How the Zhelannitsa doll appeared
Our Slavic ancestors worshiped the forces of nature, spirits, and multiple pagan gods. And magical objects - natural or man-made - acted as intermediaries in communication with them. Among the latter were the target dolls, including our amulet Zhelannitsa.
The Slavs made dolls for each individual life task according to special rules, from available materials - grass, wood, straw, ash. When weaving appeared, they began to wind figures from rags - they called them “motanki”. They could be family or personal, they were made as a gift for relatives of any age and gender, or for themselves personally. Some dolls were kept all their lives and passed on to children as an inheritance, others were hidden, burned or buried in the ground and even drowned - after completing the task assigned to such a craft.
Today, up to 90 varieties of dolls are known. Their meaning could be different: playful, ritual, festive, protective. Among the latter are the Herbalist, the Plantain, the Successful One, the Good-Receiving One, the Swaddlers, the Lovebirds - by the name you can guess the purpose of the sacred figurine. In the old days, it was easier for people to live with such helpers - they were responsible for the safety and success of every event or new stage in a person’s life.
The meaning of the Slavic doll Zhelannitsa
Like any Slavic doll, the Zhelannitsa amulet was created with a certain meaning, to fulfill the innermost thoughts of its owner. Motanka was made by growing girls aged 12–14 with their own hands before entering adulthood. If a girl has managed to make a high-quality doll herself, then she is ready for marriage.
In the old days, protective dolls among the Slavs were reliably hidden from prying eyes; no one should have seen them, so as not to jinx them or destroy the magical power. The hostess constantly turned to such a confidante, presented her rag companion with beads, ribbons, rings, earrings, praised her and asked her to fulfill her innermost thoughts. Then she hid it in a special secluded bag or box and put it away from prying eyes.
Wishlists accompanied women throughout their lives, over the years they were overgrown with offerings - for each idea a new gift was added, long-lived dolls could become weighty. To prevent this from happening, the talisman was approached only with the most important desires and infrequently. And if the secret dream came true, there was no doubt, the all-powerful Desire helped to fulfill it.
Why do they make the Zhelannitsa doll with their own hands?
The Slavs had many amulets dolls for different occasions in life.
Slavic women in ancient times made many different motanka dolls for various purposes. These were Herbalists, Plantains, Zernovushki, Kuvadki and others. Among them, the Desire stands out because it is made specifically for the fulfillment of desires.
There are many known rituals for attracting money, favor of fortune, and making wishes come true. Many of them have survived to this day from ancient times. However, not all rituals performed evoke a response from higher entities.
The Zhelannitsa doll amulet has great magical power, so it’s good if you decide to make it. Then your home will be under her protection, and your desires will magically become a reality.
Principles and rules for using a talisman
Since the Zhelannitsa doll is not just a beautiful trinket, but a protective figure, the approach to it should be appropriate. If you are planning to perform a ritual for a new desire, take care of the attributes. Prepare a gift that you yourself would like and that you wouldn’t be ashamed to ask your magical friend for help - don’t be greedy. Decorate your home, tidy it up, your mood and well-being should also be positive. Tune your thoughts to the ritual, realize that this is a sacrament, and not entertainment on the run.
If the reel has become unusable, looks worn out and is falling apart, then it’s time to say goodbye to it. Different sources speak of different fates for such a doll. Some recommend burning it with gratitude after completing the task. But you can also disassemble it into its component parts and bury it in the ground, or drown it in a river. Others insist that the talisman should be kept for the rest of its life without removing its decorations.
