In the Slanské Hills, near the village of Abranovce, in the woods above the village and in a place called Dzeduchovské, there lies a remarkable natural formation – Raslavkameň.
A place steeped in legend
In the recent past, the cult stone was known only to a few insiders and locals from the surrounding area. It has a recumbent elliptical form and a shape depicting a human face (skull) with openings for eyes, nose and mouth. The stone is approximately 2m long, 1m wide and 0.75m high. The surface is covered with moss.
The stone is said to have healing powers with the help of the water that is collected from the pits on the top. People used to rub the water from the pits on sick places on their bodies. It was important not to touch the stone, as one could pass on diseases that the stone had cured to others. The water had to be scooped up with a spoon, which was then left by the stone as an offering. A coin used to be payment for the healing act.
In the past, women are said to have tried magic here for beauty and to catch a mate. The payment for this was ribbons, which they tied to the bushes in the vicinity. Minor archaeological research using a metal detector uncovered various coins, the oldest being a half-grader from the time of Joseph II (1765-1790), dating from 1776 (Smolník mint), as well as a large number of spoons and small ladles.
It is precisely magical practices of this kind that are widespread throughout the Slavic world and bear witness to a long-standing tradition associated with Raslavkameň. There are several legends surrounding its origins, ranging from that of an ill-fated knight who fell madly in love with an unmarried maiden, or of a fiancé cursed by his fiancée, to that of a rogue who fell out with a sorcerer. You can choose whichever one you like best, but one thing is certain: the stone’s uniqueness and mystique make it well worth a visit. According to many, spending time at Raslavkamen is a very uplifting experience and the place radiates positive energy.
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Photo source:OOCR RŠ
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