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Goddesses of Lithuania Aspelenie Bee Goddess. Breksta In Lithuanian mythology, goddess of the darkness and one of the three goddesses that ruled the passing hours, along with Austrine (dawn) and Zleja (midday). Dugnai Goddess of the bakery. Gabija Goddess of the hearth fire. To honor her, one throws salt on the fire. Giltine Goddess of death. Matergabiae Household goddess. Zemyna Because all life came from her, this Lithuanian earth goddess was honored at the birth of every child, when the soil was tenderly kissed both morning and evening; food offerings were laid in front of piled stones, tied to tree boughs, or cast into flowing water to thank Zemyna for the new life. Her special area of concern was all plant life. Plant and human life were believed to flow together, with souls taking up residence after death in trees. Women lived on in lindens and spruce; men, in oaks, maples and birches. Virginal young girls survived as lilies; village ancestors resided in fruit trees. Zvoruna Goddess of the hunt and of animals. |