Yongdol Groove

Yongdol-groove ( Erz. Yondol - lightning, groove - god) - in the traditional beliefs of the Erzyan, the god of lightning. Some conspiracies mention Yondol-baba (lightning woman), who was considered a skilled healer. The lightning in the Erzya's ideas is the arrow of the god of thunder Purygin-groove , striking it with evil spirits, objectionable. Relating with superstitious fear to the formidable lord of lightning, Erzya peasants saw in him the patron saint of summer thunderstorms and rains, on which the fate of their harvest depended. To protect their homes, farm buildings, crops, stacks, cattle, gardens and vegetable gardens from formidable elements, they performed sacrifices and propitious rites. With the adoption of Christianity, the deities of lightning and thunder became associated with the Prophet Elijah . On Ilyin’s day (July 20 in the old style, August 2 in the new style) it was impossible to work so as not to anger the prophet. In bad weather, the Erzyans donated a sheep or a tree struck by lightning to Purygin-groove and Yondol-groove.