Lada is a goddess of a marriage and family life.
Lada is a tutelary goddess of feminine.
Lada is Slavic Venus, goddess of love, beauty and charm.
All beloved named Lada in Russia.
The spring maiden Lada is the Slavic goddess of love and beauty. She returns from the Underworld at the Vernal Equinox, bringing the lark and the springtime with her.
In Slavic countries, birds were thought to bring the Spring with them when they returned on March 9, the holiday of Strinennia. On this day, people make clay images of larks, smear their heads with honey and decorate them with tinsel. Special cakes are also made in the shape of birds, which is thought to ensure their return.
Dressed in a gown of greenery and pregnant with her daughter Lelya, Lada welcomes the birds and restores joy and hope to our souls.
Holiday: Sechslauten (Switzerland)
Themes: Spril; Protection; Overcomming, Kinship; Energy; Joy
Symbols: Birch; Bells
About: Lada bursts forth from her winter hiding place today in full Slavic costume and dances with joy, grateful for spring’s arrival. As Lada moves, her skirts sweep away sickness and usher in the earth’s blossoming beauty. She bears a burch tree and flowers to honor the earth’s fertility and to begin planting anew.
To Do Today: This spring festival is overflowing with Lada’s vibrancy and begins with the demolition of a snowman, symbolic of winter’s complete overthrow. If you live in a region where there is no snow, take out an ice cube and put flowering seeds atop it. Let it melt , then plant the seed with “winter’s” water to welcome Lada back to the earth.
Bells ring throughout this day in Switzerland to proclaim spring and ring out any remaining winter maladies and shadows. Adapt this by taking a handheld bell (you can get small ones at craft stores) and ringing it in every room of the house, intoning Lada’s revitalizing energy. Or just ring your door bell, open the door and bring in some fresh flowers as a way of offering Lada’s spirit hospitality.
Finally, wear something with a floral print today or enjoy a glass or birch beer. Better still, make birch beer floats so the ice cream (snow) melt amid Lada’s warmth, bringing that transformation power into you as you sip.
Sources: By Patricia Telesco ~ From "365 Goddess" April 24
