Our ancestors used dolls as amulets every day - they placed them in the house, took them with them on hunts, asked for help during childbirth... This list can be continued for a very long time. Making amulets was considered a ritual activity and required special preparation.
And today, ancient Slavic amulets have not lost their relevance, since their magical properties really help solve any situation.
In Slavic families, such a protective amulet was mandatory - the doll turned into a real family member. They respected her, dressed her smartly and talked to her. It is important to remember that reels are made exclusively from natural materials - they are associated with natural energy.
Joy Bird
Joy Bird
- a ritual doll that was used to attract Spring. In order for Spring to come, at the beginning of March, married women, who were the main characters in the ritual, and young girls put on bright clothes and went beyond the edge of the village to call for spring. They wore hats in the shape of birds, decorated with fur trims and feathers, that is, the women themselves appeared in the form of birds, because they believed that Spring flies on the wings of a bird.
There was even such a sign - if a bird lands on a woman’s head, hand or shoulder, then she will be blessed with good luck and happiness all year long.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
This doll makes a woman feel her purpose and attractiveness. It is made using birch logs.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Tatyana Bereznaya shows a master class on making a motanka doll “Bird of Joy”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suetn5mfr9Q
Lovebirds - folk wedding doll
Wrap the stick in white cloth and secure it with thread at the edges.
A twisted piece of fabric for a girl is folded over a stick. Secure it to a stick with threads. Then the head and body are formed with a thread. All that remains is to decorate.
Male doll. The flap is rolled into a tube and secured to a stick in the form of legs. Boots and pants are worn on the legs. Then a shirt and a hat.
Lovebirds for newlyweds
Doll-Veduchka or Leading to Life
Veduchka
was always made by a woman who wanted to be a good mother, always wanted to understand what her child wanted and raise him correctly. This doll has a special structure: the hands of mother and child are a single whole. This twist symbolizes unity, close connection, love and closeness between mother and child.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
The mother needs to make the Veduchka doll for her child herself, with her own hands, so that the amulet has more power and protects him more reliably. And any mother who has at least basic sewing skills can make such a doll.
The folk doll-motanka VEDUCHKA can be made according to the master class from the 4preschool :
How to sew a beautiful fabric doll: instructions for beginners
For beginning craftsmen, there is a short plan for making dolls:
- Prepare blanks for the future doll using templates.
- Transfer the marks onto the fabric with a pencil using a 1cm seam allowance.
- Attach the limbs to the body with thread.
- Connect the halves first with a basting, then with a machine. There is no stitching at the bottom.
- The torso and limbs are filled with rags and cotton wool.
- Sew up the open hole.
- Face and hair. They don't give the doll a face. Spirits enter through the eyes.
- Lastly, clothes.
Odolen-Grass
Amulet doll Overcome-Grass
carries with it a special sign of the Sun - a solar symbol.
It is believed that all sun signs are very strong protectors. Therefore, our ancestors respected this amulet! It is also called the Double Sign of Fire, which is a very important and most important Slavic talisman, because it protects a person from all sorts of diseases and misfortunes. The Slavs dedicated the Odolen-Grass amulet to God Svarog and the Rainbows.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
The effect of the amulet increases when a child laughs or some good deeds are accomplished. It was believed that the Odolen-Grass doll was capable of removing the “evil charm” from a person; in this regard, there was always a special attitude towards him in Rus'!
To enhance the effect of the “Odolen-Grass” amulet, they say:
“Talisman of the Overpowering Grass, help me defeat evil people, so that they don’t think badly of me, so that they don’t wish evil, so that they don’t do evil! Slavic amulet Odolen-Grass, help me take away all the sidelong glances, bad words, and bad deeds!”
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Column
Birch is one of the most revered trees in Rus'. In traditional wedding ritual songs, the bride girl is depicted in the image of a white birch tree. In Russia, the birch tree symbolizes only the feminine principle. In Central Russia, girls had a tradition on February 14 (February 1, old style) to “make wishes for the groom” using a birch bark doll. The cherished name of the betrothed was written on birch bark.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that in the Vladimir villages they so diligently and carefully wound modest but such cute Stolbushka dolls onto birch bark tubes. Apparently, this name was given to the doll due to the similarity of its main part to a column. But perhaps there are other, deeper roots for the appearance of such dolls.
Researchers describe many games of village youth, which were called Stolbushki. In some of them, the indispensable attributes were things or crafts made by the girls during gatherings before Christmas. The base of the Vladimirskaya Column is a piece of birch bark; the base of the Kursk and Arkhangelogorodskaya pillars is a tightly twisted column of coarse fabric.
Kubyshka-Herbalist
Kubyshka-Herbalist
is a therapeutic amulet doll that helps purify the air in the house and prevent diseases. Usually it was placed in that part of the house where the air stagnated, or hung over a baby's cradle. It was necessary to crush the bag of herbs before going to bed to fill the room with aroma, and then the air would become healing and everyone would sleep better.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Actually, the body of the Herbal Pot is a bag filled with medicinal herbs. The use of the Egg Capsule depends on the herbs with which the bag is filled.
