432: The fourth day of the week is dedicated to Perun. In Belov's calendar (1998), Gromovik (Perun's Day) falls on July 23. In Omsk, the followers of Ynglism created an "Old Russian temple" named the "Temple of the Veda of Perun" or the "Temple of the Wisdom of Perun". V. V. Solokhin (Yarosvet) from the organization "Spiritual-Ancestral Power of Rus'" (Astrakhan) held the "position" of "Minister of Perun". Rodnovery emphasises
27531-538: The historian and ethnologist Victor A. Schnirelmann , Rodnovers present themselves as "followers of some genuine pre-Christian Slavic, Russian or Slavic- Aryan Paganism". Some involved in the movement avoid calling their belief system either "paganism" or "religion". Many Rodnovers refer to their belief system as an " ethnic religion ", and Rodnover groups were involved in establishing the European Congress of Ethnic Religions . The usage of this term suggests that
27738-614: The household. Gods may be subject to functional changes among modern Rodnovers; for instance, the traditional god of livestock and poetry Veles is called upon as the god of literature and communication. In Ukraine, there has been a debate as to whether the religion should be monotheistic or polytheistic. In keeping with the pre-Christian belief systems of the region, the groups who inherit Volodymyr Shaian's tradition, among others, espouse polytheism. Conversely, Sylenko's Native Ukrainian National Faith (RUNVira; also called "Sylenkoism") regards itself as monotheistic and focuses its worship upon
27945-614: The household. Gods may be subject to functional changes among modern Rodnovers; for instance, the traditional god of livestock and poetry Veles is called upon as the god of literature and communication. In Ukraine, there has been a debate as to whether the religion should be monotheistic or polytheistic. In keeping with the pre-Christian belief systems of the region, the groups who inherit Volodymyr Shaian's tradition, among others, espouse polytheism. Conversely, Sylenko's Native Ukrainian National Faith (RUNVira; also called "Sylenkoism") regards itself as monotheistic and focuses its worship upon
28152-460: The ideas of Eurasianism . In this vein, they often oppose what they regard as culturally destructive phenomena such as cosmopolitanism , liberalism and globalisation , as well as Americanisation and consumerism . Slavic Neopaganism The Slavic Native Faith , commonly known as Rodnovery and sometimes as Slavic Neopaganism , is a modern Pagan religion . Classified as a new religious movement , its practitioners hearken back to
28359-583: The ideas of monotheism ("Vedic monotheism") and the Trinity were independently developed by Slavic paganism or "Aryan" religion. A different perspective is offered by the historian Svetlana M. Chervonnaya, who has seen the return to folk beliefs among Slavs as part of a broader phenomenon that is happening to "the mass religious mind" not merely of Slavic or Eastern European peoples, but to peoples all over Asia , and that expresses itself in new mythologemes endorsed by national elites. The notion that modern Rodnovery
28566-534: The ideas of monotheism ("Vedic monotheism") and the Trinity were independently developed by Slavic paganism or "Aryan" religion. A different perspective is offered by the historian Svetlana M. Chervonnaya, who has seen the return to folk beliefs among Slavs as part of a broader phenomenon that is happening to "the mass religious mind" not merely of Slavic or Eastern European peoples, but to peoples all over Asia , and that expresses itself in new mythologemes endorsed by national elites. The notion that modern Rodnovery
28773-635: The ideas of the " Veneti " ("Aryans"), there was a "trinity of three triune trinities": Prav-Yav-Nav , Svarog-Perun-Svetovid, and Soul-Flesh-Power. In some currents, Perun may be the supreme patron god. Since 1992, the neopagan Kupchinsky Temple of Perun has been operating in St. Petersburg. The name of Perun is common in the names of neopagan associations (e.g., Izhevsk Slavic Community "Children of Perun", Pyatigorsk Slavic Community "Children of Perun", "Perun Community" in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Dnipropetrovsk Community of
28980-531: The ideas of the " Veneti " ("Aryans"), there was a "trinity of three triune trinities": Prav-Yav-Nav , Svarog-Perun-Svetovid, and Soul-Flesh-Power. In some currents, Perun may be the supreme patron god. Since 1992, the neopagan Kupchinsky Temple of Perun has been operating in St. Petersburg. The name of Perun is common in the names of neopagan associations (e.g., Izhevsk Slavic Community "Children of Perun", Pyatigorsk Slavic Community "Children of Perun", "Perun Community" in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Dnipropetrovsk Community of
