Mythological foundations of fairy tales
The uniqueness of Russian fairy tales lies in the fact that they combine pagan and Christian ideas about the world around them. Paganism is the people's fictional conception of the universe. It is associated with the deification of various forces of nature: fire, water, earth, animals, plants, heavenly lights. All this is widely reflected in fairy tales. Time and place are sometimes uncertain in a fairy tale, just as they are in myths. A fairy tale is full of motifs that contain a belief in the existence of an "otherworldly world" and the possibility of return from there. Old Russian culture turns to the inner world of man. It is characterized by "an emphasis not so much on knowing the world as on understanding it, extracting human meaning, comprehending the laws of human moral life. Heroes of fairy tales do not remake the world, but with the help of the elements, animals, birds, heavenly lights find personal happiness.
Omen about the white feather of a bird and the black one
Found a feather - pay attention to its color.
Light feathers are symbols of happiness and good luck. If you have found such a feather, weave from leaves, grass and branches an amulet in the form of a wreath and place the feather in the center. Keep such amulet in your house - it will help to keep it cozy, make family relations strong, help in all endeavors and protect from negative influences. Even in magic, white feathers are used exclusively for good deeds.
Also, omens say that the white feathers of the bird help to protect against the evil eye - sew them on clothes or put in earrings. Because of the white color, they can dissipate negative energy. With the help of such feathers can be released from quarrels and misunderstandings in the family.
A feather of the color of night (usually a raven) means wisdom, courage, longevity. Keep it on your desk, among your documents - it will be useful to you, it will help you to make the right decision and bring you good luck in business. In addition, you can use black feathers to ask for help from the dark forces, but it will not be easy for you as a common person to cope with them. Usually, such feathers are used in black magic when you want to cast a spell.
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If you have found a black feather of a bird at a cemetery, near your gate or, even worse, on a threshold of your house, omens say that you must not pick it up and bring it into the house in any case. If you find such a find, be sure to perform the ritual of purification: put the feather in a handkerchief, tie a red thread and take it outside with words: "The evil one harbors a grudge, kill me, I do not wish harm to anyone, only cleanse myself from blackness. As it came to me, so passed by!". Then burn the feather wrapped in a shawl, scatter the ashes in the wind. After the ritual, be sure to wash your hands with tap water and, to strengthen the effect of purification, shake a drop from your hands behind the doorstep.
A feather of mixed or spotted color is neutral, has both positive and negative effects. Magic uses it with different purposes - good and evil. If a feather of a bird is painted, for example, in gold color, then the omens say that by that you will set it up to attract wealth to your home.
A feather of a wild bird of non-uniform color will serve you as an amulet which will help to find a way in life and to fulfill dreams. For this purpose, it is necessary after the sun has set, to spread a new handkerchief on a table which was cleaned, even from a tablecloth, to stretch it out and put a feather on it, to put two lighted wax candles on each side. Place a third candle near each burning candle, thus obtaining a double flame.
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Now take a feather in your left hand and a candle with a double flame in the other. In a clockwise direction, go around the kitchen, then follow to the front door and come back. Tie the handkerchief with the feather in a knot by opposite ends. Thus, you will have a knotted amulet, which should be always carried in your pocket or kept in the house.
True beliefs that will help to correctly explain the omen:
- If the feather of a bird is dark, it means that a spoilage has been brought upon the house;
- If the feather is broken - you will lose money or authority;
- If you found a feather under your bed, everyone will soon find out your secrets;
- a feather of dark color, which you found at a crossroads, can be used in a ritual to attract profits.
A feather of a bird found on a window brings significant changes in the family. Thank the bird by pouring some grains on the windowsill.
Birds of fire in mythology
From the earliest times, birds have been mediators between heaven and earth among many different peoples. A researcher of Slavic mythology P. Troshchin suggests that originally "sky" and a huge bird "eagle" were denoted by the same word among the Slavs. In ancient times, there was a belief that after every ten years, the eagle is thrown into the flames, then into the sea wave, and again regains his youth. The Khanty considered a sacred tree on which eagles nested for several years in a row". The ancient Slavs considered a falcon to be the first bird and the first god of the world. According to legends, it was the falcon bird that brought fire to earth - a spark from the sun, and from the lighting of the tree on earth appeared heavenly fire. "The cock was revered by the pagans as a bird dedicated to Perun and the hearth, and at the same time an emblem of happiness and fertility," writes Afanasyev. The image of the Firebird dates back to the image of the Sacred Bird - the Fiery Herald of the Gods. On Russian folk cups of 18 - 20 centuries. The Firebird can often be seen depicted in the image of the Fiery - Firebird, the Irian Heraldess, somewhat reminiscent of the peacock. The Firebird represented fire, the sun, and creativity.
