Photos from open sources
Swimming, jumping over a fire, fortune telling and searching for blooming ferns. The main attributes of Ivan Kupala, celebrated on the night of July 6-7, perhaps, are known to everyone, but the holiday itself is far from limited to just this.
Ivan Kupala can easily be called an ancient holiday. Many years later, it remains just as popular and one of the most extraordinary days, moreover, known for its original traditions and rituals. We will tell you about them, as well as about the holiday in general, in more detail.
When is Ivan Kupala celebrated?
It’s not for nothing that we start with this question, since it remains one of the most common, and confusion should be avoided in the future.
There are two dates for Ivan Kupala. Old style it was celebrated (and, by the way, many still continue to celebrate) during the summer solstice ( June 20-22). This period was a time of celebration even among the pagans.
Since the advent of Christianity in Ukraine and other countries celebrating Ivan Kupala, the date has changed. New style now it is the night of July 6-7. Thus, Ivan Kupala coincides with one of the most famous Orthodox holidays– Merry Christmas to John the Baptist.
Presumably, Ivan Kupala originated from pagan rituals of cleansing, washing, which took place in rivers and lakes on the day of the summer solstice.
Where does the name Ivan Kupala come from?
It’s worth clarifying right away: the pre-Christian name of the holiday still unknown. The very name Ivan Kupala is of folk Christian origin and is a Slavic version of the name John the Baptist ( translated from Greek - immerser, bather).
Other names: Midsummer's Day, Kupala, Kolosok, Yarilin's Day, Kokuy, Ivan the Herbalist, Sontsekres, Kupailo, Kupalle, Ivan Kaldunski.
What not to do on Ivan Kupala?
It is believed that all sorts of evil spirits awaken on Ivan Kupala - witches, snakes, mermen, mermaids, werewolves. That's why you can't sleep this night.
In addition, during this period it is not customary to give, sell or borrow anything, otherwise the family may become poor.
Photos from open sources
What rituals and beliefs are associated with Ivan Kupala?
Key symbols Ivana Kupala - water, fire and herbs.
Required attribute number one is swimming at sunrise. It is believed that in this way a person undergoes a kind of cleansing procedure - washes away diseases and strengthens the immune system. Bathing took place in various places: some cleaned themselves in rivers, others prepared a bathhouse for this.
After it was the turn of fire. Bonfires were lit on hills or near rivers. Sometimes fire was produced in an ancient way - by rubbing wood against wood. Bonfires were lit late in the evening and often burned until the morning.
What's interesting, in the villages all the women of the village had to come out to the fire. The one who didn't show up came under suspicion of witchcraft.
Round dances were held around the fires, but its most famous purpose is different.
Photos from open sources
People jumped over the fire: both boys and girls alone, and couples holding hands. It was believed that if young people overcame the fire without letting go of each other’s hands, then they were destined to be together. If the hands opened, it meant that the couple would soon separate.
When the youth finished their festivities with bonfires, the older generation passed their livestock between the Kupala bonfires so that they would not suffer death and illness.
One more important attribute holiday there were and remain fortune telling.
The girls told fortunes about their betrothed - they wove wreaths from 12 different types plants, after which they were launched into the water.
If the wreath drowns, the girl won't get married this year, if you sailed away from the shore- The wedding is already close.
In addition, on this day it is customary to collect flowers for fortune telling - rich people. Having found a flower, the girl put it under her pillow. If the bud has blossomed- marriage soon, if it's wilted, then you'll have to wait.
On the night of Ivan Kupala, girls went into the forest to collect medicinal herbs and flowers, which, according to beliefs, were imbued with special powers during this period.
For example, the Ivan-da-Marya flower, picked on bathing night, had to be placed in all corners of one’s hut. It was believed that a thief would never break in because he would hear voices in the house.
And, of course, it officially started fern hunt.
Find him if you can
There is a belief that only once a year, on the night of Ivan Kupala, fern blooms.
A mythical flower that does not exist in nature will supposedly give to the one who finds and picks it, special powers and capabilities.
In particular, the owner of the flower becomes perspicacious, gets the opportunity to understand the language of animals, see all treasures, become invisible, take on any form, and also open the locks of treasuries just by applying the flower to them.
In general, this is what the Ivan Kupala holiday is like. Special and original.