29187-684: The influence of "Aryan Christianity", there is a modified idea of the Trinity ("the trinity of three triune trinities" according to Valery Yemelyanov ); other Christian ideas are also borrowed. In some cases, "runic magic" and other elements of Western neopaganism are used. The Rodnovers' reverence of nature is connected with the ideas of "natural Aryan socialism" and natural "Aryan" (Slavic-"Aryan") roots. A number of authors ( Valery Yemelyanov , Vladimir Golyakov, Konstantin Petrov, Yuri Petukhov , Halyna Lozko, V. M. Dyomin (retired colonel, Omsk), Yury Sergeyev, S. G. Antonenko, L. N. Ryzhkov) tried to prove that
29394-635: The influence of "Aryan Christianity", there is a modified idea of the Trinity ("the trinity of three triune trinities" according to Valery Yemelyanov ); other Christian ideas are also borrowed. In some cases, "runic magic" and other elements of Western neopaganism are used. The Rodnovers' reverence of nature is connected with the ideas of "natural Aryan socialism" and natural "Aryan" (Slavic-"Aryan") roots. A number of authors ( Valery Yemelyanov , Vladimir Golyakov, Konstantin Petrov, Yuri Petukhov , Halyna Lozko, V. M. Dyomin (retired colonel, Omsk), Yury Sergeyev, S. G. Antonenko, L. N. Ryzhkov) tried to prove that
29601-411: The infrastructure of universalist religions, combined with anti-Westernism and the research of intellectuals into an ancient "Vedic" religion of Russia, that paved the way for the rise of Rodnovery and other modern Paganisms in Eastern Europe. After the Soviet Union, the pursuit of Rodnovery matured into the spiritual cultivation of organic folk communities ( ethnoi ) in the face of what Rodnovers consider
29808-446: The invocation of gods, the offering of sacrifices and the pouring of libations, dances and communal meals. Rodnover organisations often characterise themselves as ethnic religions , emphasising their belief that the religion is bound to Slavic ethnicity. This frequently manifests as nationalism and racism . Rodnovers often glorify Slavic history, criticising the impact of Christianity on Slavic countries and arguing that they will play
30015-464: The media, organise anti-Christian campaigns, and even engage in violent actions. Aitamurto observed that the different wings of the Rodnover movement "attract different kinds of people approaching the religion from quite diverging points of departure". There are, nonetheless, recurrent themes within the various strains of Rodnovery. The scholar of religion Scott Simpson has stated that Slavic Native Faith
30222-413: The media, organise anti-Christian campaigns, and even engage in violent actions. Aitamurto observed that the different wings of the Rodnover movement "attract different kinds of people approaching the religion from quite diverging points of departure". There are, nonetheless, recurrent themes within the various strains of Rodnovery. The scholar of religion Scott Simpson has stated that Slavic Native Faith
30429-412: The most obvious rules into ready and "correct" ways of life. Ethics is usually limited to giving basic directions such as "live honourably and be a just man" or "do what thou wilt and harm none". The Polish Native Church is an open church, without any claims of exclusivity in any sense – this regards both the individual's faith and his or her membership with churches or religious organisations. Members of
30636-406: The most used term, it is the most appropriate because of its meanings. It has deep senses related to its Slavic etymology, that would be lost through translation, which express the central concepts of the Slavic Native Faith. Rod is conceived as the absolute , primordial God, supreme ancestor of the universe, that begets all things, and at the same time as the kin, the lineage of generation which
30843-406: The most used term, it is the most appropriate because of its meanings. It has deep senses related to its Slavic etymology, that would be lost through translation, which express the central concepts of the Slavic Native Faith. Rod is conceived as the absolute , primordial God, supreme ancestor of the universe, that begets all things, and at the same time as the kin, the lineage of generation which
31050-449: The movement avoid calling their belief system either "paganism" or "religion". Many Rodnovers refer to their belief system as an " ethnic religion ", and Rodnover groups were involved in establishing the European Congress of Ethnic Religions . The usage of this term suggests that the religion is restricted to a particular ethnic group. Some practitioners regard "ethnic religion" as a term synonymous with "Native Faith", but others perceive
31257-422: The movement has been increasingly studied by academic scholars . Scholars of religion regard Slavic Native Faith as a modern Pagan religion. They also characterise it as a new religious movement . The movement has no overarching structure, or accepted religious authority, and contains much diversity in terms of belief and practice. The sociologist of religion Kaarina Aitamurto has suggested that Rodnovery
