Chur

Chur (Чур, Цур) in Ukrainian mythology is the guardian deity of borders, ancestral lands and home. He protected private property, family and land from external threats. He was often addressed with the words "Chur me!" to ward off evil spirits or to protect himself from danger. Chur also guarded the borders of the lands, and his role was important for the protection of the family and heritage.

Chur was often associated with ancestors, it was believed that he supports the continuity of the family and protects the ancestral land. He was sometimes depicted as a fire burning in a furnace, emphasizing his role as the guardian of the hearth, a symbol of warmth, protection and well-being. The stove was the spiritual center of the home, and the fire in it was considered sacred and protective.

To fertilize Chur, gifts were brought - bread, cereals, milk or other food, leaving them near the borders or in the house. Gifts were often placed on the boundary stones when the borders of the lands were established, in order to receive his blessing and protection from foreign encroachments.

Chur was considered an invisible spirit that protects the house, land and family from evil forces and maintains harmony in the family.