Umay

Umay, also known as Umay Ana or Ene, is a prominent deity in Turkic and Mongol mythology. She is revered as the goddess of fertility, purity, and the earth. Umay is often depicted as a benevolent mother figure, responsible for the well-being of children and women, particularly during childbirth. Her role extends to protecting newborns and ensuring their healthy growth.

She is believed to reside in the heavens but descends to earth to nurture and guide humanity. Umay's influence is also associated with the cycles of nature, particularly the spring and the abundance it brings. Offerings and prayers were traditionally made to her to ensure a good harvest, healthy livestock, and the prosperity of the community.

The imagery associated with Umay often includes her holding a child or a spindle, symbolizing creation and nurturing. She is sometimes depicted with wings, signifying her celestial nature and ability to travel between realms. In some traditions, she is accompanied by spirits or lesser deities who assist her in her duties.

The worship of Umay is deeply rooted in the shamanistic beliefs of the Turkic and Mongol peoples, where she plays a crucial role in maintaining cosmic balance and ensuring the continuation of life. Her benevolent presence is invoked to ward off evil spirits and to bestow blessings upon individuals and the collective. While her prominence may vary across different Turkic and Mongol cultures, her core attributes as a life-giving and protective goddess remain consistent.