31464-692: The native faith and culture. The festivals’ rituals are performed according to suitable liturgy and conducted by either an ofiarnik or an appointed żerca . The Polish Native Church recognises woman and man as part of nature (one of the creators of cosmic force) and as part of society. This obliges woman and man to obey the Laws of Nature and the Laws of Social Order – in the sense of observing universal rules of social conduct, common to most cultures throughout history. These rules prohibit murder, rape, burglary and theft, they also demand respect for human relations that organise social life from family to state matters. Nature
31671-478: The need to retain the "purity" of the religion and thus maintain its "authenticity". Other Rodnovers are conscious that the movement represents a synthesis of different sources, that what is known about ancient Slavic religion is very fragmented, and therefore the reconstruction requires innovation. Laruelle has thus defined Rodnovery as an " open-source religion ", that is to say a religion which "emphasizes individual participation and doctrinal evolution, and calls for
31878-478: The need to retain the "purity" of the religion and thus maintain its "authenticity". Other Rodnovers are conscious that the movement represents a synthesis of different sources, that what is known about ancient Slavic religion is very fragmented, and therefore the reconstruction requires innovation. Laruelle has thus defined Rodnovery as an " open-source religion ", that is to say a religion which "emphasizes individual participation and doctrinal evolution, and calls for
32085-441: The ontological freedom of the different subsequent emanations so that the world is viewed as a "dialectical manifestation" of the single transcendental beginning and continuous co-creation of the diversified gods and the entities which they generate. The Russian volkhv Velimir (Nikolay Speransky), emphasises a dualistic eternal struggle between white gods and black gods, elder forces of creation and younger forces of destruction;
32292-441: The ontological freedom of the different subsequent emanations so that the world is viewed as a "dialectical manifestation" of the single transcendental beginning and continuous co-creation of the diversified gods and the entities which they generate. The Russian volkhv Velimir (Nikolay Speransky), emphasises a dualistic eternal struggle between white gods and black gods, elder forces of creation and younger forces of destruction;
32499-418: The origin of ancient Slavic themes in the common substratum represented by Proto-Indo-European religion and what Georges Dumézil defined as the " trifunctional hypothesis ". Boris Rybakov emphasised the continuity and complexification of Slavic religion through the centuries. Laruelle observed that Rodnovery is in principle a decentralised movement, with hundreds of groups coexisting without submission to
32706-418: The origin of ancient Slavic themes in the common substratum represented by Proto-Indo-European religion and what Georges Dumézil defined as the " trifunctional hypothesis ". Boris Rybakov emphasised the continuity and complexification of Slavic religion through the centuries. Laruelle observed that Rodnovery is in principle a decentralised movement, with hundreds of groups coexisting without submission to
32913-545: The original belief system rather than creating something new. Others embrace the term as a means of emphasising what they regard as the reformed nature of the religion; the Polish Rodnover Maciej Czarnowski for instance encouraged the term because it distinguished his practices from those of the pre-Christian societies, which he regarded as being hindered by superstition and unnecessary practices like animal sacrifice . Many Rodnovers straightforwardly reject
33120-469: The original belief system rather than creating something new. Others embrace the term as a means of emphasising what they regard as the reformed nature of the religion; the Polish Rodnover Maciej Czarnowski for instance encouraged the term because it distinguished his practices from those of the pre-Christian societies, which he regarded as being hindered by superstition and unnecessary practices like animal sacrifice . Many Rodnovers straightforwardly reject
33327-519: The oversaturation of cities and the devastation of the countryside, and they aim at re-establishing harmony between the two environments. However, there have been difficulties with Rodnover involvement in the wider environmentalist movement because of many environmentalists' unease with the racial and anti-Christian themes that are prominent in the religion. Rodnover ethics deal with a wide range of contemporary social issues, and they can be defined as conservative . Aitamurto summarised Rodnover ethics in
33534-519: The oversaturation of cities and the devastation of the countryside, and they aim at re-establishing harmony between the two environments. However, there have been difficulties with Rodnover involvement in the wider environmentalist movement because of many environmentalists' unease with the racial and anti-Christian themes that are prominent in the religion. Rodnover ethics deal with a wide range of contemporary social issues, and they can be defined as conservative . Aitamurto summarised Rodnover ethics in
