The name Illyrian has a root "Illur" which means a snake. Even the mythical
forefather of the Illyrians was depicted in the shape of a snake. Because all of
that in the mythological and religious system of the Illyrians the snake has
been confirmed as an old cult animal which played a central role. In it they saw
their heavenly protector but also a national symbol. The snake was considered to
be the protector of the household and that belief has been retained in Bosnia
throughout many centuries until today. It is interesting to mention that today
among the older inhabitants a dragon is described as a huge winged serpent, and
the folk myths mention mysterious dragon births and snake invading human bodies.
All of the above mentioned point to a deep connection of the Bosnians of today
with their Illyrian roots.
In Bosnia to date the ancient Illyrian snake cult has been preserved, the cult rests on the belief that every house has its own snake. That snake is the keeper of the house. Sometimes the snake can be seen in front of the house, and sometimes it can't. Even though the snake has never been sighted in front of a house, it was still believed that it is there. Sometimes the owners of the house saw the snake and they would leave food for it in front of the house. They cared for it so that nothing bad would happen to it. If something were to happen to the snake or if it was killed, then people would expect the worse things for that household.
In Bosnia to date the ancient Illyrian snake cult has been preserved, the cult rests on the belief that every house has its own snake. That snake is the keeper of the house. Sometimes the snake can be seen in front of the house, and sometimes it can't. Even though the snake has never been sighted in front of a house, it was still believed that it is there. Sometimes the owners of the house saw the snake and they would leave food for it in front of the house. They cared for it so that nothing bad would happen to it. If something were to happen to the snake or if it was killed, then people would expect the worse things for that household.