For example, if you want the doll to have a calming effect, fill it with fresh sawdust, bark, pine needles and buckwheat or motherwort, lemon balm and chamomile.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
For a small master class on how to create a Herbal Pot with your own hands, watch the video from the Development Academy:
Types of herbs and their effects
MINT
- Helps improve mental performance. There is a legend that mint is named after the goddess Menta, who personifies reason, memory and common sense. It was believed that students during exam periods or those studying philosophy, a difficult science, should wear mint wreaths. Mint contains substances that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, namely phytoncides.
LAVENDER
- has high antibacterial properties, and in addition, lavender has a pleasant aroma. It will help you get rid of severe headaches, high blood pressure, or relieve pain due to intracranial pressure.
MELISSA
- has a mild hypnotic effect, used for heart rhythm disorders (relieves cardiac arrhythmia), and also relieves nervous tremors, which some people experience at night. Melissa also lowers blood pressure and slows breathing.
St. John's wort
- used for insomnia and neurasthenia.
THYME
- has always been considered an excellent antiseptic. Thyme is also anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, bronchodilator, antispasmodic, etc. It is also used as a mild sleeping pill. Thyme is used for bronchitis and painful coughs.
ORIGIN
- has a sedative effect. It also kills microbial flora in case of sore throat.
Comparative analysis of different types of rag doll
The Slavs simultaneously made several types of dolls in one category. For example, there were 4-8 varieties of amulet dolls alone, even more of those that were used in various rituals and just for games. The play dolls were supposed to occupy the child while the parents worked or rested, and teach him to fulfill the social role assigned to him by society.
Another type of lovebirds
Both boys and girls took part in the games. The dolls with which the boys played, respectively, sowed, plowed, went after cattle, built a house and chopped wood. Young men learned all this from their fathers and older brothers, and practiced on dolls. The girls learned to sew and choose the right outfits for the whole family. Their toys cooked, washed floors, and raised children.
Note! There was actually not much difference between play and ritual Slavic dolls, as well as amulet dolls. All national dolls had a rag body, in most cases filled with herbs or grains
Their faces were not painted. The difference could only appear in clothing and method of use; the toy could also be called differently:
All national dolls had a rag body, in most cases filled with herbs or grains. Their faces were not painted. The difference could only appear in clothing and method of use; the toy could also be called differently:
- Plantain. This toy was always placed in a knapsack before a long hike. Its distinctive feature was a bundle or bag, which was filled with ash taken from the hearth or with grain. The ash and the toy itself were the key to the traveler’s safe return home, and the grain was supposed to protect him from need on the road and save the traveler from hassle.
- Spiridon Solstice. It got its name after the holiday – December 22. One of the rare “male” dolls, depicted as a man with a large wheel in his hands, symbolizing the calendar year and the cycle of the sun. Spiridon is able to add strength to a person and help him replay fate to his advantage. In Ancient Rus', Solstice was received by young men entering their adulthood.
- Happiness. A small girl in a bright dress and with a very long braid. According to the beliefs of our ancestors, hair accumulates vitality. The doll helps save the owner from misfortunes. This is a purely feminine amulet that helps preserve women’s health and give birth to beautiful and strong children.
- Mokridina. This toy was made during a drought to call for rain. Mokridina's dress was made from light fabric reminiscent of raindrops.
- Kuvadka. It is also a ritual element. Kuvadka was made by older women in the family for the future woman in labor. Its presence in the room of the expectant mother was considered mandatory. The doll protected the baby from evil forces and the evil eye.
- Fever. This toy was popularly made to attract evil spirits. Once inside the doll, the unclean spirit could not leave it and was forced to remain in the toy until it was destroyed. Fever was made in 15-100 pieces at a time and hung in a nook behind the stove. On January 15, after all the festivities were over, the dolls were removed from the strings or hooks and burned, and all evil left the house with it.
- Lovebirds. This amulet was made for family people. A lovebird is 2 pupae connected by 1 common hand. They were given as a wedding gift. After the birth of children in the family, colored ribbons were hung on the common hand according to the number of newborns.
- Herbal egg capsule. According to surviving descriptions, the herbalist protected against diseases and was represented in the form of a plump bag filled with medicinal herbs. By playing with the herbal pot, children and animals (cats, dogs) got rid of many diseases.
- Grain. Instead of herbs, the doll was filled with grain from the new harvest. The next year, during sowing, grain was removed from the doll and a plot of land was sown with it. The amulet was made to attract wealth to the house, preserve the harvest and increase the family's funds. The grain was hung from the ceiling in the barn. A modern version of the doll can be placed in the kitchen, where it will be responsible for the safety of food.
