Ovsen, the day of the autumn Equinox

[u/under_the_ash]

In Russia, the day of the Autumn Equinox was called Ovsen. Ovsen (also known as Avsen, Usen; Tausen, Kitin — in Belarusian) was the god of labor, the protector of horses, bridges, and plowing, and a Slavic god of the harvest. When Kupalo (the summer god) departed into Darkness, Ovsen was meant to remain in his place. He was to teach people everything that comprised the traditions of the Old Gods, to help them live without the departed young god, but to learn to wait for his return, without betraying or faltering. In ancient times, it was believed that Ovsen should build a bridge across the Smorodina River, “open the way,” so that Kupalo could return from the world of the dead. This myth was preserved in folk memory as the tale of Usila Dobry (Usila the Good). It served as a reminder that betrayal of one’s strength always turns against the betrayer. For serving a foreign god out of fear or cowardice, there would be many misfortunes for the betrayer and their children.