33741-549: The personal creation of religious belief systems". Rodnovers also use ideas, principles, and terminology of other religious systems. The idea of monotheism is often present: for example, Vsebog in the association Skhoron Yezh Sloven. The Rodnover concept of "Old Slavic monotheism", in which all gods are considered manifestations of a single god, is borrowed from the Book of Veles, which, in turn, borrowed it from Hinduism and "Aryan Christianity". In most Slavic neopagan teachings, there
33948-502: The personal creation of religious belief systems". Rodnovers also use ideas, principles, and terminology of other religious systems. The idea of monotheism is often present: for example, Vsebog in the association Skhoron Yezh Sloven. The Rodnover concept of "Old Slavic monotheism", in which all gods are considered manifestations of a single god, is borrowed from the Book of Veles, which, in turn, borrowed it from Hinduism and "Aryan Christianity". In most Slavic neopagan teachings, there
34155-460: The possibility of deification in paradise, Iriy or Vyriy , which is the same as Prav . Rodnover ethics consist in following Prav , that is "seeking, finding and following the natural laws", which results in strengthening and being aware of the principle of retribution (action–reaction; or karma ). Rodnover ethics have been defined as a "safety technique" and as "ecoethics", at the same time environmentalist and humanistic , stemming from
34362-460: The possibility of deification in paradise, Iriy or Vyriy , which is the same as Prav . Rodnover ethics consist in following Prav , that is "seeking, finding and following the natural laws", which results in strengthening and being aware of the principle of retribution (action–reaction; or karma ). Rodnover ethics have been defined as a "safety technique" and as "ecoethics", at the same time environmentalist and humanistic , stemming from
34569-400: The pre-Christian beliefs of Slavic societies. Active religious practitioners who were devoted to establishing the Slavic Native Faith appeared in Poland and Ukraine during the 1930s and 1940s, while the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin promoted research into the ancient Slavic religion. Following the Second World War and the establishment of communist states throughout
34776-402: The present time, while at the same time imposing a fake moralism of self-deprecation, self-destruction and suppression of the flesh. According to Rodnovers, justice and truth have to be realised in this life, so that " turning the other cheek ", waiving agency and intervention in the things of this world, is considered immoral and equivalent to welcoming wrongness. In other words, fleeing from
34983-402: The present time, while at the same time imposing a fake moralism of self-deprecation, self-destruction and suppression of the flesh. According to Rodnovers, justice and truth have to be realised in this life, so that " turning the other cheek ", waiving agency and intervention in the things of this world, is considered immoral and equivalent to welcoming wrongness. In other words, fleeing from
35190-538: The present world. People are viewed as having unique responsibilities towards their own contexts: for instance, the duty of parents is to take care of their children and that of children to take care of their parents, the right of ancestors is to be honoured, and the land deserves to be cultivated. Rodnovers blame Christianity for transferring personal responsibility into a transcendent future when actions will be judged by God and people either smitten or forgiven for their sins, in fact exempting people from responsibility in
35397-538: The present world. People are viewed as having unique responsibilities towards their own contexts: for instance, the duty of parents is to take care of their children and that of children to take care of their parents, the right of ancestors is to be honoured, and the land deserves to be cultivated. Rodnovers blame Christianity for transferring personal responsibility into a transcendent future when actions will be judged by God and people either smitten or forgiven for their sins, in fact exempting people from responsibility in
35604-518: The prohibition of mixed-race unions, while the doctrine of the Ynglist Church includes an articulate condemnation of race mixing as unhealthy. Aitamurto and Gaidukov noted that "hardly any women" in Russian Rodnovery would call themselves feminists , partly due to Rodnover beliefs on gender and partly due to the negative associations that the word "feminism" has in Russian culture, furthermore
35811-402: The prohibition of mixed-race unions, while the doctrine of the Ynglist Church includes an articulate condemnation of race mixing as unhealthy. Aitamurto and Gaidukov noted that "hardly any women" in Russian Rodnovery would call themselves feminists , partly due to Rodnover beliefs on gender and partly due to the negative associations that the word "feminism" has in Russian culture, furthermore