Important! Any doll made from rags, made by hand, could be turned into a talisman, a talisman, used for rituals, or given to children for games. The main thing is to treat it with care
Even with exclusively play dolls, the children tried to handle them very carefully.
Rag toy made of fabric and sticks as a base
Doll Krupenichka and Rich Man
Slavic dolls-amulets Krupenichka
and
the Rich Man
bring abundance to the family. The Krupenichka pupa is also called Zernushka, Zernovushka or Pea. Krupenichka is simple in appearance, but has great symbolic meaning, which is why it has the status of “the main doll in the house.”
The ancient Slavs' main food was porridge, which they believed provided “powerful vitality,” so the process of growing grain was given great importance. So, when sowing grain, the first grains were taken from the bag of this pupa, since they had the meaning of “the saved forces of the Earth Nurse.”
The Slavs believed that since the earth gives (gives birth) a harvest, then the image that this harvest gives is female. This means Krupenichka is in charge, and the Rich Man is at her aid.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Initially, when making Krupenichka, flax or burlap was used, and buckwheat grain was poured inside. And it was highly valued because it was rare and there was a special attitude towards it. Then, towards the end of the 19th century, they began to fill Krupenichka with millet, wheat and peas. This is where the names Zernovushka and Pea came from.
After the new harvest ripened, the doll was again filled with fresh grain, dressed up and placed in the Red Corner or in the kitchen, but always in a prominent place. Krupenichek was always given to guests or given to children to play with, because it was believed that the more people hold it, the more energy the grain inside the doll will be saturated with and then the next year will pass in prosperity for the family, they will have good luck and will not suffer from hunger. Also, charmed coins could be put into the dolls.
DelkiRu channel shows how to make a rag doll Krupenichka (Zernovushka) based on Slavic folk dolls:
Yuliana Bryl makes the Rich Man amulet:
Russian Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga
always associated with evil and deceit, an evil witch who lives in a deep forest. But that's not true! Baba Yaga is a good helper and sensible adviser. She will always tell you where to find living water or the Firebird, how to protect yourself from enemies or find loyal friends.
Baba Yaga can be a very good amulet and keeper of the hearth. It is hung on windows or doors as a talisman at home. As they say, she “let in her own people, but sweeps out strangers,” so they do it with a broom or broom.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Doll Rowan
In Rus', the rowan tree was treated with great reverence, just like the Mother! They never broke a mountain ash just like that, because they knew what strong protective qualities it had.
Therefore, the existence in Russia of such a talisman doll as Ryabinka
. It symbolizes motherhood, female wisdom, home, and is a talisman of family happiness, keeping true love from misfortune.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
The Ryabinka doll’s name day was celebrated 4 times a year, and it was made only when the fruits ripened - in the fall, on the fourth name day. A person, not knowing the true power of the rowan, a flexible and small tree, sees in its branch a symbol of Perun’s club (the rowan is the berry of the thunder god Perun.).
The amulet doll will have magical properties if it is made on a cross from rowan branches.
It will be able to relieve depression or damage from the evil eye, and protect from the energy of the dead world. To do this, you need to hang a rowan in front of or near the front door - it, like a warrior, will protect and will not allow negativity into the house.
DelkiRu channel shares a master class on creating a rag doll of Ryabinka:
How to make it yourself
Each doll has its own master class. But there are several unquestioning rules that apply to all motanks. Therefore, before you learn how to make a doll amulet with your own hands from fabric, read the basic recommendations.
Here they are:
- Never sit down to work while in a bad mood. All your negative thoughts and emotions will be transferred to the figure. If you feel tired or angry with someone, put off needlework and let it wait for a more appropriate time.
- The craftswoman must be healthy.
- The period for making amulets is the waxing moon phase. It is not recommended to work on holidays.
- Forget about cutting and stabbing objects - you won't need either scissors or needles.
- There must be an even number of nodules.
- And we repeat once again - protective dolls are made only from natural materials.
A folk doll amulet made of thread or fabric will help you get through a difficult stage of life or find your well-deserved happiness. Never doubt the power of your talisman, and magical energies will always be with you.
Alena Golovina - white witch, master of Cosmoenergetics, author of the MAGiYA website
Blessed doll
Well-being
fills the house with joy, brings prosperity and prosperity into it, and blocks the penetration of evil forces. If you want to give this amulet, then give it with wishes of well-being.
The doll must be made in one day; the process cannot be postponed to the next.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
And inside the doll you need to put a coin with the number 5, because 5 is the number of well-being in numerology.
Five-ruble coin inserted inside a doll (author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova)
The Blessed Doll can be placed in a visible place, or it can be hidden. To determine where to place the doll, you need to trust its choice.
Take the doll in your hands and stand in the middle of the room, relax and listen to yourself. Wherever your thoughts lead you, go there.
Even from a distant or hidden place, the Blessed One will always be on guard, will protect the owners of the house and take care of them, because she sits on the Bag of Happiness.