According to the new calendar, Ivan Kupala is celebrated on July 7 and is no longer associated with the summer solstice, although most esotericists continue to celebrate it on June 22. Despite this, it has not lost its magical power, and many Kupala conspiracies related to fire and water are successfully used today.
From Ivan Kupala Day to Peter's Day, celebrated on July 12, thanks to the powerful energy of natural elements, you can perform Kupala fortune-telling, which has the highest accuracy of the year.
People have long attached special significance to this holiday, and considered it mystical - filled with magic. What is special about Midsummer Day (this is another name for the holiday of Ivan Kupala)? So, in this article we invite you to familiarize yourself with the history, traditions, customs, rituals, fortune telling and signs of this holiday.
Ivan Kupala Day - originally pagan holiday, dedicated to the Sun and the Slavic deity Kupala. Even before Russia adopted Christianity, this holiday was celebrated on June 22, the day of the summer solstice. However, already in Christian Rus' the holiday was timed to coincide with the birthday of John the Baptist, and now it was celebrated on June 24. In many villages, the holiday of Ivan Kupala began to be called Midsummer Day.
After the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, the day of Ivan Kupala moved even further and is still celebrated on July 7th. Therefore, as we see, the initial meaning of the holiday has already lost all meaning, since it no longer falls on the day of the summer solstice. However, in a number European countries Ivan Kupala Day is still celebrated from June 20 to June 24.
Midsummer's Day, as it was also called in the old days, is quite rich in traditions, rites and rituals. It is worth noting that despite the specificity of the customs, many of them can still be found today.
On this holiday, special attention was devoted to the forces of nature. So, the symbol of Ivan Kupala was the Sun. As the peasants argued, this is the period of the highest level of solar activity, after which it moved towards winter. After the adoption of Christianity by Russia, the sun began to symbolize John, and the holiday acquired its second name - Midsummer's Day.
From early morning all the people could be found on the rivers and lakes. It was believed that this cleanses a person both physically, driving away all diseases, and spiritually. Those who did not have bodies of water nearby went to the bathhouse. However, not everyone was in a hurry to swim that day. After all, part of the people believed that in reservoirs there was a huge amount of evil spirits that could destroy.
The fire also had a special magic on this day, so the whole village lit bonfires and jumped over it. Fires must be lit near bodies of water. They were believed to have magical powers that could cleanse and bring good luck for the whole year. Therefore, a belief arose that the one who jumps over and does not touch the flames all year will be lucky and, perhaps, will be able to find real happiness. The tradition of jumping over a fire has survived to this day; today you can also find villages where this tradition is observed on this day.
Since nature had special power and magic on this day, many women tried to preserve this magical piece in case of illness or trouble. Therefore, after swimming, everyone went for herbs. Some collected them for fortune telling, others for rituals, some in order to subsequently treat themselves and loved ones with these herbs.
Particular importance was attached to ferns on this holiday. It was believed that if you come across a fern flower, then this is a good sign, such a person has special kindness and you can find any treasure with him. The peculiarity of this plant was believed to be that it blooms for a few seconds that night and then disappears, so it is not so easy to find.
Long before the holiday, the entire village elected a so-called constable, who was in charge of holding the holiday. His main task was to prepare for the holiday and hold it. Of course, he had to know all the traditions and customs. On this day they sang songs and cast spells.
While the women were collecting herbs, the men needed to cut down a tree, the height of which should have been about one and a half or two times the height of an average person. Then it is installed where it is agreed to hold the festivities. When the tree was in place, the girls decorated it with flowers and ribbons. People called such a tree “madder” or “kupala”.
The whole celebration took place only around the fire. There they held a feast, played burners, the young people chose a mate, and many rituals were performed. With the advent of the Orthodox Church, all these rituals were condemned, as they were associated with paganism. However, the people could not refuse them and still continued to follow them. Thus, everything got mixed up - folk beliefs with religion.
Also on this day, it was customary to tell stories and tales that described the special magic associated with plants. So, thanks to plants, it was possible to find treasures, money, be healed, and so on. According to an ancient legend, on the night of Ivan Kupala, a fern blooms and whoever finds this magical flower will be able to see treasures hidden underground and learn to understand the language of animals.
In addition to the traditions that were observed on this day, Ivan Kupala is also literally imbued with various pagan rituals.
Many people did not go to bed on the night of Ivan Kupala. All this in order to be the very first to wash your face with the morning dew. It was believed that she could give health and beauty.
