The period of polytheism in ancient times existed among all peoples. Every natural phenomenon and sphere of activity people found their patrons and defenders. The gods of trade, for example, in different nations, had similar duties, and sometimes even looked similar in appearance.
God of Trade with the Romans
The god of trade and profit from the Romans was Mercury - the son of the heavenly deity of Jupiter and the goddess of spring Maya. In the pantheon of the Roman gods Mercury appeared after the beginning of the development of the trade relations of Ancient Rome with other countries, but he answered initially only for the sale of bread.
Outwardly, the god of trade among the Romans looked like a young attractive man with good manners and a tight wallet. To distinguish Mercury from other gods is possible by a rod-caduceus, winged sandals and a hat.
There is a legend about the appearance of Mercury Caduceus. Even in infancy, Mercury decided to steal the sacred cows from Apollo, and when the owner of the herd exposed the cunning, he gave him a lira made with his own hand from the shell of a turtle. Apollo, in turn, gave Mercury a cane. The infant threw a cane into a snake's club, the reptiles wrapped a stick and emerged as a caduceus - a symbol of peace.
Simple Romans loved Mercury for diligence and patronage, forgiving him a penchant for deceit and resourcefulness. The statues of Mercury were established not only in temples, but also in sports facilities, where athletes asked the fast god to grant them speed, strength and endurance. And with time, the name of Mercury was named and the fastest planet of the solar system.
Since Mercury since childhood was a cunning, he was also called the patron of thieves and scammers. Merchants, coming to the temple of Mercury, poured out holy water and thereby washed themselves of the blame for the deception. Over time, Mercury was appointed messenger of the gods , the conductor of the souls of the deceased in the underworld, as well as the patron saint of travelers and sailors. These responsibilities were attributed to Mercury after identifying him with Hermes.
The god of trade among the Greeks
God Hermes was considered the patron of commerce among the ancient Greeks. Hermes has a lot in common with Mercury: he was also the son of the chief god (Zeus), from childhood was distinguished by cunning and dexterity, patronized not only merchants, but also scammers. However, there were some differences: Hermes was also the god of astrology, magic and various sciences. As a sign of veneration of Hermes, the Greeks installed the herms at the crossroads of the roads - columns of a phallic form (Hermes was known for his love) with the image of a god. Later the herms lost their original meaning and became simple pointers.
God of trade among the Slavs
The Slavic god of trade and profit Veles was strikingly different from the smart, cunning and prone to theft of Mercury and Hermes. Veles was considered the second largest after the main god - Perun. Outwardly Veles was represented by a hairy, shaggy, large man, who from time to time took on the shape of a bear.
Initially, Veles was the patron saint of hunters, shepherds and tillers, who, as a token of respect, were obliged to leave gifts to the god - the skin of a dead animal, uncompressed ears of bread. Assistants of Veles
Since Veles patronized any of the everyday affairs of man, he also answered for trade. Although it is more correct to call Veles the god of wealth earned by honest labor. Carefully followed the Slavic god of trade for the observance of treaties and laws, patronizing honest merchants and punishing scammers.
After the christening of Russia, the priests faced the task of trying ordinary people with the official religion. Therefore, many saints suddenly acquired the characteristics of pagan gods. "Responsibilities" Veles took on St. Blasius, the defender of livestock, and Nicholas the Wonderworker, the patron of traders and travelers. One of the faces of Veles is considered to be Santa Claus .