Author - Irina Kolpakova
Master class on creating a Blessed Doll:
Basic manufacturing rules
To make a healing doll “for health”, the needlewoman must adhere to the following rules:
It is important that the woman is in a good mood for this work
- The amulet is made only in a good mood with mental good wishes. If the needlewoman is not in the mood, the doll will absorb negative emotions and pass them on to the patient.
- You should not work in a hurry, as this creates nervousness and sloppiness. The Slavic talisman will not tolerate disrespect and will not help.
- You should not use Orthodox prayers when creating a doll, as this is a pagan amulet. Glorification of the deities - Beregina, Lada, Lelya or Makosh - is better suited. The patient may belong to any religion. There is no need to remove the cross or other symbol of faith.
- The face, according to traditional canons, is left clean. You can make a cross from crossed pieces of fabric to protect you from misfortunes and stop illness. Making eyes, nose or mouth is strictly prohibited, as the amulet will lose its power and dangerous otherworldly entities can move into it.
- The amulet is created in one go. It is impossible to interrupt and switch to other household chores, as well as to talk with household members. Therefore, the family is warned not to disturb the needlewoman.
Plantain pupa
plantain
- This is a ritual doll. It was given on the road so that good luck would accompany the traveler. Most often it was made by a mother for her son or a wife for her husband.
Only the one who made it and the one to whom it was made can pick up the Plantain.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
The image of the Plantain consists of a clean (white) face, like all beregin dolls, so that evil spirits cannot enter through the face, as well as a bag of grain, so that the traveler always has the opportunity to find food on the road. They could put soil taken from their native doorstep, or ash from the stove at home, into the little bag. It was believed that then a person would always be able to find his way home.
The Plantain doll is made small, about 5–7 cm in height, so that it can be conveniently placed in a pocket, backpack or bag, and maybe even in a small clutch or handbag.
Successful doll
Amulet Successful
embodies a person who is successful in any work - in the domestic or financial sphere, and can complete any work efficiently and on time. This knotted doll (motanka) is made to help in any endeavor, to promote career growth, well-being, and luck in your personal life. This is a stately, beautifully dressed, neat doll that confidently stands on its own feet. A fabric bag hangs on her shoulder - it serves as a symbol of the things that she can do.
To ensure that the work you do brings in a stable income, put a coin or bill in the Success Woman’s purse!
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Every time something goes well or you receive a monetary reward, be sure to thank the Successful Girl, share some money with her, or give her a decoration made of ribbons or beads.
Doll Thread of Fate
Doll-amulet Thread of Fate
will help get rid of sadness, melancholy and despondency. It will also bring prosperity, prosperity and good luck, and will help in any endeavors, in work and in the implementation of plans.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
If you have thought about how you live, what components are the basis of your life, have decided to look from the inside or from the outside at your behavior, your manners and comprehend all this, then the Thread of Fate doll will help. She will help you cut off everything superfluous and unnecessary and leave only what is spiritual and pure.
See what else it might look like:
Kolyada doll
Kolyada
- solar symbol. This portly woman, who is dressed in everything smart and new, she maintains good relations in the family. The Slavs believed that when Kolyada comes to the house, happiness, harmony and peace come with her.
Kolyada is an ancient Slavic holiday of the Winter Solstice, also called the holiday of the Birth of the Sun. It began 3 days after the winter solstice and lasted until the end of the winter holidays.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
On the eve of the holiday, the ritual doll Kolyada was made as a symbol of well-being, the realization of what one wanted, happiness and, moreover, a talisman against evil forces. It was believed that “God Kolyada comes into the world with light and goodness, having defeated evil and darkness.” Kolyada's fate could be different - she was either left for one year as a talisman, or burned on the last day of Christmastide.
They made carols only from new fabric and on a birch log. Birch is a tree that symbolizes light, femininity and purity, protects against the evil eye and treats melancholy. Kolyada has 2 bags in her hands - the first with grain, the other with salt. These are symbols of goodness, prosperity and fertility.
Bast doll and other crafts for Maslenitsa
A white piece of fabric is filled with rags and the head is secured to the stick with threads. A body is formed from the bast - it is tied to the neck. All extra threads are hidden. Arms and legs are also made from bast, securing them at both edges. The hands are tied to the body with the help of red threads, so they protect the owner from negativity. It is best to make a cross on your chest, which will repel strangers. In ancient times they were often sold at fairs.
Bask amulets dolls
Six Hand Doll
Six-handle
considered the patroness of women's crafts. She is an indispensable assistant for those who do needlework. The six-handle will protect your hands from fatigue and help you distribute work correctly so that you have enough energy and time to do everything. Sometimes Shestiruchka is also called Filippovka. She has a bundle of grains and coins hanging on her belt, so that everything she does with her own hands will bring profit.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Doll Kupalo
Kupalo
helps to find true and bright love, restores vitality, removes sadness and melancholy, treats depression and strengthens the bonds of marriage.