If on this day someone was doused with dirty water, then no one was angry, but on the contrary, they were happy. After all, the more often you swim on this day, the better. The person will live happily for the next year, and thereby become more cleansed.
During the festivities, young people created a doll from hay, which was a symbol of the god Kupala. When they danced in a circle and sang songs, according to the script, one of the participants had to hook the doll so that it would fall. After which everyone came running to see if “Kupala” had died. When it was announced that he was not breathing, the girls began to mourn him through songs. While the girls sing, the boys take the doll and carry it to a previously prepared funeral pyre, where they burn it. After this ritual, the real feast began.
To literally burn all the illnesses and misfortunes of their children, women collected the things of their sons and daughters, in which they had been ill, and threw them into the fire. So, according to their beliefs, the children will be healthy and strong.
On Ivan Kupala, young people looked closely at each other and looked for a mate. When the choice was made, the girl and the guy jumped over the fire together, holding hands. In this way they tried to test their feelings and look into the future. If a couple jumped over without unclenching their hands, then their marriage will be strong and happy, but if on the contrary, then it is better for them not to get together.
Also on this holiday, housewives used to lay nettles on their doorsteps, reports the Rosregister website. In their opinion, in this way it was possible to escape from evil spirits and witches.
That night, when the girls danced around the felled tree, the boys raided, thereby trying to steal Madder. The lucky one who succeeded ran away to the river, followed by everyone else. Everyone plucked one branch at a time, which was believed to bring fertility. Then the tree was floated down the river.
To protect livestock from diseases, the owners walked the animals between the Kupala fires.
Our ancestors, as on any other holiday, carefully monitored the weather on this day. If it rains on Midsummer, the whole summer will be hot and the weather will be dry.
But if at night the sky is generously dotted with stars, and in the morning nature gives abundant dew, then there will be a good harvest of cucumbers, mushrooms, and indeed all vegetables.
On this day, they tried to avoid meeting snakes, because if you see one on this holiday, then trouble cannot be avoided and heavy losses are expected soon.
After collecting the herbs, all the women carefully counted them. If there are twelve types of plants, then the family will definitely have a wedding in the coming year.
Many believed that horses were especially dangerous, and could be used by evil spirits for their own purposes. In this case, they will not get out alive. Therefore, they tried to lock them up securely.
On the night preceding the day of Ivan Kupala, magical rituals are performed: conspiracies for love, luck, health and well-being, which are considered the most powerful and effective of the year. According to legend, on this night trees, grass, flowers, fire and water acquire supernatural powers. magical power, with the help of which you can clearly see your future and unravel the mysteries of fate, changing it for the better.
Possessing strong magical energy, the Kupala fire will help to bewitch your beloved guy if he is at a celebration. A spell pronounced while looking at the fire will have a bewitching effect:
“The fire burns hot, it illuminates the darkness of the night, it will help me discover a love secret and bewitch my beloved (name). As soon as we hold hands with him, we will be filled with love passion. Fire will strengthen our love and unite our hearts forever.”
After pronouncing the words of the conspiracy, make every effort to convince your loved one to jump over the fire or drag him into the Kupala round dance.
Married women suffering from their husband’s infidelity can, on the day of Ivan Kupala, carry out a conspiracy to strengthen their husband’s love feelings. For this purpose, on the eve of Midsummer, buy two silver spoons.
After waiting until midnight on July 7, cook porridge for your beloved hubby from three cereals - barley, corn and pearl barley, mixed in equal quantities. When the porridge is ready, you should put three spoons in it butter and the same amount of honey, sprinkled with a pinch of salt.
After finishing cooking, place the pan with porridge without a lid on the windowsill, so that the rain falls on it. moonlight. At breakfast, you need to give one silver spoon to your husband, and take the second one for yourself and start eating porridge from the common dish, while saying the following words in your thoughts:
“Just as my dear husband enjoys eating moon porridge, he is amazed by its taste and juiciness, so he loved me, the Servant of God (name), and carried me in his arms day and night.”
On the day of Ivan Kupala they increase many times magical properties water. Thanks to the enormous energy of this element, a ritual of ablution is used to carry out a love spell.
Ask your chosen one to swim together on Kupala night and before entering the river, whisper the words of the conspiracy:
“Water, water! Wash our souls and bodies with yourself, open your heart (name) for eternal love. Let him, as soon as he plunges into the water, immediately turn his soul and body towards me. As we enter into you side by side, so we will walk along the road of life lovingly.”
