Ljavkov3

STUDIA MYTHOLOGICA SLAVICA
| Znanstvenoraziskovalni center SAZU

STUDIA MYTHOLOGICA SLAVICA 3, 2000

Ernst Ljavkov, Aljaksandr Karabanav, Ljudmila Dučyc, Edvard Zajkovski, Valerij Vinakurav:

The Cult Stones in Belarus

Abstract

Informations about cult stones on the territory of Belarus can be found in the written sources dated as early as the sixteenth century. From the end of the 18th and especially by the turn of the 20th century the researchers paid attention to evidences of such kind.
Among the stones prominence is given to such types as: stones with footprints, stones for protection, officinal- and treasure-stones, petrified people and animals and others. The stones are known under the following names: the God's footprint, the Holy stone, Volas, Dazhdzboh (Rain-God), Kapavischcha (Sanctuary), Forefather, and others. The Stones-Tailors and Stones-Cobblers are characteristic for the territory of Belarus exclusuvely. According to the tradition, the stones-Tailors sewed clothes, and the Stones-Cobblers made boots.
Even today people make sacrifice of money, flowers, apples) to many of these stones.

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