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Black hens were the gifts that Mara, ancient Latvian goddess of birth and death, most liked to receive.

Specifically, she returned the favor of receiving her favorite gift by protecting ancient Latvians from evil. But she had a plan B. The petitioner who could not leave the precious black hens still received protection by offering barley beer and rye bread. The gifts needed to be left near Mara's favorite tree, the willow (Salix spp), which graced the forests, rivers, rocks and springs that the goddess embodied.

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14y ago

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