Tydzień Rusalny (Rusal Week)
Tydzień Rusalny also known as Rusalia is a magical and special week which begins on may 2nd. At that time people slowly begin to prepare to say goodbye to spring and welcome summer. It is an important, solemn and magical time.
It was believed that during this period, the souls of the dead, brought by Jaryło who appeared together with the coming spring, reside in the world of the living. Everyone must be really careful because at that time "unclean souls" are very dangerous, that is, the dead, unmarried girls who during this week turn into rusałki. It is forbidden to bathe in lakes and rivers during this time, go out alone to the fields and move away from home.
People wanting to bribe the rusalkas and win their favor left gifts for them. Women hung white pieces of linen on the branches of the trees, and girls released wreaths made especially for the rusalkas into the water. Salt and bread were also left as an offering.
Rusałki could bring rain during a drought and help female fertility, therefore people preferred not to have enemies in them.
Some believed that rusałki were running across the fields and meadows in the form of beautiful women and seduced young men who could not resist their charm. When the boys succumbed to their spell, rusałki turned into old women with empty, dead eyes, and caused men to die of fear when they saw them.
On these days, Wodnik was to release the souls of drowned people, so they could finally set off on their way to Nawia.
pictures: wilkstepowyniezyje.flog.pl & panistefan.flog.pl
info: mojesredniowiecze.blogspot.com
