Have you ever wondered why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism? To answer the question, you should analyze the available historical information. It is known that there are few reliable sources, except legends and legends. It just so happened that Christianity won the souls of believers with a sword and fire, from which not only people perished, but also monuments of ancient culture. But something remains.
Why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism: a short answer
There are special methods for studying historical events. To understand why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism, it is necessary to consider the meaning of the terms. In our case, we should pay attention to the last word of the question. "Paganism" is translated as "people" or "nation." That is, beliefs were based on traditions that existed in those days.
Pagans are people who spiritualize everything that is on earth, from things to phenomena. They were sure: they were surrounded by living objects, possessing a will similar to that which a person has. That is why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism. Their views were contrary to Christian ones. Monotheism was alien to the people who saw higher powers in everything that surrounded them. Pagans worshiped lightning and thunder, water and wind. That is, they believed: there are many gods. Each manages his own phenomenon and helps or punishes a person. People are dominated by many higher beings. In order not to die and continue the clan, you need to negotiate with them.
By the way, pagans were, by today's standards, not only Slavs. Polytheism existed throughout Europe. These included the ancient peoples of England and Germany. In those days, man tried not to conquer nature, as now, but to harmoniously fit into its eternal rhythm, respect its laws.
Alternative point of view
We will not argue that the version below is scientific, but it should also be remembered when you find out why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism. The fact is that the first Christian priests encountered many gods of these peoples. Moreover, each tribe had their own. Some worshiped Yaril - the sun. This god was especially revered by the farmers. The tribal nobility, hunting with a sword, that is, protecting villages from raids, considered Perun to be the main thing. So called the god of thunder. It was believed that he had a powerful military force, which can not be resisted. There were tribes worshiping Svarog or Veles. In every village, the Slavic pantheon had to be studied again. This seriously complicated the task of those who carried the teachings of Christ. So they began to call people pagans, which meant "a lot of incomprehensible words."
Later this term acquired a different meaning. Pagans began to be called barbarians who have no concept of civilization. They were accused of sacrifices that are not inherent in a developed person. Perhaps the eradication of polytheism allowed society to make a breakthrough in development. But the beautiful images that lived in the minds of our distant ancestors, you see, are now lacking. Imagine walking into a nearby forest berries, asked the local kikimore for help - and there is no need to bow to every bush. Harvest himself in tuesok jumping. A joke, of course.
Another theory
There is an even more fantastic version about the name of the beliefs of the ancient Slavs. Today we know that they deified the fire, worshiped it. Many rites and traditions were associated with flame. This is logical, since in the northern latitudes the presence of heat, heating gave life. How is the fire burning? The process gives rise to flames. This version intersects and is somewhere confirmed by drawings that have survived to this day. The main god Yar was depicted in the form of a circle, on the edges of which there are tongues of flame or light. And now the illustrations in children's books with fairy tales are stylized for this image. An affectionate deity looked at people from the sky during the day, giving the opportunity to grow products, collect and store them. The Slavs lived in harmony with nature. Their beliefs were closely related to her powers. In the scientific literature there is no confirmation of the above reasoning. But no one refutes them. Therefore, you can use them in the study of the question "why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs are called paganism."
How pagan studies reflected in paganism
The peoples lived in agriculture, gathering, and hunting. Their existence depended on natural phenomena. People believed that higher beings can be appeased by a victim, attracted to their side by a special ritual. For example, in order for the harvest to be rich, you need to ask Dazhdbog about it. So that lightning did not destroy the field, they sacrificed to Perun. The Slavs had many smaller gods. Almost any glade, forest or river was protected by a higher being. Before going for a beast or fish, picking the fruits, it was necessary to ask permission. This gave rise to many traditions and ceremonies, some of which survived to this day.
For example, Maslenitsa, which is now celebrated, is a pagan holiday. It was believed that between winter and spring there is a period when the forces of darkness live among people. They need to be driven away from houses and cribs so as not to cause trouble. For this, a straw monster was burned. Or take an idea of the relationship of the sexes. Ancient Slavic philosophy in this matter is a bit like Indian. In the world there are Reality and Right. The fate of man and woman is built on their energies. They coexist harmoniously, making up a single whole. One is impossible without the other. Moreover, one cannot disperse one's life forces, otherwise a strong kind will not work. Hence the fidelity to the chosen one, characteristic of ancient peoples.
Conclusion
We will not insist that there are no other versions that logically reveal why the beliefs of the ancient Slavs were called paganism. The question is very interesting and deep. To fully cover it, you need to learn more about the peoples who inhabited the current territory of Russia. Or maybe it's better to go on an ethnographic expedition through the villages. Many inhabitants of the hinterland sacredly keep ancient traditions, retelling incomprehensible stories from mouth to mouth. In general, scientists still have work to do. The history of the ancient Slavs is full of secrets and surprises. It is interesting how much more remains to be made to the inquisitive and stubborn descendants of the ancient peoples. What do you think?