Then boldly go into the water with your lover.
A conspiracy to attract good luck on the holiday of Ivan Kupala:
On Ivan Kupala, conspiracies to attract good luck have a powerful effect due to the colossal energy of the sun and fire, which are especially active on the Kupala day. The strongest effect is the conspiracy on rising sun. To accomplish this, you need to stay awake on the night of Ivan Kupala and wait for the morning dawn to appear.
Looking at the appearance of the first rays of sunrise, you need to say seven times:
"The sun is red, the sun is clear in blue sky it will rise and bring me great luck. I was the first to see its rays and therefore became lucky. I know that everything will work out for me, and happiness will find me.”
Conspiracy for the Kupala bonfire:
By turning to fiery energy, a conspiracy to attract good luck acquires great magical power. From our ancestors a conspiracy has come down to us, pronounced by them during round dances around the fire.
And today they are successfully used, walking around the Kupala fire in a round dance and uttering magic words:
“Just as sacred fire illuminates a dark night, so luck illuminates my days. It will become clear in my affairs, and wonderful in life. The flame of fire will bring good luck to me for the whole year, and I will not encounter troubles for the whole year.”
The success of this conspiracy will be guaranteed if during the round dance the movement occurs clockwise. In the opposite direction of the movement of the round dance, you cannot pronounce the words of the conspiracy, otherwise you can harm your affairs and plans and turn capricious fortune away from yourself for a long time.
When using Kupala conspiracies, we must remember that they must be carried out with good intentions. Then all magical rituals performed on this magical night will be successful. On the contrary, conspiracies with wishes for evil will not have the desired effect, because folk holiday Ivan Kupala carries with it a colossal good spirit from all people participating in its celebration.
Fortune telling at the stake:
Fortune telling at the sacred fire is one of the most favorite rituals of the Kupala night. The enchanting flame of a fire, illuminating the darkness, creates a magical atmosphere and an energy field for fortune telling. To find out what fate has in store in the near future, you should jump over the fire of the Kupala fire with a running start. When the flames do not touch you, this is a good sign of success in love and a prediction of an imminent wedding and a happy family life. And if the fire catches your legs or clothes, it promises you a lot of life trials and disappointment in your loved one.
Fortune telling for the betrothed using the Kupala wreath:
The wreath has long been considered a symbol of the infinity of the universe, the cycle of forces inherent in nature and a talisman against evil spirits, damage and the evil eye. Dedicate the eve of Kupala night to weaving a wreath of wild herbs and flowers.
Before sunset, make a wish for your betrothed and lower the wreath to float on the water:
* the wreath immediately sinks - no marriage in sight, the betrothed will either fall out of love or deceive;
*a wreath unravels on the water - this year the “Mendelssohn March” will not be played for you;
*the wreath will return to your shore - don’t expect a wedding this year;
*the wreath will float away to the far shore - wait for the betrothed on the other side and the wedding.
Fortune telling for the betrothed using the Kupala wreath and the Kupala bonfire:
If a girl does not have a groom on Ivan Kupala, when the Kupala bonfire burns down, you need to make a guess who will be betrothed and throw a wreath into the bonfire, after couples in love have already jumped over it. If a young man catches your wreath on the fly, he will be your betrothed in the future. When several girls who have beloved boyfriends throw their wreaths into the fire, then whose wreath burns first, that girl will go down the aisle before her friends.
Fortune telling on wreaths for the fulfillment of a wish:
To find out whether your cherished wish will come true, just as when telling fortunes for your betrothed, you need to weave a wreath, but be sure to weave burdock leaves, bear's ear grass, Bogorodskaya grass and blooming willowweed into it. Place a burning candle or torch in the center of the wreath.
When making a wish, lower the wreath into the water and watch its behavior:
*quickly sails away from the shore and floats away with a burning candle - the wish will soon come true;
* returned back to the shore - the wish was not destined to come true;
*a wreath stops in the middle of a pond - you will live a year without changes, but also without problems;
*a candle in a wreath burns longer than others - a long life is expected;
Fortune telling on a birch wreath:
By weaving a wreath of birch branches, they told fortunes about their health in the coming year. When a wreath thrown into the water floated far away, it meant good health and long life; when it returned, it foreshadowed illness, and if it sank quickly, it served as a harbinger of death.