36018-453: The reconstruction and construction of pre-Christian Slavic traditions". The scholar of religion Adrian Ivakhiv has defined Rodnovery as a movement which "harkens back to the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of ancient Slavic peoples", while according to the historian and ethnologist Victor A. Schnirelmann , Rodnovers present themselves as "followers of some genuine pre-Christian Slavic, Russian or Slavic- Aryan Paganism". Some involved in
36225-471: The religion as Vedism , Orthodoxy , and Old Belief . Many Rodnovers regard their religion as a faithful continuation of the ancient beliefs that survived as a folk religion or a conscious "double belief" following the Christianisation of the Slavs in the Middle Ages . Rodnovery draws upon surviving historical and archaeological sources and folk religion, often integrating them with non-Slavic sources such as Hinduism (because they are believed to come from
36432-410: The religion is bound to Slavic ethnicity. This frequently manifests as nationalism and racism . Rodnovers often glorify Slavic history, criticising the impact of Christianity on Slavic countries and arguing that they will play a central role in the world's future. Rodnovers oppose Christianity , characterizing it as a "mono-ideology." Rodnover ethical thinking emphasises the good of the collective over
36639-407: The religion is restricted to a particular ethnic group. Some practitioners regard "ethnic religion" as a term synonymous with "Native Faith", but others perceive a distinction between the two terms. Laruelle has emphasised that Rodnovery "cannot necessarily be defined as a religion in the strict sense"; some adherents prefer to define it as a " spirituality " ( dukhovnost ), " wisdom " ( mudrost ), or
36846-423: The right to be Polish and it was in this very sense that the name Polish Native Church was founded. Indeed, the concepts declared in the founding act state that one may become a member irrespective of one's ancestry, because the vital elements of a nation are common language and culture. Although one of the requirements set forth in the declaration of accession is to present one's governmental Identification Card , it
37053-471: The rights of the individual , and their moral values are the conservative values typical of the right-wing of politics: emphasis on patriarchy and traditional family. Most Rodnover groups will permit only Slavs as members, although there are a few exceptions. Many Rodnovers espouse socio-political views akin to those of the French Nouvelle Droite , and many of them in Russia have come close to
37260-406: The rights of the individual , and their moral values are the conservative values typical of the right-wing of politics: emphasis on patriarchy and traditional family. Most Rodnover groups will permit only Slavs as members, although there are a few exceptions. Many Rodnovers espouse socio-political views akin to those of the French Nouvelle Droite , and many of them in Russia have come close to
37467-523: The rights of the individual. The religion is patriarchal , and attitudes towards sex and gender are generally conservative . Rodnovery has developed strains of political and identitary philosophy . The contemporary organised Rodnovery movement arose from a multiplicity of sources and charismatic leaders just on the brink of the collapse of the Soviet Union and it spread rapidly during the mid-1990s and 2000s. Antecedents of Rodnovery existed in late 18th- and 19th-century Slavic Romanticism , which glorified
37674-402: The same Proto-Indo-European source). Rodnover theology and cosmology may be described as henotheism and polytheism —worship of the supreme God of the universe and worship of the multiple gods, the ancestors and the spirits of nature who are identified in Slavic culture . Adherents of Rodnovery usually meet in groups in order to perform religious ceremonies. These ceremonies typically entail
37881-442: The same words", and according to Rodnovers it has the religious connotation of "praising one's gods". In Slavic languages the closest equivalent of " paganism " is poganstvo (taking for instance Russian; it itself deriving from Latin paganus ), although Rodnovers widely reject this term due to its derogatory connotations. Indeed, many Slavic languages have two terms that are conventionally rendered as "pagan" in Western languages:
38088-442: The same words", and according to Rodnovers it has the religious connotation of "praising one's gods". In Slavic languages the closest equivalent of " paganism " is poganstvo (taking for instance Russian; it itself deriving from Latin paganus ), although Rodnovers widely reject this term due to its derogatory connotations. Indeed, many Slavic languages have two terms that are conventionally rendered as "pagan" in Western languages:
