Summary page for Zivot, the Slavic god of life, spring, and natural prosperity.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Life, Spring, Natural Prosperity
Archetype:
Protector of life. Guardian of human well-being. Nature’s caretaker and life-giver.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Russian: Zhiv (Жив), Zhivot (Живот)
Slav: Zhivot, Zhiv, Zhivoy, Ziv, Zivot
Other Pantheons:
Paralleled with Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
Revered as the giver and preserver of life.
Honored as one of the foremost deities by the Polyan Slavs.
Worshipped as the supreme ruler of the Universe.
Associated with spring, nature’s renewal, and flourishing life.
Believed to turn into a cuckoo in spring to foretell seasons and lifespans.
Had temples dedicated to his worship among the Slavic people.
Parents:
None Known
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Zivot was symbolically associated with the cuckoo bird.
Slavs believed he transformed into a cuckoo in spring.
The cuckoo symbolized life cycles, seasons, and lifespan.
The cuckoo likely influenced symbolic representations of Zivot in Slavic art.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
The cuckoo bird was Zivot’s sacred animal.
Symbolism:
The cuckoo symbolized life cycles, seasonal change, and lifespan.
The bird’s call was believed to predict a person’s remaining years.
Offerings were made when the cuckoo was heard in spring.
Celestial Associations:
No known associations with celestial bodies like stars, planets, or the moon. The universe as a whole was his dominion.
Realms:
Zivot ruled as the supreme deity of the Universe.
He held cosmic authority over all existence and life.
Worship Places:
Polyan Slavs: Zivot had dedicated temples among the Polyan Slavs.
Mount Zhivitsa: A temple on Mount Zhivitsa was named after Zivot. Large crowds gathered at Mount Zhivitsa in early May to pray for happiness and blessings.
* Mount Zhivitsa, is described in the Prokosz Chronicle as a place where a temple was dedicated to Zivot. It appears to be either renamed or a symbolic or legendary location rather than a geographically confirmed site.
Rituals & Divinations:
Cuckoo Divination: People asked how long they had left to live by counting cuckoo calls, believed to be Zivot’s voice in bird form.
Spring Offerings: Offerings were made when the cuckoo was heard for the first time in spring, symbolizing Zivot’s connection to life and nature.
Prayers at Mount Zhivitsa: Worshippers prayed for prosperity and well-being during spring gatherings at the temple.
Festivals:
Spring Gathering at Mount Zhivitsa: Early May festival where large crowds prayed for happiness and blessings.
Offerings in Early Spring: Slavs made offerings when they first heard the cuckoo in spring, symbolizing Zivot’s presence.
Seasonal Focus: Zivot’s festivals were closely tied to spring and life renewal.
Life and Nature: Zivot was connected to life, spring, and flourishing nature.
Supreme Ruler: He was the supreme ruler of the Universe, overseeing cosmic order.
Preservation: Zivot protected and preserved life and well-being.
Spring Renewal: His mythology centered around the renewal of life in spring.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- G. Glinka, V. Zhukovskiy, A. Gilferding, Slavyanskaya Mifologia (Beliy Gorod, 2020) ЖИВОТ, Page 28
- A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) Жив, Pages 222-223