The ancient holiday - Kupala Day - is full of mysticism and omens. And the ignorant, it happened, would find the answer for himself. On a pure holiday - Kupala Day, let trouble burn with fire, And water, like a veil, hide grief forever.
Author - Anastasia Bobrovnikova
Doll Bell
Bell
considered a doll of good news. She is originally from Valdai. From this came the Valdai Bells.
Since ancient times, the ringing of a bell protected against various terrible and deadly diseases. And bells were always hung on an arc at festive troikas. The bells are dome-shaped and resemble the sun on top.
The doll has 3 skirts. They indicate that for any person there are 3 kingdoms - copper, silver and gold.
Happiness also consists of 3 parts - the body feels good, which means the soul is calm, and if the soul is calm, then the spirit is calm, which means the person is happy.
Bell is a cheerful, mischievous doll who brings joy to the home with her enthusiasm. She is a talisman of good mood. Give a bell to someone you wish joy, good mood and only good news.
Doll Ten Handles
Ten-handle
- a great helper in household chores. Women or girls made ten-handles to increase their strength in housekeeping. The doll was often given to brides as a wedding gift, and if the woman was already married, then it was given as a gift for the Filippovka holiday, which was celebrated on November 27. At the same time, they wanted housewives to succeed everywhere and in everything without wasting extra effort, figuratively speaking, having 10 hands.
The Ten-Handed doll was made for the holiday of the Intercession, on October 14th. It was made from bast wool, red threads, multi-colored ribbons and flax in strands. At the bottom of the sundress, 9 bows made of red threads were necessarily tied. The ten-handle could be made from straw or bast and then it was called Splinter.
When women made a doll, they really hoped for its help, so they put their soul, their intentions, secrets and energy into it. Consequently, the process acquired special significance.
Until the doll is completely ready, do not let it out of your hands, do not break away from the manufacturing process, and it is not even recommended to have conversations with anyone at this time! And when the Ten Handle is ready, read a prayer over it and leave it under the icon overnight.
This doll helped not only at home, but also in the field. They even took her to church to cleanse all the negativity accumulated in her. At home, Ten Hands was placed where the mistress was most often located. She was never given into the hands of strangers and children were never allowed to play with her.
Materials for making a rag Russian doll
Beginners and experienced craftsmen made toys and amulets from scrap materials. It could be:
- scraps of fabric left over from sewing clothes;
- old clothes;
- new fabric (talismans and amulets were often made from fresh, recently woven fabric);
- bunches of grass, hay, straw and tree branches;
- wooden sticks;
- medium thickness paper;
- towels;
- chumps.
The fabric was tightly rolled into a knot and the body of the doll was made in this way, or something like a bag was sewn, filling it with herbs, ash or grain. No pattern was made.
Traditional rag products in the Slavic style were mostly original, their image was not copied, each family came up with its own doll and outfit for it. There were almost never two identical toys or talismans. Ancestral dolls were especially revered; they were protected and passed on from generation to generation. If such a doll was destroyed, they tried to quickly find a replacement for it, selecting similar materials or filling for them.
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Protective products, twists
Swaddle dolls
Swaddlers
- These are protective dolls for the little ones. They were always placed in the baby's cradle so that the doll would protect against illness and the evil eye. They also helped women during childbirth.
Pelenashka, like all other amulet dolls, has no face. The Slavs believed that if a doll has its own face, then it can only protect itself, and when the doll is faceless, it protects everyone living in the house, the house itself or the specific person for whom the doll was made.
The diaper is a doll wrapped in a diaper with a scarf and a swaddle belt. Since ancient times, all children were swaddled with a swaddle; this had both practical and protective significance.
Author - Irina Drozdenko
Women made diapers in the last weeks of pregnancy, with positive thoughts about their future child, and immediately put it in the cradle so that the doll could live in it and warm it.
The size of the diaper is such that it can easily fit in a child’s hand. To create the doll, they used a piece of already worn clothing made from fabric made at home and retaining the warmth of an adult, and such fabric could also provide generic protection. No scissors or needles were used during production so as not to injure the doll.
There is a belief that before baptism a newborn must be protected from evil spirits, and Pelenashka must take upon herself all the bad things that could harm the baby.
Having put the Diaper in the cradle, you need to say: “Sleeping - insomnia, don’t play with my baby, play with this doll.”
And when relatives and friends came to look at the child, the doll was placed in the folds of a handkerchief.
When leaving, the guests said to Pelenashka: “Oh, what a good looking doll!”
After the child was baptized, the Diaper was removed from the cradle and stored along with the baptismal robe.
Types of protective dolls
The Slavs created magical dolls for all occasions. For each situation they had their own special amulet, which helped them overcome the next stage of life.
