Gabija, also called Gabieta or Gabeta, is the goddess of fire and hearth in the Lithuanian mythology. She protects the home and the family, provides happiness as well as fertility. Gabija’s name originated from gaubti (to cover, to protect) or from St. Agatha (Russian: Gafiya). Her existence was mentioned in a list of Lithuanian gods by Jan Łasicki that was published in 1615.
Gabija can take the form of a cat, stork, rooster or a woman dressed in red. People have great respect for the fire of Gabija. They would offer bread and salt to her. Women would cover the charcoal with ashes during night time so that the fire would not wander. Since Gabija was the protector of the house, mothers became the protector of the fire.
Occasionally, a bowl of clean water was left near the hearth so that Gabija can wash herself. When Gabija is angered, she would walk around and burn the house. Gabija can be angered by stomping, spitting, or urinating on the fire.
References
- Gimbutas, Marija; Miriam Robbins Dexter (2001). The Living Goddesses. University of California Press. p. 203. ISBN 0520229150.
- Bojtár, Endre (1999). Foreword to the Past: A Cultural History of the Baltic People. CEU Press. p. 298. ISBN 963-9116-42-4.
- Jonas Trikūnas, ed (1999). Of Gods & Holidays: The Baltic Heritage. Tvermė. pp. 85–87. ISBN 9986-476-27-5.
- Johnson, Cait (2002). Earth, Water, Fire, and Air: Essential Ways of Connecting to Spirit. SkyLight Paths Publishing. p. 135. ISBN 1893361659.