Ziva

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Summary page for Ziva, the Slavic goddess of life and fertility.

Pantheon:

Slavic Pantheon

Deity Of:

Life, Fertility

Archetype:

The Earth Mother: Ziva symbolized fertility, nurturing, and the protection of all life. Slavic people saw her as source of life and sustenance.

Group:

Rozhanitsy

Other Names (a.k.a.):

Polish: Siva, Zywie

Russian: Zhiva (Жива)

Slav: Siva, Zhiva, Ziva, Živa

Ukraine: Zhiva (Жива)

Goddess of Life and Fertility:
Slavs revered Ziva as the goddess of life.
She represented vitality and opposed death.
She was the embodiment of life’s energy, supporting growth, health, and recovery.

Protector of Women and Childbirth:
She helped women in labor and those struggling with infertility.
Women offered sacrifices to Ziva, seeking her assistance in childbirth and fertility.

Symbol of Vitality and Healing:
Ziva was viewed as the source of life’s energy, bringing joy and healing.
Invoking her was believed to heal wounds and restore health.

Connection to Cuckoo Bird:
Ziva was associated with the cuckoo bird, symbolizing wisdom and agricultural guidance.
The cuckoo was seen as her manifestation and an important cultural symbol.

Physical Depiction
Ziva was often shown holding wheat, flowers, or a child. These symbols represented her role in fertility and life.
Artists sometimes depicted her with ears of grain, a flower, a grape bunch, or an apple. These items underscored her connection to agriculture and nourishment.

Archaeological Evidence
Her sculptures included small child figures. Thus, reflecting her association with fertility and protection of children.

Symbolism of the Cuckoo Bird
The cuckoo bird was seen as an embodiment of Ziva. Its behavior was linked to agricultural predictions and personal life.

Symbol of Life and Healing
Ziva symbolized the flow of life energy, vitality, and healing. She was believed to restore health and bring joy.
People saw her as a life-giving force, enabling growth, healing, and the continuation of life.

Celestial Associations:

None Known: There were no direct associations between Ziva and specific planets or constellations in the provided information.

Realms:

Iriy: People connected Ziva to the mythological realm of Iriy.
They considered this realm a paradise or otherworldly place in Slavic beliefs.
Slavic people believed the cuckoo bird, representing Ziva, had access to Iriy.

Worship Places:

Živets: Ziva was venerated at Živets, a specific location dedicated to her worship. This site was central to her reverence in the Slavic tradition.

Rituals & Divinations:

Sacrifices by Infertile Women: Infertile women offered sacrifices to Ziva, seeking her aid in overcoming their inability to conceive. Women believed Ziva assisted in childbirth and ensured fertility.

Assistance in Childbirth: Women in labor also made offerings to Ziva, hoping for a safe delivery and support during childbirth.

Cuckoo Bird Prophecies: The cuckoo bird, associated with Ziva, was considered a prophet. Its calls were used to predict agricultural success and personal fortunes.
If the cuckoo sang early in the season, people believed it foretold a year of scarcity.
If the cuckoo sang before other birds, they saw it as a bad omen for the summer.

Festivals:

Seasonal Observances:
Although people did not detail specific festivals for Ziva, seasonal customs related to the cuckoo bird and agricultural practices reflected her influence.
The arrival and behavior of the cuckoo marked important times for planting and harvesting.

Life-Giver: Slavic people linked Ziva to the fertility cult and saw her as the ancestor of all life. They considered her the mother of the human race and all living creatures.

Transformation into a Cuckoo: Believers thought Ziva appeared as a cuckoo, a bird connected to prophecy and cultural beliefs. They honored and protected the cuckoo bird in her name, reflecting Ziva’s prophetic and mystical aspects.

Healing and Vitality: People believed that prayers to Ziva brought healing and restored joy and vitality. They associated her presence with health and the restoration of well-being.

Divine Family and Relationships: Ziva was the daughter of Svarog, wife of Dazhbog, and mother to Slavic ancestors.

• J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
• A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) Жива, Page 223
• Yaromir Slushni, All Slavic Myths and Legends (Russian) Все славянские мифы и легенды (ACT, Moscow, 2021) Page 6
• Mayevska Svitlana Vasilivna, Pantheon of Slavic Gods (Ukrainian) Презентація ПАНТЕОН СЛОВ’ЯНСЬКИХ БОГІВ – ТО НАШЕ НЕБО. (Na Urok (Ukrainian) «НА УРОК», April 01)
• Editors of Drevnerusskiy Slovar, Жива (Drevenrusskiy Slovar (Russian) Древнерусский словарик, 2010-2024)