This article will discuss the most famous types of doll mascots. Perhaps some kind of amulet will sink into your soul, and you will want to make it yourself. A do-it-yourself amulet doll will become a true friend for you.
Step-by-step instructions will be described below, but now let's talk about the most popular Slavic dolls.
Bereginya
This is probably the most famous Slavic motanka. Our ancestors saw it as a family amulet, protecting against dangers and maintaining home comfort.
It is important that the warmth of the hearth never goes out - and the Bereginya doll preserves it from the gusts of the fateful wind. She will take care of the health of each family member and help cope with problems.
Every minute the protective doll keeps order in the house. Helps improve relationships between parents and children.
So that she can also be a money magnet, a bag with several coins and medicinal herbs is placed in her hands. We can say that this is a talisman doll for beginners.
Overcome-grass
Since ancient times, Odolen has been revered as a magical herb-amulet - it drives away evil spirits and attracts good luck. The magical plant helped many people recover from a terrible illness.
The sign of the Sun was hung on the neck of the motanka. Together with the magical spell of the grass, the doll served as a protective shield from all kinds of evil.
But remember that the doll always monitors the behavior of its owner. And it helps only good people who strive for development and improvement.
Manila
From the name it is clear that Manila attracts what is needed at the moment.
For example, if you want love, the doll will make sure that they pay attention to you. If your dream is good income, Manila will not leave you in trouble here either.
The main thing is not to forget to thank the doll for all the good things.
Cinderella
Dark forces are always eager to penetrate the homes of ordinary people, and we constantly need protection from them. Cinderella was made in order to drive out evil from her home.
They took some ash from the oven, mixed it with something durable (for example, dough) and formed a ball. This was the basis for the doll's head. The remaining parts were made from fabric and thread.
What is the difference between such a home amulet? Cinderella always had no hair. It was passed down from generation to generation, so you can call it a family amulet. It symbolizes the unity of the generation. Great help when moving to a new place.
Article on the topic:
Dolls in magic: the meaning of magic dolls
Herbalist
This Motanka amulet doll is necessary in every home. It protects against negativity, witchcraft, and unwanted guests.
The herbalist restores the home atmosphere and harmonizes relationships between family members. The base of the doll was stuffed very tightly, filling it with useful herbs. They were prepared and dried in advance. Occasionally the herbs were replaced with new ones to preserve the magical aroma.
Usually they placed the amulet not far from the front entrance, because this is where evil spirits enter the house. And, if there were children in the house, the Herbalist was placed next to their beds, because children are very vulnerable to damage.
Desire
The name of the doll hides the entire meaning of the protective amulet - it will make all your cherished desires come true. The defender will fulfill any of your requests, but do not overdo it - everything should be in moderation. Choose your most secret dreams and only talk about them with the doll.
Before you learn how to make a protective doll, you should know: sit down to work with pure thoughts. And while working, think about what you would like to achieve.
When you are finished, go to the mirror for a few minutes and repeat your wish again. You can read the special plot. Your mascot should have its own place. Periodically pick it up and repeat the request again.
The Slavs believed that if you turn to a doll with good intentions, then soon everything you want will come true. And when you get what you asked for, you need to burn the amulet. When throwing the Desire into the flames, thank her.
Well-being
She will attract prosperity and good luck to your abode. This is a family amulet that contributes to the prosperity of the entire home.
Together with the doll you will become richer and more successful. According to legend, she helps the young housewife cope with the children. The lucky one will drive away all evil spirits from your family. Usually you make it yourself and put a few coins inside. You can give this amulet to your loved ones for the New Year.
Pelenashka
If you look at this motanka, you will find a resemblance to a baby wrapped in a diaper. Pregnant women made this talisman. It was believed to help cope with the nine months of pregnancy and childbirth.
The finished figurine was placed in a makeshift cradle. Here she lay until the baptism of the newborn. From the day of birth until baptism, the baby is very vulnerable to otherworldly forces. Any spirit of evil can penetrate the soul of a child and take possession of it.
In the old days, Pelenashka was made without fail. A hand-made amulet doll became a reliable protector for both the expectant mother and the little child. When the doll had completed its task, it was removed to a secluded place.
If suddenly the baby was overcome by a serious illness, they took her out and put her in a children's bed.
Six-handle
Every woman knows that housework is endless and there is no escape from it. You need to cook food for the whole family, clean the house, prepare clean things... The list is endless.
Sometimes, from fatigue, the eyes close before the hostess gets to the bed. The six-hander can change this situation. It will fill women’s thoughts with new ideas, give them vigor and help them manage their time correctly.
Ten-handle
The amulet doll, called the Ten Handles, was made for the great Orthodox holiday of the Intercession. During the celebration, the figurine was thrown into the fire.
Have you already guessed that the figurine had ten arms? They were formed from various herbs. An important condition: the needlewoman decorated the apron with nine red threads. They were tied with beautiful knots.
