Bestiary · Slavic · God of spring and fertility
Yarilo
Also known as: Yarila, Jarilo
The Slavic god of spring heat and fertility, whose figure was buried at the end of his summer festival.
Yarilo is the god of the fertilizing power of spring and summer. His festivals, with their revelry, drink and dancing, were condemned by the chroniclers and churchmen. When Yarilo had been properly honoured and mourned, his doll was buried in a grave, as the figures of Kupala and Kostroma were drowned or buried.