Fortune telling in circles on the water:
You can find out about your near future by guessing in circles on the water. Having made your deepest wish on Kupala night, fill a large bowl with water and, throwing a pebble into it, count the diverging circles. If you count an even number, your wish is destined to come true, but if you get an odd number of circles, your wishes will turn out to be unfulfilled.
Fortune telling using an onion:
The girls, having gathered together on the day of Ivan Kupala, choose their own bulbs and each remember their own. After which, making a wish to get married, they plant their bulbs in the ground. Whose bulb sprouts faster, that girl will put on her wedding dress and get married before others.
Fortune telling with chamomile:
To find out whether you and your loved one will be together this year, tell your fortune on Midsummer with a chamomile. To spend magic ritual, pour water into a basin and drop two chamomile flowers without a stem into it, writing them in advance with the first letters of your names. If the flowers float side by side, then your couple will go through life together, and when the daisies go in opposite directions, then you will be separated.
Fortune telling with dandelion:
On Ivan Kupala, pick a dandelion with a white fluffy cap, make a secret wish and blow on it with all your might. If all the fluff from the dandelion’s cap flies away, the wish will certainly come true soon; if half of the hat flies away, the wish will come true, but not as quickly as desired, and if the dandelion’s cap remains practically unchanged, the wish will not come true.
Fortune telling on a leaf from a tree:
By the behavior of a tree leaf you can learn about the attitude of your loved one towards you. To tell fortunes, you need to pick a green leaf from any tree. Write the first letter of your lover on a piece of paper and throw it up. If the leaf flies high and floats in the air, be sure of the love of your chosen one. When the leaf flies low, driven by the wind, a romantic date awaits, and if it begins to spin, violent and selfless love is expected, but if the leaf instantly touches the ground, then the chosen one either does not love you or will soon stop loving you.
Fortune telling by birch branches:
You can find out how life will turn out this year by telling fortunes on birch branches on a Kupala day. Having broken any seven small branches from a birch, you need to put them together, and then eyes closed choose one of them. The branch turned out to be even and smooth - this foreshadows a prosperous life without shocks, and when a crooked one is encountered, all sorts of obstacles are expected on the path of life.
Fortune telling on a peach pit:
When eating a peach on Kupala Day, constantly think about your desire. Inspect the remaining bone carefully. When you find at least one straight line there, your wish will come true.
Fortune telling with candle wax:
To find out your future from the wax of a candle, you need to buy a candle in the church and break it into several parts and melt the wax. Next, pour the melted wax into a bowl filled with cold water.
Figures obtained from frozen wax foreshadow events in the future:
*ring and candle mean wedding;
*a wallet, a coin, a chest promise wealth;
*heart foretells love;
*flag – unexpected guests;
*star promises good luck;
*a figurine that looks like a dog - to a new friend;
* flowers or a flower - for a date with a new acquaintance.
Having told your fortune on the magical Kupala night, go to bed, having previously placed seven different wildflowers, picked at dawn on Midsummer Day, under your pillow. This night you will see a prophetic dream, foreshadowing good changes in life.
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The pagan folk holiday “Ivan Kupala” is celebrated not only in Russia. The poetic pagan holiday of the triumph of sunlight and warmth is also celebrated in Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic countries.
Ivan Kupala is a very ancient holiday. The earliest mentions of it date back to the 12th century, but its roots go even deeper. Historically, this day was the day of the summer solstice (solstice - June 20-22), subsequently coincided with the Nativity of John the Baptist and the Christian holiday of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet Forerunner.
The bright folk holiday of Ivan Kupala takes its origins from paganism
The night of Ivan Kupala is considered magical. Only on Kupala night were young people allowed to play pranks, flirt with each other, kiss, hug (enter into intimate relationships); after Ivan Kupala, the guy had to marry the girl with whom he flirted.
According to legend, on this night the wedding of Kupala and Marena was played - this symbolized the union of male and feminine, two elements (Kupala - the embodiment of fire, Madder - water).
The main attributes of the holiday are Kupalo and Marena, which are prepared differently in different areas of Ukraine. So, in Podolia and Volyn, girls make “Kupala” from willow branches; To do this, they take a branch, decorate it with flowers and wreaths, and then walk around such a “Kupala” and sing songs. Men and women also come together to watch this spectacle, but they do not take part in the singing.