The purpose of the magic figurine is to help the housewife. A woman lives her life in household chores: cooking, washing, ironing... How can she cope without support? The protective doll does its job perfectly.
Krupenichka
Krupenichka is a motanka doll that only the mistress of the house had the right to make. She worked with the goal of ensuring a comfortable future for the whole family. It was placed in a place of honor - usually in the kitchen or living room.
Why was the doll called Krupenichka? Grains were wrapped inside the figurine. When it was time to sow, the grains were taken out and thrown into the ground first. And during the harvest, the first stalks of wheat collected were again placed inside the pupa.
In the modern world, of course, crops are not harvested in cities. Therefore, the grain hidden in Krupenichka must be periodically eaten and replaced with new ones.
Rich
There is also a male figurine similar to Krupenichka. This amulet is called Bogach. He is paired with her. This is a talisman for rituals. They approached him with requests for wealth, prosperity, and harvest.
The main task of the Rich Man was to protect himself from poverty and ensure a rich future. He always tells you how to get out of a difficult life situation. The rich man is an excellent adviser in money matters.
plantain
If your loved one goes on a long journey, make a special protective amulet for him - the Plantain. A small bag was attached to her hand, into which some small item from the house was placed.
The figurine itself was very small, because on the road even a needle has weight. It wards off all the troubles that can happen on the road - accidents, clashes with bandits, unwanted acquaintances.
bbw
The Fatty doll helped a woman who wanted to get pregnant. Usually it was made by a sister, mother or close friend. The main thing is that there is a spiritual connection between women.
The strong feminine energy that the doll possesses contributed to the conception of the long-awaited baby. It was placed in a prominent place so that everyone could admire its beautiful appearance. And when pregnancy occurred, Fatty was immediately hidden from prying eyes.
Pregnant
Every woman dreams of becoming a mother and taking care of her child. While waiting for a miracle, a pregnant woman may experience difficult times. To bear a healthy baby, you need good health.
A pregnancy doll is an ancient symbol of motherhood. It was created if a woman dreamed of children.
Veduchka
Who is Veduchka? This is the one who will lend a helping hand and guide you along the right path. This doll is good as a talisman for a child; it will help overcome all the bumps and bumps.
A good helper in understanding the world. A leader is a reverent and wise mentor who gives new knowledge and skills.
Day and night
The amulet has two appearances - dark and light. For this purpose, material of different colors was taken. This symbolism meant that the doll protected the family both day and night.
To protect themselves from the dangers of the outside world, the doll was placed on the window. In the daytime it was turned with a light cloth, in the dark - vice versa.
Purifier
This Slavic amulet was created to get rid of illness - physical or spiritual. If the patient could make a talisman on his own, they did so. If he was exhausted, a loved one made the doll. The main thing is that during work the master is focused on the problem.
The purifier was made to look like a suffering person. And as soon as she was ready, a spell was cast over her:
“You take with you everything bad and dark from me!”
Almost immediately the person felt better, and over time the disease completely left him.
Maslenitsa
Maslenitsa serves as a symbol of rebirth, entering a new stage. Together with this motanka they say goodbye to the cold winter and welcome the warm spring.
If you are sure that a dark streak has come in your life, make a Maslenitsa doll, tell her about your problems and ask for help. And then burn the doll - it will take everything bad with it.
Spiridon-solstice
Spiridon's magical spells help to completely change human destiny. Sometimes there come periods in our lives when we don’t want anything and give up. Spiridon the solstice disperses the clouds and gives a chance to emerge victorious from the most difficult situation.
When the amulet fully coped with its function, it was burned on a large bonfire. This is another symbol of readiness for a new life.
Kupalo
This is a faithful assistant in personal matters. Kupalo is the Slavic Cupid, connecting lonely hearts. Often the amulet helped widowers and widows to regain their happiness after experiencing grief.
And besides love issues, the figurine gives its owner a good mood and teaches him to enjoy every day.
Slavutnitsa
It is customary to give Slavutnitsa to a young girl for a wedding. It is a symbol that the bride is completely ready for an adult and serious life. The amulet helps at first to deal with family issues and solve everyday problems.
You can give Slavutnitsa to a girl who dreams of finding a worthy man and starting a family with him. The seven collars on the doll’s neck signify the character traits that the future spouse should have.
Kuvadka
Kuvadka is done in a matter of minutes. It was done as soon as the woman began to give birth. The Slavs had a special ritual that symbolized the birth of a new life. They called him Kuvada. The husband of the woman in labor sat next to the eggs. He was supposed to make sounds similar to those made by a woman during childbirth - moans, screams. Thus, the husband took part of the torment for himself.
Several figurines called Kuvadoks were hung near the man. He mentally conveyed the suffering to them. When the baby was born, the dolls were thrown into the fire.
Grace
Motanka Grace is always created with hands raised to heaven. This symbolizes her energetic connection with the Higher Powers. She asks for help for her owner every minute.
