The material and spiritual significance of the forest for the ancient Russian people

The theme of our today's article is the importance of the forest for the Old Russian man. This to us, the inhabitants of the twenty-first century, it may seem just a place for a picnic. And in those early years everything was different.

Material value

The value of the forest for the ancient Russian people can not be overestimated. This is exactly what allowed to live. We will not talk about photosynthesis and oxygen production, about air purification. About this then only could guess. We will talk about the practical value, without which the inhabitant of Ancient Rus could not do.

The forest was the source of many resources. It:

• Food is the first thing that comes to mind. Under the emerald tent our distant ancestors found food. At first they were edible roots, and then they learned to collect mushrooms, berries, fruits. In the hollows of old trees swarmed bees, which produced honey. Bortniki (people who hunted for this sweet product) have always been in high esteem. And in the forest there lived wild animals and birds, which were the source of meat, eggs. Water from springs not only quenched thirst, but also treated various diseases.
• Building materials. Of course, our ancestors from time immemorial used clay for the construction and production of household items. But wood products were stronger, stronger, more durable. In addition, they heated their dwellings with firewood, they cooked food on fire.

Spiritual meaning

Our ancestors paid much attention to higher values, not only material values. The great and spiritual significance of the forest for the ancient Russian man (3 rd class is the time when schoolchildren study this topic). In his understanding, he was home not only for people, but also for gods and spirits. Many rites were associated with the forest, most of the stories of fairy tales and epics unfold there. But for man, the forest was also dangerous, so he was cared for, feared, but grateful. Is this attitude towards the forest of modern man?

Often people sought refuge in it, who lost the house, hid in it from someone. In it, they fled from the villages during the invasions of nomads, in it they set up traps for the enemies. Forest thickets allowed attacking an animal or a person, remaining safe. This is the meaning of the forest for the ancient Russian people.