Veliona
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Veliuona
ORIGIN:
Baltic
Veliona, the Dark Mother, is the guardian goddess of Earth, water, and subterranean regions. Together with her consort, Velinas, Veliona rules the spirits of the dead known as the Veles who live in her subterranean realm. Her primary function is to protect the dead, but she also guards water, especially subterranean water and hidden treasure. Veliona has dominion over fertility of land, animals, and people. She lives within Earth, the better to keep an eye on her charges. Although Veliona is guardian of the dead in general, she personally receives fallen warriors into her realms, especially those who died protecting Lithuania from invading Christian crusaders (the Teutonic Knights).
Consort: Velinas
Animal: Pig
Sacred site:
The Lithuanian town Veliuona on the Nemunas River, named in her honor, was once the center of her veneration. A church is built over the site of her old sanctuary.
Feast: Veliona presides over Velines, the Lithuanian festival of the dead. Once upon a time, the festival coincided with harvest celebrations in October and lasted four weeks. Under Christian influence, the holiday is now reduced to one day, 2 November and the preceding eve. In parts of Lithuania, the festival coincided with pig-slaughtering time (as well as the slaughter of other animals including cows, goats, sheep and poultry). A sacrifice was immediately offered to Velinas by the eldest family member. Portions dedicated to Veliona were then cooked immediately in a grain stew and offered equally immediately. Food was also offered to the Veles, souls of re turning dead relatives.
OFFERINGS:
Libations of beer, pork products—especially sausages—and candles
SEE ALSO:
Mania; Tuonetar; Valkyrie; Velinas; Vila; Volos
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.