Kurent is the god (and later, patron saint) of joy and wine, of the celebration of life and its serenity (and is naturally celebrated during Carnival/Pust and Marinjovanje). He is a lunar and sky god and is horned, winged and often depicted hovering on the waves and surrounded by a half-circle. Other physical features of his are a long red tongue (symbolizing fertility), a chain belt with five bells, a sheepskin coat and sometimes a beak (and sometimes his wings are attached to his head rather than his shoulders).
As a skillful musician (his instruments are the fiddle and flute) he forces people (and death) to dance. In the winter, he uses his music and dance to wake nature from its slumber and help bring around spring and new life (and is such associated with fertility).
Winter is the season when the spirits of the deceased tend to be the most active. Kurent is the one who protects people from winter, its darkness, and its spirit activity.
In other sources he is a wood spirit who is associated with shepherds. He is connected with the bear, horse, rooster and plough.
Some of his other titles or identities may be: Kor, the Wolves’ Herder, God of Winter, Lord/Master of Animals, the Lord of the Cosmos, St. Martin, and Pust.
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