Lada: Goddess of Love and Flowers

For the month of May, the most spring-like of months, I have chosen the goddess Lada to remind you of the power of primal and pure feminine energy.

Lada is one of the most mysterious ancient Slavic goddesses, also known as the "Lady of Flowers." She is the goddess of fertility, beauty, family life, and love. The days of worshipping Lada are said to take place between May 25th and June 25th.

In spring, she emerges from the underworld, bringing pure love and pure feminine energy. Lada was always depicted as the most beautiful Slavic woman, with white skin, golden hair, and large violet eyes. Her lips were lush—the upper in the color of a strawberry, the lower in the color of a raspberry. She was confident and attractive.

Most of the recorded rituals associated with the worship of Lada were intended exclusively for women. In the past, girls would walk through all the villages and sing from May until the Summer Solstice (Midsummer Night)—they were called "ladarice."

Her most recognizable symbol is the linden tree (lipa), which has heart-shaped leaves. Other symbols associated with Lada include the deer, the rooster, the eagle, the cherry tree, the olive tree, and the sun.