The feather of the phoenix
The phoenix is a bird of which legends are told, so a tattoo can greatly influence a person's life. The feather of this bird is a symbol of victory, happiness and eternal uplift in affairs. Such a tattoo means eternity and new strength to fulfill all desires.
Feather" tattoo will become a bright decoration of the body, as well as bring good luck and all the best.
The bright image of the Firebird
This research work is based on the texts of Russian folk tales, recycled by A.N. Afanasiev, a fairy tale by P.P. Ershov "Hunchback Horse".
How is The Firebird described in fairy tales? The verbal description of the Firebird by eyewitnesses is as follows: "bright, rare, flying through the air, glowing, shimmering with different lights," etc. - What is not a peacock? Peacocks were known at princely courts. Such birds were imported from the East. But why was this little-known to the common people bird so popular among the people? What caused her deification? And why is she called "Fire"-that is, "burning coal"? The Firebird?
It is not only the peacock that falls under all the descriptions of the Firebird. All of these characteristics are descriptions of ... ball lightning. Such a "bird" flying through the air, glowing and shimmering with lights, was well known among the people. They knew it and feared it.
One of the Firebird's bad habits was to leave circles of fallen crops in the field. Judging by Russian fairy tales, since ancient times peasants watched the villain. However, from the frightened guards, except for vague descriptions whether ZHAR-bird, or SHAR-bird, nothing could be achieved. "Fiery red and golden feathers, wings like tongues of flame, and eyes sparkling like diamonds..." Despite its blinding light, it has long been observed that the Firebird gives off neither smoke nor heat.
The name Firebird was given by the color of its plumage. The word fever in the turn is an old form of the adjective used as a definition. It is formed from zharkiy "fiery, ore-yellow" or "red-yellow, orange," that is, it originally had a color meaning. In the tale, the coloring of the Firebird is golden, and the golden cage, beak, and feathers. The symbolism here is obvious: the Firebird is the solar bird, the sky is the home of the Sun, and gold is the metal of the Sun.
In fairy tales, the Firebird acts as a kidnapper. It feeds on rejuvenating golden apples which give eternal youth, beauty and immortality, and are of the same importance as the living water. Perhaps that is why it was believed that her singing heals people.
Both in Yershov's tale and in the folk tale "The Firebird and Vasilisa the Princess" the hero picks up the feather of the Firebird, thus he breaks the prohibition.
What is the prohibition that the hero broke? Where does the wonder bird live and why can not everyone get there?
In the Russian fairy tale, the bird lives in the garden behind a stone wall, which is the boundary between "our" and "other's" worlds. In P. P. Ershov's fairy tale, the Firebird lives in the garden of the Tsar Maiden, in the kingdom of Thirty. This kingdom is a fabulously rich land, dreamed of in ages past. The Tsar Maiden lives in a fabulous golden palace, a motif also taken from folklore, or rather the period of pagan beliefs about the palace of the god Yarila. Ershov captured and embodied in his "fairy tale" the very essence of popular culture, which is connected with early pagan and later Christian beliefs.
The Firebird is created by popular imagination from notions of heavenly fire-flame, and its radiance is as blinding to the eyes as the sun or lightning. Its unusual fiery color indicates that it belongs to another, non-human world, so it was impossible to pick up the feather of the Firebird. "That" world is precisely "that light," the world of the dead. The main participant in the events of the fairy tale is a hero because he manages to return from where no one else returns.
But not everyone is given the Firebird in his hands. Why does the third son get help in the fairy tale? What do we know about him? In fairy tales, they are the youngest sons in the family. The older sons would marry, get their share, and leave the family, while the younger sons would stay with the elders. They were left with that part of the inheritance which belonged not even to the father, but to the whole clan, in a word, that which was connected with the ancestors.
Also interesting is the attachment of the youngest son to the Furnace, which is found in many magical tales. According to ancient beliefs, the Furnace, the home Hearth, is the basis and symbol of the Home and the ancestral well-being. So, to go to the "other" world and return from there, allowed only to those who are originally connected with parents and ancestors, it is he who is given a magical helper. But the main character also succeeds thanks to his personal qualities. In his search for the Firebird, the hero of the tale overcomes his fear and doubts, makes mistakes, but still goes forward and achieves his goal. He is rewarded not only with a magic horse and the Firebird, but also with a beautiful tsarina and a kingdom in addition. Even his appearance changes: he becomes handsome and fit. To the characters of fairy tales, bodily health helps elements, spiritual health - Firebird feather - the fire of joy, creativity, power. So, the study showed that in Russian folk and author's fairy tales the image of the Firebird represents good power and is a symbol of good luck, victory, embodies human dreams of happiness, is given in the hands of only a good man.
