The topic of our article today is the significance of the forest for Old Russian man. This is for us, residents of the twenty-first century, it may seem just a place for a picnic. And in those distant years, everything was different.
Material value
The importance of the forest for Old Russian people is difficult to overestimate. This is exactly what made it possible to live. We will not talk about photosynthesis and oxygen production, about air purification. About that then they could only guess. We will talk about practical value, without which the inhabitant of Ancient Russia could not do.
The forest has been a source of many resources. It:
- Food is the first thing that comes to mind. Under the emerald tent, our distant ancestors found food. At first it was edible roots, and then they learned to pick mushrooms, berries, fruits. In the hollows of old trees, bees swarmed, which produced honey. Bortniki (people who hunted for this particular sweet product) were always held in high esteem. Also in the forest lived wild animals and birds, which were a source of meat, eggs. Water from the springs not only quenched thirst, but also treated various diseases.
- Building materials. Of course, our ancestors from time immemorial used clay for the construction and production of household items. But wood products were stronger, stronger, more durable. In addition, they heated their homes with wood, and on fire they cooked food.
Spiritual meaning
Our ancestors paid great attention to the highest values, not only material ones. The spiritual significance of the forest is also great for Old Russian people (Grade 3 is the time when students study this topic). In his understanding, he was home not only to people, but also to gods and spirits. Many ceremonies were associated with the forest; most of the plots of fairy tales and epics unfold there. But for man, the forest was also fraught with danger, so they cared for him, feared him, but were grateful to him. Is such a relation to the forest in modern man?
Often people who lost their home, hid in it from someone, looked for shelter in it. They fled from villages during the invasions of nomads, they set up traps for enemies in it. Thickets of forest allowed to attack an animal or a person, while remaining safe. That was the significance of the forest for Old Russian man.