In Lithuanian folklore, Lada is the goddess of spring. Like the Greco Roman Persephone, she awakens from her winter slumber and rises to bless the land with her warmth and beauty. She is widely honored in much of Slavic Europe and Baltic Lithuania even today. Her presence can be felt by the singing of the spring-time birds. She is an embodiment of love and spring-time desire.
Lada is a goddess who inspires love and companionship among animals and people. She brings about happiness, harmony, and bliss. She governs birds and is their prime goddess in Slavic folklore. Her husband is the god Lado who is her sacred partner and aids in offering of love, and companionship. Lado may be translated into the word “spouse.” He is the masculine aspect of springtime. He can also be identified with the Christian St. John the Baptist and is also honored during the summer solstice. In Russia he is honored by the mid-summer festival known as Ivan Kupalo.
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their condolences over the death of my sister Susan Sheppard. Most of you remember her as little Susie Friend. She was a really brilliant writer and artist, and we all lost a great talent there. Thank you for your great kindness.