Maya


Summary page for Maya, the Slavic goddess of spring and flowers.


Deity Overview

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Pantheon:

Slavic Pantheon

Deity Of:

Spring, Flowers

Archetype:

Earth Mother: Represented the nurturing aspect of nature.

Rebirth Guardian: Oversees the cycle of renewal and growth.

Spring Bringer: Heralds the awakening of nature after winter.

Other Names (a.k.a.):

Slav: Maya (Мая)

Other Pantheons:

Roman mythology: Connected to spring celebrations alongside Saturn.

Indian mythology: Revered as a personification of Mother Nature.


Known For

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Maya embodied the spirit of spring and nature’s renewal.

Ancient Slavs, especially the Poles, revered her during early May.

She symbolized the rebirth and growth of life in springtime.

Celebrations in her honor included ritualistic spring songs and dances.

Festivals featured the decoration of a green tree as a tribute to her.

A chosen girl, representing Maya, led these springtime rituals.

The girl wore a green wreath and herb-adorned attire for the ceremonies.

Maya guided the spring welcome rituals, bringing new life to the earth.


Parentage & Lineage

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Parents:

None Known

Siblings:

None Known

Consorts:

None Known

Children:

None Known


Iconography & Artistic Depictions

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The depiction of Maya emphasized her role in nature’s rebirth.

She wore a green wreath, representing nature and renewal.

Her clothing featured herbs, highlighting connection to fertility and spring.

Rituals centered around spring time, symbolizing growth and life.

This portrayal of Maya showcased her as a bringer of new life.


Deity Attributes

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Weapons:

None Known

Sacred Animals:

None Known

Symbolism:

The green wreath symbolized goddesses’ connection to nature and spring.

Herbal decorations on clothing represented fertility and renewal.

The spring tree honored her role in the season’s arrival.

These symbols emphasized her ties to growth and blossoming life.

Celestial Associations:

None Known

Realms:

Maya governed the realm of springtime and nature’s renewal.

Her influence brought life back after winter’s dormancy.

She embodied the transformation of landscapes as flowers and greenery returned.


Worship Practices

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Worship Places:

Revered in Slavic regions, including Poland, for springtime rituals.

Celebrated by Baltic Slavs near a decorated green tree during spring.

Rituals & Divinations:

Rituals included decorating a green tree to symbolize spring’s arrival.

A chosen girl led the spring welcome ceremony. This girl was a symbolic representation of the goddess. She wore a green wreath and herb-adorned clothing.

In general the rituals among the Slavs in honor of the goddess emphasized nature’s renewal and the cycle of growth.

Festivals:

Celebrated by Slavs in early May during spring festivals.

Ritualistic round dance songs honored her and nature’s blossoming.


Mythology Themes & Mentions

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Associated with the rebirth of nature and renewal during spring.

Themes focused on the arrival of spring and nature’s awakening.

Celebrated as a symbol of growth, fertility, and new beginnings.


Explore Additional Details

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References

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  • A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) “Мая” Pages 244-245

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