The guys throw flowers on the paths where the girls walk. After a while, when the girls have had enough of the Kupala, the guys attack the Kupala, tear off the wreaths and flowers from it, and throw the branch itself into the water. They build a fire and, when it flares up, everyone present jumps over the fire: boys, girls, women and men.
Young women bring dumplings or other treats with them, and men and boys bring vodka, treat themselves right there by the fire, and then start dancing.
History of the Christian holiday
Among the ancient Slavs, Ivan Kupala was a holiday of the Sun, the ripeness of summer and green mowing. Therefore, it was associated with the summer solstice, which according to the old style fell on June 20-22.
After the adoption of Christianity, it began to be celebrated on the birthday of John the Baptist, which fell on June 24 according to the old style. Then there was a transition to new style, thanks to which the date of the holiday moved to July 7. As a result, it turned out that he lost his astronomical connection with the solstice.
John, the son of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth, a relative of the Virgin Mary, was born six months before the birth of Christ. An angel also announced his birth. Full of asceticism and service to God, John's life aroused great respect for him among the inhabitants of Judea, among whom he preached. John baptized those who repented of their sins with water, preparing people for spiritual baptism by the Messiah. Together with everyone else, Christ came to the bank of the Jordan River, whom John baptized in water. Continuing his service to God, John fearlessly exposed sins and deception not only among the common people, but also among the kings, for which King Herod threw him into prison. On Herod's birthday, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, asked for John's severed head as a gift for her dance. And she received it on a platter... Thus the life of the prophet ended as a martyr.
It is advisable to celebrate Ivan Kupala near the river - flowing water
Midsummer's Day has always been filled with various rituals that are associated with water, fire and herbs. In the morning on this day it was customary to swim in rivers and lakes. However, some believed that, on the contrary, it was better not to do this, otherwise the merman would drag him to the bottom.
According to legend, the fern blooms at exactly midnight. In nature, this plant does not bloom, but to this day legends and fairy tales have been preserved that it is on this magical night of the birth of sincere love, the merging of fire and water, that a miracle occurs - a flower of happiness, good luck and prosperity appears. Everyone is looking for the flower, but they find it only in pairs, and only truly lovers can see it. On Ivan Kupala, in the struggle between fire and water, water wins.
Fern is a relict herbaceous plant; it never blooms because it reproduces vegetatively, i.e. disputes. But since ancient times, man has noticed that each plant has its own flower, its own seed, with which it continues to exist, i.e. has the fruit of reproduction, emphasizes the feminine essence. Ferns do not have flowers, so this plant symbolized the male essence. It’s not for nothing that fern belonged to the totemic plants of Perun, the god of male warriors. Since the symbol of Perun was a flaming fire, a “fire flower,” or, as they also said, “Perun’s color,” and in ritual actions fern was always used together with fire, it can be assumed that the “fire flower” became the “flower” of the fern. This mythical color was a symbol of the Sun and lightning, blooms and fades as clearly and as quickly as a spark, and has great power and works wonders in nature.
Heavy dew on Ivan means a harvest of cucumbers.
On Midsummer's Day the sun shines at sunrise.
It's a starry night on Ivan's day - there will be a lot of mushrooms.
Ivanovo rains are better than the Golden Mountain.
Before Ivan, children, ask God for rain, and after Ivan I myself will ask (i.e., frequent rains will begin).
If there is a thunderstorm on Midsummer Day, few nuts will be produced and they will be empty.
If Ivan had millet in a spoon, then it will be in a spoon.
It’s the middle of summer, and although the weather is not pleasant everywhere, it nevertheless arrives in due time. Ivan Kupala night, with which many signs, rituals, legends and fortune-telling are traditionally associated in Rus'.
When is Ivan Kupala Night celebrated?
Ivan Kupala- this is the popular name of one of the most revered saints in Christianity - John the Baptist (Forerunner), whose Christmas is celebrated on June 24. Churches living according to the Gregorian calendar and the New Julian calendar, which coincides with it, have already celebrated this holiday, which is also called Midsummer's Day.
Russian Orthodox Church and other churches following the Julian calendar celebrate Nativity of John the Baptist July 7. Well, the evening of July 6th is the eve of the holiday. So Ivan Kupala night, or Kupala night, is the night from July 6 to 7.
Why is the Nativity of John the Baptist associated with bathing?