Usually such a doll is presented as a gift to a loved one. They do this with wishes for health, well-being and prosperity.
Bird Joy
This doll belongs to the ritual. The Bird of Joy is a true friend for a woman who teaches herself to respect and do the right thing. With such a talisman you will feel attractive and sexy.
The doll holds several birds - this is a symbol of blossoming, the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature and all living things. Together with her, love, warmth and joy will settle in your home.
If you feel that you often become sad, then make yourself such a talisman - and you will be guaranteed a good mood. He will bring spring to your heart.
Lovebird dolls
Lovebirds
- a ritual wedding amulet doll, which has great symbolic meaning. It is named so because the doll is crafted as a single whole. Both parts, man and woman, are inseparable, they have one common hand, as a symbol of a family union and a common destiny. The doll is usually given as a wedding gift to newlyweds or already married couples to make the family stronger.
A special feature of the Lovebirds is a common hand based on a long wooden splinter. It was made by the bridesmaids as a symbol of masculinity and femininity.
Author - First Museum of Slavic Mythology
Lovebirds are a talisman of a strong family and a symbol of life together; they, as they say, go “hand in hand.” In the same way, a wife and husband should always be one in any situation, both in trouble and in joy.
To this day, there is a tradition of giving Lovebirds as a wedding gift. They make Lovebirds with their own hands and give them from the bottom of their hearts to the nascent family with the wishes to always be inseparable.
According to the ancient Russian tradition, Lovebirds were hung under the arc of the harness of horses carrying the newlyweds to the groom's house from the church after the wedding. Our ancestors tirelessly believed that the fate of any person could be influenced by making a similar figurine for him, both in a negative and in a positive sense. Therefore, special attention was certainly paid to the “wedding train”. Outside the walls of their home, newlyweds were considered especially vulnerable to all kinds of negative manifestations, such as envious glances or the tricks of evil sorcerers. The wedding train was directed along such complex paths, lined with barriers, in order to deceive all these evil spirits and cover their tracks.
The wood for making the torch was carefully selected; not every tree is suitable for such a task. For example, they never took twigs of alder or linden, because, as the Slavs believed, they were related to evil spirits. First the female part is done, then the male part. Then they are attached to this splinter, thereby securing their own position on the family tree. The dolls must have something in common in their clothes - the same pattern on the belts or color.
Lovebirds were not only kept in the Red Corner after the wedding, but also with the advent of children, Martinchik dolls were added to them. Martinchiki were knitted from bunches of white threads. The lovebirds were moved apart in different directions and the children were placed on a splinter between them. There were as many of them as there were children in the family.
Master class on making a motanka for a woman in labor
When making a talisman doll, the following rules are taken into account:
- The craftswoman must be healthy and in a good mood. You cannot be distracted by other things while working.
- To make Rozhanitsa, it is preferable to use red and blue colors. Red color performs the function of protection, and blue is responsible for wisdom and mental abilities.
- Threads must be natural: linen, cotton, wool. Synthetics are a dead material that does not provide any benefit.
- The body is made of white natural fabric; a skirt and a jacket are put on top.
- The doll should not have a face, otherwise the amulet will be possessed by evil spirits that can harm the woman or child.
- Women in labor are not given hands; working with their hands was considered a man’s occupation.
- A baby made of fabric, made in the same manner, can be attached to the hem, which will speed up conception.
A woman in labor with a baby. For women who have already given birth, the baby is attached to the chest of the doll.
Important! The doll is made on the waxing moon without using a needle or scissors: the fabric must be torn by hand and the threads must be cut. The body is bandaged with thread.
Materials and instructions for making a pregnant woman with your own hands
Materials for Rozhanitsa
To make a talisman you will need:
- Natural threads.
- White fabric for the body, colored fabric for the skirt, chest, scarf and apron.
- Birch stick or piece of birch bark for making the base.
Algorithm for making a doll:
- Wrap the base with fabric and form a body of the required thickness. Tie the thread in several places: the top thread will determine the location of the neck, the second will lie under the chest, the third will hold the lower part of the doll.
- Fasten a piece of fabric for the skirt about the width of the stick and the length of several turns around.
- Pull the thread tightly in the neck area, turn the fabric over to the wrong side and wrap the thread again, forming even folds: the edges of the fabric should overlap on the back. Tie the skirt tightly to the base with thread and turn it down.
- Similarly, make the upper skirt, which should be slightly shorter so that the hem of the lower one peeks out a little.
- Fill a long piece of red fabric with cotton wool to form a tube, tie it in the middle with thread, and tie the resulting breast to the doll.
- A long narrow flap at one end needs to be wrapped in a tight roll - this is the stomach, and the other end is an apron. The apron can be decorated with embroidery.
- Complete the doll's outfit with a headscarf.
One of the most ancient Slavic amulets - Rozhanitsa - will help the hostess become the keeper of the family hearth and a happy mother.