38295-697: The second edition (2019) of the academic Historical Dictionary of the Russian Federation . It means "Native Faith" and it is the name used by the majority of the movement's adherents. The term is adapted from Slavic forms, and variations of it are used in different Slavic languages: for instance, in Ukrainian it is Ridnovirstvo or Ridnovirya , in Russian Rodnoverie , in Polish Rodzimowierstwo , and in Czech Rodnovĕří . The term derives from
38502-455: The second edition (2019) of the academic Historical Dictionary of the Russian Federation . It means "Native Faith" and it is the name used by the majority of the movement's adherents. The term is adapted from Slavic forms, and variations of it are used in different Slavic languages: for instance, in Ukrainian it is Ridnovirstvo or Ridnovirya , in Russian Rodnoverie , in Polish Rodzimowierstwo , and in Czech Rodnovĕří . The term derives from
38709-440: The so-called "double belief" ( dvoeverie ), a conscious preservation of pre-Christian beliefs and practices alongside Christianity. This is a concept that was especially popular among nineteenth-century ethnographers who were influenced by Romanticism and retains widespread popularity across Eastern Europe, but has come under criticism in more recent times. Slavic Christianity was influenced by indigenous beliefs and practices as it
38916-440: The so-called "double belief" ( dvoeverie ), a conscious preservation of pre-Christian beliefs and practices alongside Christianity. This is a concept that was especially popular among nineteenth-century ethnographers who were influenced by Romanticism and retains widespread popularity across Eastern Europe, but has come under criticism in more recent times. Slavic Christianity was influenced by indigenous beliefs and practices as it
39123-405: The specific context of Poland, that unlike historical Slavic beliefs, which were integral to the everyday fabric of their society, modern Slavic Native Faith believers have to develop new forms of social organisation which set them apart from established society. Textual evidence for historical Slavic religion is scant, has been produced by Christian writers hostile to the systems being described and
39330-483: The supreme God of the universe and worship of the multiple gods, the ancestors and the spirits of nature who are identified in Slavic culture . Adherents of Rodnovery usually meet in groups in order to perform religious ceremonies. These ceremonies typically entail the invocation of gods, the offering of sacrifices and the pouring of libations, dances and communal meals. Rodnover organisations often characterise themselves as ethnic religions , emphasising their belief that
39537-594: The systems being described and is usually open to multiple interpretations. In developing Slavic Native Faith, practitioners draw upon the primary sources about the historical religion of Slavic peoples, as well as elements drawn from later Slavic folklore, official and popular Christian belief and from non-Slavic societies. Among these foreign influences have been beliefs and practices drawn from Hinduism , Buddhism , Zoroastrianism , Germanic Heathenry , Siberian shamanism , as well as ideas drawn from various forms of esotericism . Other influences include documents like
39744-454: The thunder god Perun or the supreme God ( Rod ), expressing itself as power of birth and reproduction, in its various forms (whether Triglav, Svetovid, Perun and other gods) and were still carved in folk traditions of the Russian North up to the nineteenth century. The contemporary design of the kolovrat as an eight-spoked wheel was already present in woodcuts produced in the 1920s by
39951-399: The thunder god Perun or the supreme God ( Rod ), expressing itself as power of birth and reproduction, in its various forms (whether Triglav, Svetovid, Perun and other gods) and were still carved in folk traditions of the Russian North up to the nineteenth century. The contemporary design of the kolovrat as an eight-spoked wheel was already present in woodcuts produced in the 1920s by
40158-410: The traditional stance practitioners of Rodnovery take on sexual ethics by extension leads the Rodnovers to promote "anti-feminist" and "anti-LGBTQ" views in accordance with their native doctrine There is no evidence that the early Slavs ever conceived of themselves as a unified ethno-cultural group. There is an academic consensus that the Proto-Slavic language developed from about the second half of
40365-410: The traditional stance practitioners of Rodnovery take on sexual ethics by extension leads the Rodnovers to promote "anti-feminist" and "anti-LGBTQ" views in accordance with their native doctrine There is no evidence that the early Slavs ever conceived of themselves as a unified ethno-cultural group. There is an academic consensus that the Proto-Slavic language developed from about the second half of
