Slavic Month Names in Old Russia

Abstract

The article examines Slavic / pagan month names that existed in Old Russia in the 11th–14th centuries. The author systematizes the sources that contain references to these names. These sources are divided into three groups according to the number of references to the studied names in them. The first group is menologies, which, as a rule, form a single complex with the liturgical Aprakos-Gospels. Most references to the Slavic month names can be found there. The second group is comprised of the Old Russian narrative sources. The sources of this group are represented by one chronicle. This is the Tale of Bygone Years. There is one mentioning of the Slavic month name in this chronicle — “Gruden” (November). The third group unites various sources, whose common feature is the origin and existence in everyday life of common people. This group of sources includes birch bark letters, penances, graffiti, etc. There are no references to Slavic month names and practically no examples of using months to count time in these sources. Based on the examined data, the author comes to the conclusion that the Slavic / pagan month names came to Russia along with the Old Bulgarian (Church Slavonic) manuscripts and had no direct connection with local East Slavic customs.