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Gabija (also known asGabieta,Gabeta) is the spirit of thefire inLithuanian mythology. She is the protector of home and family. Her name is derived fromgaubti (to cover, to protect).[1][2] Gabija is only mentioned in alist of Lithuanian gods by the Christian theologianJan Łasicki in his treatise onidolatry (published in 1615). She is found in Lithuanianfolklore.[2]
Gabija could takezoomorphic forms of a cat, stork or rooster,[1] or she could appear as a woman clothed in red.[3] Gabija was greatly respected and cared for like a living creature. People would feed Gabija by offeringbread and salt.[1] Fire had to be laid to bed – women would cover the charcoal with ashes every evening so that fire would not wander around.[1] Just as Gabija was the protector of the house, mother of the household was the protector of fire.[4] Sometimes a bowl of clean water would be left near the hearth so that Gabija could wash herself.[3] If angered, Gabija would "go for a walk" burning the house. Much folklore describes the ill fate of those who offended Gabija by stomping, spitting, or urinating on her.[3]
Mama Gabija is the Lithuanian goddess of the home, hearth, and patron of their care. She most likely originates from Gabija.
Inmicrobiology the name Gabija, shortened to Gaj, has been attributed to a genome.[5][citation needed]
Alternative names: Gabija protein GajA
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