Illustration by Viktor Britvin
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Amongst the Slavic peoples, the bear is one of the main characters in folklore zoölogy, being a symbol of fertility, health, and strength. The Slavs have always respected bears… they considered them the masters of the forest. The Slavs dated the coming of spring with the bears waking up from hibernation. They believed that bears had special wisdom, which could protect them from witchcraft, disease, and all sorts of bad things.
7 July 2016
Slavyanskaya Kultura
Voices from Russia 
OFFICIAL Greetings of the DNR Peoples Soviet on 25 June…Day of Slavic Friendship and Unity
Tags: DNR, Donetsk People's Republic, Novorossiya, Pan-Slav, Pan-Slavism, patriotic, patriotism, political commentary, politics, Russia, Russian, Slav, Slavic, Slavic culture, Slavic history, Slavic peoples
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OFFICIAL
This festival of Slavic Friendship and Unity comes out of the very roots of the traditions and customs of the Slavic peoples. Slavs are the majority of the population in many countries, there are about 270 million throughout the world. This festival is a clear indication that man-made laws and artificial boundaries can’t divide a culture formed over the centuries. Our memory of and pride in the great past of the founders and creators of our common distinct culture will unite us forever. Every person has the duty to respect their roots and love their motherland… to study and faithfully preserve the centuries-old cultural heritage of the Slavic peoples, to keep our traditions and values, and to care for our antiquities. I extend my greetings to everyone from the fraternal Slavic peoples on this Day of Slavic Friendship and Unity. Together… we have real strength. History shows that you can’t break and destroy the Slavic spirit. Our love will overcome all the walls and boundaries that stand between us. I wish peace and prosperity to all of you!
Chairman of the DNR Peoples Soviet
25 June 2015
Official website of the DNR Peoples Soviet
http://vk.com/wall-81852855_2719