Question

Как смена времён года отразилась в религиозных представлениях египтян?

Answer 1

Земледельческие культы образуют сюжетную мифологию, воспроизводящую смену времен года и циклы полевых работ. Первоначально богиней плодородия была Хатор (а также владычицей кладбищ и "прекрасного запада", она встречала умерших перед вратами подземного царства). Пробуждение растительности после засухи и зноя связывали с возвращением солнечного "ока", дочери Pa — Тефнут. Праздник ее возвращения в египетском календаре назывался "днем виноградной лозы". Спад жары объяснялся тем, что солнце жалит змея, подосланная Изидой. Наступление знойного времени года воспринималось как наказание за человеческие грехи богом Pa - за то, что люди перестали почитать состарившегося за год бога. Мстит за это дочь Ра, богиня-львица Сохмет, олицетворявшая зной, всех убивающая и пожирающая. Остановить ее можно лишь с помощью хмельного напитка (виноградного пива)Одним из главных богов в Древнем Египте считался Осирис. Его смерть, захоронение отождествлялись с севом, с прорастанием зерна. Египтяне в честь бога совершали ежегодный обряд: сделанное из глины изображение Осириса засевалось зерном и к празднику покрывалось зелеными всходами. Согласно мифу. Сет, бог пустыни и бури с головой осла, убивает своего брата Осириса и разбрасывает части тела по всем номам Египта. Исида, жена и сестра Осириса, собирает их воедино (символ объединения Египта, а также сбора податей) и хоронит мужа, который отныне становится царем подземного царства. 

Гор, сын Осириса, победил победил Сета и занял земной трон отца, став олицетворением власти фараона. Считалось, что его магическая сила - источник плодородия земли: во время совершения культовых обрядов фараон бросал в Нил свиток с указом перед разливом реки; торжественно начинал подготовку почвы для посева, срезал первый сноп на празднике жатвы, приносил жертвы богине урожая и статуям умерших фараонов после окончания полевых работ. После смерти фараон отождествлялся с Осирисом, а новый — с Гором. 

Answer 2

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on the Religious Beliefs of the Egyptians

The Egyptians, like many ancient civilizations, had a close connection to the natural world and the changing seasons. The cycle of the seasons played a significant role in their religious beliefs and practices. Here is a detailed explanation of how the change of seasons affected the religious beliefs of the Egyptians:

1. Nile River and Agriculture: The Nile River was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt, providing water and fertile soil for agriculture. The annual flooding of the Nile was a crucial event that marked the beginning of the agricultural season. The Egyptians believed that the flooding was a result of the god Hapi, who brought fertility to the land. They saw this as a divine blessing and attributed it to the gods' favor. The flooding of the Nile was celebrated as a religious event, and rituals were performed to ensure a successful harvest.

2. Seasonal Festivals: The Egyptians celebrated various festivals throughout the year, many of which were closely tied to the changing seasons. These festivals were an important part of their religious calendar and were dedicated to different gods and goddesses. For example, the festival of Wepet Renpet, also known as the "Opening of the Year," marked the beginning of the agricultural season and the New Year. It was a time of celebration and renewal, with offerings made to the gods and rituals performed to ensure a prosperous year.

3. Sun Worship: The Egyptians worshipped the sun as a powerful deity, and the changing seasons had a direct impact on their solar beliefs. The summer solstice, when the sun was at its highest point in the sky, was an important event. It marked the longest day of the year and was associated with the sun god Ra. The Egyptians believed that Ra's power was at its peak during this time, and they celebrated with rituals and ceremonies to honor him.

4. Mythology and Symbolism: The Egyptians had a rich mythology that incorporated the changing seasons and natural phenomena. Many of their gods and goddesses were associated with specific aspects of nature, such as the sky, the earth, and the Nile River. These deities were often depicted in artwork and temple reliefs, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the seasons and the eternal cycle of life and death.

5. Death and the Afterlife: The Egyptians believed in the concept of an afterlife, and the changing seasons played a role in their beliefs about death and rebirth. They saw the cycle of the seasons as a reflection of the cycle of life and death. Just as the land was renewed with each flood of the Nile, they believed that the soul could be reborn in the afterlife. This belief was central to their funerary practices, which included mummification and the construction of elaborate tombs and burial sites.

In conclusion, the change of seasons had a profound impact on the religious beliefs of the Egyptians. The cycle of the Nile River and the agricultural season, the celebration of seasonal festivals, the worship of the sun, the symbolism in their mythology, and their beliefs about death and the afterlife were all influenced by the changing seasons. These beliefs and practices were an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture and shaped their understanding of the world around them