40572-430: The view that men and women are fundamentally different and thus their tasks also differ. Men are seen as innately disposed towards "public" life and abstract thought, while women are seen as better realising themselves in the "private" administration of the family and the resources of the house. Rodnovers therefore reinforce traditional values in Slavic countries rather than being countercultural , presenting themselves as
40779-430: The view that men and women are fundamentally different and thus their tasks also differ. Men are seen as innately disposed towards "public" life and abstract thought, while women are seen as better realising themselves in the "private" administration of the family and the resources of the house. Rodnovers therefore reinforce traditional values in Slavic countries rather than being countercultural , presenting themselves as
40986-486: The world of bright gods, the world of mankind, and the world of dark gods. The Belobog–Chernobog duality is also represented on the human plane as the Perun – Veles duality, where the former is the principle of martiality and the latter is the principle of mystical philosophy. Triglav and Svetovid ("Worldseer") are concepts representing the axis mundi and, respectively, the three qualities of reality and their realisation in
41193-439: The world of bright gods, the world of mankind, and the world of dark gods. The Belobog–Chernobog duality is also represented on the human plane as the Perun – Veles duality, where the former is the principle of martiality and the latter is the principle of mystical philosophy. Triglav and Svetovid ("Worldseer") are concepts representing the axis mundi and, respectively, the three qualities of reality and their realisation in
41400-517: Was baptised , it was never Christianised". The movement of the Old Believers is a form of "folk Orthodoxy", a coalescence of Pagan, Gnostic and unofficial Orthodox currents, that by the mid-17th century seceded from the Russian Orthodox Church (the Raskol , "Schism"), channelling the "mass religious dissent" of the Russian common people towards the Church, viewed as the religion of the central state and
41607-414: Was baptised , it was never Christianised". The movement of the Old Believers is a form of "folk Orthodoxy", a coalescence of Pagan, Gnostic and unofficial Orthodox currents, that by the mid-17th century seceded from the Russian Orthodox Church (the Raskol , "Schism"), channelling the "mass religious dissent" of the Russian common people towards the Church, viewed as the religion of the central state and
41814-548: Was adopted among Rodnovers in the 1990s—when it appeared in such forms as the Russian Neoyazychestvo and the Polish Neopogaństwo —but had been eclipsed by "Slavic Native Faith" in the 2000s. However, the prefix "neo-" within "Neopaganism" is a divisive issue among Rodnovers. Some practitioners dislike it because it minimises the continuity of indigenous pre-Christian beliefs. They regard themselves as restoring
42021-421: Was adopted among Rodnovers in the 1990s—when it appeared in such forms as the Russian Neoyazychestvo and the Polish Neopogaństwo —but had been eclipsed by "Slavic Native Faith" in the 2000s. However, the prefix "neo-" within "Neopaganism" is a divisive issue among Rodnovers. Some practitioners dislike it because it minimises the continuity of indigenous pre-Christian beliefs. They regard themselves as restoring
42228-546: Was established in the Middle Ages and these folk practices changed greatly over the intervening centuries; according to this, Rodnovers claim that they are just continuing living tradition. The concept of double belief is especially significant in Russia and for the identity of the Russian Orthodox Church and the folk Orthodoxy of the Old Believers ; in that country, it is an oft-cited dictum that "although Russia
42435-427: Was established in the Middle Ages and these folk practices changed greatly over the intervening centuries; according to this, Rodnovers claim that they are just continuing living tradition. The concept of double belief is especially significant in Russia and for the identity of the Russian Orthodox Church and the folk Orthodoxy of the Old Believers ; in that country, it is an oft-cited dictum that "although Russia
42642-423: Was originally also applied to the modern Pagan religions of non-Slavic groups—for instance, in the Polish language Lithuanian Romuva has been referred to as Rodzimowierstwo litewskie ("Lithuanian Native Faith") and Celtic Paganism has been referred to as Rodzimowierstwo celtyckie ("Celtic Native Faith"), however, "now, especially if you write [it] with the capital letter, the term is understood, first of all, as
42849-423: Was originally also applied to the modern Pagan religions of non-Slavic groups—for instance, in the Polish language Lithuanian Romuva has been referred to as Rodzimowierstwo litewskie ("Lithuanian Native Faith") and Celtic Paganism has been referred to as Rodzimowierstwo celtyckie ("Celtic Native Faith"), however, "now, especially if you write [it] with the capital letter, the term is understood, first of all, as
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