Peacock feather
The most beautiful tattoo imaginable. The peacock feather brings good luck, happiness, and attracts wealth. This image is sure to bring positive changes to its owner. It is a symbol of luxury, because the peacock is one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
What does the amulet protect from?
This amulet protects us from everything dark and evil. Many of our illnesses have an energetic root. If the house has a bad climate, then children and pets get sick. In such a house come problems, troubles. It is necessary to normalize the situation. These Slavic amulets look very beautiful. Today you can buy yourself a handmade bird. It is believed that it will protect from:
- Frequent illnesses in children and adults.
- Losses, robbery, and loss.
- From fires.
- Spoilage, evil eye, curses.
- Keep unwanted guests away.
If you feel that someone is trying to steal your husband or wife, making a curse, be sure to buy this amulet. It needs to be properly activated. This is a light fire magic, which will stand guard over your peace and well-being.
The bird of a pinecone
Very often women feel malfunctions - the husband stays at work longer than usual, is absent-minded, nervous, cannot stay at home for a long time. All this can be a symptom of a spell. This magical influence can seriously ruin your life.
Hang a fever bird at home - all negative influences will stop. The solar energy will burn them out of your life. A talisman will also help if your children are often ill. The presence of a warm living energy of a tree at home is beneficial to health. Some people call it the bird of happiness. This is really true.
Screenings of
Vladimir Samsonov released a cartoon about the Firebird in 1984. The story told by the director did not differ from the plot of Alexei Tolstoy's fairy tale about Ivan the Tsarevich and the catching of the Firebird.
A still from the cartoon "How to Catch the Feather of the Firebird".
Václav Vorlíček made a film called The Firebird in 1997. In the Czech film, the villain Skeleton appeared instead of Koschei, Ivan-Tsarevich was replaced by Prince Afron, and the Firebird was embodied by means of pictures. She appeared in a few shots and was present in the film nominally.
The modern world of fairy tales, with which Russian children get acquainted, is very different from the Soviet one. Directors Georgy Gitis and Vyacheslav Plotnikov in 2013 released the cartoon How to Catch the Feather of the Firebird, with Ivan Tsarevich as the main character.
Interesting Facts
- In 1984 the film ballet "The Firebird" to the music of Igor Stravinsky appeared on television. The plot about the bird, personifying the Sun God, was very popular in the theater. It premiered in 1910, choreographed by Mikhail Fokin. In the first ballet, the part of the Firebird was danced by Tamara Karsavina.
The dome of the Grand Opera
- In 1994, the famous ballet dancer Andris Liepa released The Return of the Firebird, a film combining three ballets: Schaherezade, The Firebird and Petrushka.
- The Firebird is depicted by Marc Chagall on the dome of the famous Grand Opéra in Paris.
- The image of the bird is familiar to heraldists, as the character is present on the coats of arms of Russian cities and princedoms. Its image is popular in thematic areas of applied art. The bird is often drawn on matreshkas, objects decorated with Khokhloma or Gzhel painting.
History of the character
Russian folk tales introduce readers to magical creatures with incredible abilities and a curious biography. Such characters include Chudo-Yudo, Konyok-Gorbunok and the Firebird. The myth of the latter is fascinating, as it is similar to the legend of the Phoenix bird, known from the mythology of foreign countries. The appearance of the bird resembles that of a peacock. The feathery bird itself is of medium size, and its torso is adorned with a chic tail the size of a peacock.
Meaning for women
Changing the old period of life to a new one for girls means a lot, and the tattoo, which literally means rebirth, the next stage of life, will help in this. The iconic image will stir up memorable memories, will remind of the line of the brink, after which she betrayed a significant transformation, physical or psychological.
A good tattoo will greatly transform, decorate the person, and the bright, saturated shades of gold and red colors of the picture will add uniqueness, originality. Can serve as a kind of talisman, protecting against trouble, misfortune, failure. Tattoo will bring more confidence, mystery, will add zest. Another reason for the choice may be the characteristics of the girl as a person persistent, wise, able to overcome any obstacles.
