The symbol of the sun. "Solar" deities of different nations of the world

The sun is the source of life and fertility. Mankind has long worshiped the luminary, warming the Earth, giving light and joy to beings inhabiting the planet. Therefore, almost every nation had its own authentic symbol of the sun, which was worshiped and brought gifts.

Kolovrat

In Russia, the so-called cross with bends. Kolovrat - a symbol of the sun among the Slavs, which our ancestors interpreted as "Solstice", or simply "rotation". His image in the form of an ornament was often put on the iconostases and altars of temples, robe and national costumes, military weapons and banners of the squad, roofs of houses and household utensils. Even to this day, fragments of these paintings have been preserved: they can be seen in the ancient churches of Novgorod, Kiev and Chernigov. And the excavations of Slavic settlements and burial mounds indicate that many cities had a distinct kolovrat shape, the rays of which indicated the four directions of the world.

The symbol personified the Yarilo-Sun, the change of timesyears and everlasting light. He was the guardian force for people, protection from the demons of hell and human aggression. No wonder the sign was drawn on the red shields of courageous warriors who went to mortal combat. Kolovrat caused panic in the opponents of Rus, so for many centuries our valiant ancestors successfully resisted the invasions of other peoples and tribes.

Pagan god of the sun

He had four roles depending on the season:

1. Sun-baby Kolyada. Winter light, weak and defenseless. Born in the early morning after the December night solstice.
2. Sun-youth Yarilo. A stronger star appearing on the day of the vernal equinox.
3. Sun-husband Kupaylo. A mighty star that rolled out into the sky at the summer solstice.
4. Sun-old man Svetovit. An aging and wise luminary, which marks the day of the autumnal equinox.

As you can see, the sun symbol constantly appeared inthe calendar of our ancestors, indicating not only the change of seasons, but also astronomical phenomena. These four days were important pagan holidays, during which the Slavs arranged dances and feasts, offered sacrifices to the gods, and praised them with ceremonial songs. In addition, the star constantly appeared in other rituals. For example, it is a symbol of Shrovetide. The sun during the wires of winter was embodied in the form of pancakes: thus, our ancestors called on the star to wake up and warm the Earth.

Eagle

If the ancient Slavs main guardian of manSince the kolovrat and the Shrovetide symbol of the sun were present during the conduct of numerous rites, solar signs were not so widespread among other nations of the world. Of course, the light was revered all over the world, but only Rusichi everywhere painted his image: starting from houses, ending with small household objects. They also believed that the symbol of the sun is the eagle. But even more the cult of this proud bird was worshiped in Greece and China.

These peoples have chosen the eagle not by chance: his flight, life under the clouds were always illuminated by the rays of the sun. People believed that the bird was a messenger of the gods, so it can fly to the star and even merge with it. The eagle symbolized the height and strength of the spirit, which can soar into the sky. If he painted among lightning and thunder, he pointed to the courage and ability to overcome any difficulties. In addition, Homer argued that the bird holding the snake with its claws is a symbol of victory.

Symbols of the sun in other nations

The light was especially revered by Indians who livedin the territory of Peru and Mexico. Like the Slavs, the Greeks and the Chinese, they worshiped the eagle: its feathers often adorned their hats, endowing a person with a certain status and granting him protection. In addition, the Incas depicted a star in the form of a man with a golden face of a disc-shaped form, while the Aztecs associated him with the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. Another Indian symbol of the sun is the same kolovrat, which has several differences from the Slavic one: it was painted in the shape of a wheel, a swastika, a circle surrounded by rays or a simple disk.

Residents of Indonesia, the symbol of the luminary was considered a catmuzzle. In the USA, the sun was depicted with a sly look in its eyes, and in Mallorca - sad. In Spain, they believed that the moon was the progenitor of a star, the Malays had two luminaries as spouses, and in Russian folklore they were sisters. In Japan, the ancient symbol of the sun - chrysanthemum. And the Egyptians luminary associated with a scarab. The ancient sun god, Khepri, was depicted here as a beetle, rolling a heavenly body through the clouds.

"Solar" deities

In Greece, Helios was considered as such, in the very nameof which the radiance of the rays and the flames of fire were already felt. Often he was depicted as a mighty handsome young man: his eyes sparkled, his hair fluttered in the wind, covered with a golden helmet or crown. Every morning he appeared in the sky in a solar chariot drawn by four winged horses.

The Romans symbol of the sun - the god Apollo, the patron saint of light, art, science and agriculture. His arms — arrows — were depicted in the form of sunlight.

As for the ancient Persians, their embodiment of the luminary was Mithra. He was painted in the form of a stream of light that connects people with darkness.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god was Ra,presented in the form of a man, a huge cat or an eagle, whose head was crowned with a star. The summer drought and heat considered him anger sent to people for their sins.

As you can see, the Sun is revered from time immemorial. Nowadays, he is also worshiped: in different countries of the world they even open museums dedicated to this star.