Here are some educational things I’ve been reading.
The myth of the love between Anat and Baal formed the basis of the "sacred marriage" ceremony performed in the temples of Canaan, where the goddess’s priestesses served as her "representatives" and gave themselves to foreigners.
Another excellent religious tradition—what will Gleb say against it now, huh?
The magi also made amulets —jewelry for women and men covered with magical symbols. The ability to work with metal and forge was called "kovarstvo" in Old Slavonic; for a long time, this word meant "wisdom" and "skill". Pagans donned ceremonial attire made by magi-smiths to perform rituals whose effects were thereby supposed to be enhanced.
Fascinating!
A shelter lined with brocade was erected on the ship, and the deceased, dressed in precious garments, was placed inside it. Animals—a dog, horses, a rooster, and a hen—were then sacrificed on the funeral pyre. The deceased’s relatives pitched their shelters near the funeral pyre, played musical instruments, and made merry, while the girl condemned to death copulated with them.
Germanic-Scandinavian Religion
At least it wasn’t with the dog, horses, rooster, and hen.
Terminus (god of boundary markers)
The Supreme Pontiff (high priest) (Latin: Pontifex Maximus, literally “Great Bridge Builder”) was originally the highest priestly office in Ancient Rome and was held for life. From 753 to 712 BC, the office was held by kings.
It turns out the Pope is no stranger to engineering or pagan office.