Spirit of love, beauty and spring, Lada was widely venerated throughout Slavic Europe as well as Baltic Lithuania. She was and remains an extremely popular and beloved goddess. Lada lives inside Earth like a hibernating bear but emerges with the Vernal Equinox. (Archaic myths of Persephone, prior to the advent of the Olympians, may have been similar.) Migratingbirds signal her imminent arrival. Lada is the spirit of the awakening Earth. She is the spirit of awakening desire, too. Lada inspires people and animals to seek companionship and sex. She inspires happiness, harmony and bliss.

ORIGIN:

Slavic

ICONOGRAPHY:

Lada is depicted in the company of birds and is often shown pregnant.

Consort:

Lada’s husband and male counterpart is Lado. Their children are Lel and Lelya.

BIRDS:

All birds serve as her messengers but especially larks

Tree:

Linden

Sacred time:

Spring equinox

SEE ALSO:

• Slavic Mythology
• Lado
• Persephone

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.