Yarylo

Yarylo [Jarylo]. The Rus’ god of the spring sun, who awakens summer, love, and passion. Although extant accounts from Rus’ times provide little information about Yarylo, they underline the fact that he was regarded as a major deity and a symbol of spring and rebirth. Many of his magical functions were transferred to Saint George following the Christianization of Ukraine. Traces of the cult of Yarylo could be found in parts of Ukraine (particularly Podilia) until the early 20th century, most notably his ritual burial in the spring. Nevertheless, these were quite weak in Ukraine and actually better preserved in eastern and central Russia and parts of Belarus. Linguists have noted that the yar stem of Yarylo's name is used widely in the Ukrainian language, for a variety of words invoking light, warmth, or strength.