Prophet John the Baptist was one of the predecessors (forerunner) Jesus Christ. John baptized Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River, and translated from Greek “baptizer” means one who bathes, immerses in water. Therefore, the holiday of the Nativity of John the Baptist, also known as Ivan Kupala, is associated with water, bathing, ablution and cleansing.
Ivan Kupala and the summer solstice
Although the holiday of Ivan Kupala is Christian, it is actually much older and is associated with the agricultural calendar of the ancient Slavs. In ancient times, the holiday fell exactly on summer solstice. Therefore, the ritual part of the holiday is associated with various summer traditions, the most important of which are swimming in open reservoirs, as well as lighting ritual fires.
Traditions of Kupala night
In folk tradition the night before Ivan Kupala (Kupala night) is very important. This is the time for collecting medicinal herbs, searching for the treasured fern flower, ritual bonfires and, of course, mass bathing.
It is believed that the first swim in an open reservoir should be done alone on the evening of July 6 before sunset, and only then at night to participate in mass “swims”.
Swimming at this time Slavic peoples were considered very useful and even mandatory. According to folk beliefs, on the night before Ivan Kupala, mermaids, mermen and other aquatic evil spirits fall asleep firmly at the bottom of reservoirs and cannot disturb the bathers. Water at this time was considered clean and healing, having medicinal and magical properties.
On the night of Ivan Kupala, the girls chose their “betrothed”, with whom they jumped over the fire, swam, exchanged wreaths, looked for a fern flower together and generally behaved quite freely. In the Slavic tradition unmarried girl many liberties were allowed that were unacceptable after marriage.
It was possible to swim only until Ilyin's day (August 2), after which the water, according to legend, became cold, unclean and even dangerous to health.
Kupala bonfire
Closer to sunset on the eve of Ivan Kupala, young people usually lit special bonfires near reservoirs, because on Kupala night two elements - fire and water - are close friends.
The fire is one of the most important symbols of the Kupala night, associated with cleansing and renewal. Jumping over the fire symbolizes purification, therefore, according to tradition, on Kupala night all the women of the village had to jump over the fire, otherwise they could be considered unclean and even witches and punished.
“Grooms” and “brides” who got engaged on Kupala night jumped over the fire together, holding hands. It was believed that such joint fun leads to real marriage - the main thing is not to open your hands when jumping.
On the night before Ivan Kupala, rather immodest fun was common in the villages, including skinny dipping and various not entirely decent games. Since the Middle Ages, the church has fought against these traditions, severely punishing disobedient people. But the tradition of celebrating the night before Ivan Kupala quite vigorously has been preserved to this day.
Fortune telling on the eve of Ivan Kupala
All fortune telling at this time is somehow connected with water. In Rus', on Kupala night, girls mostly used to tell fortunes, wishing for their betrothed or for their future life.
For fortune telling, wreaths were traditionally used, which girls, as if by accident, dropped from their heads into the water. The wreath floated away - the groom will soon woo; spinning on the spot or unraveling - until marriage shines; drowned - there will be trouble: either someone will die, or the groom will leave.
You could throw a pebble or a coin into the water and count the circles on the water: even - everything will be fine, odd - no luck.
It was believed that a girl or couple who found a fern flower at night would be happy and rich. The only trouble is that the fern does not bloom, so this fortune telling was more of a ritual nature.
In addition, on the night before Ivan Kupala, ordinary maiden fortune-telling was in use, traditional for other fortune-telling periods - before or.
Kupala Night is considered the most mystical of the year and surpasses many other holidays in the number of rituals. With the help of traditional rituals at this time you can change your life for the better.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist on July 7, 2017. Many church festivals have absorbed non-canonical principles and rituals rooted in paganism. The night of Ivan Kupala is no exception: this time is literally imbued with a mystical component. The belief speaks of the powerful power of this night, and ancient Slavic customs are still alive today.
Night on Ivan Kupala
Our ancestors extolled this day, dedicating it to the Sun, water and fire. The Slavic God - Kupala, personifying endless energy in union with sunlight - helped to find love, prosperity, good health and a rich harvest. In pagan times, the celebration took place on the longest day of the year. However, after the baptism of Rus', this celebration was timed to coincide with the Nativity of John the Baptist.
The traditions of this day have not disappeared without a trace. Until the 20th century, Russian people firmly believed in the powerful power of Midsummer and performed all kinds of rituals to attract prosperity. For the sake of modern world we have moved away from the heritage of our ancestors, but it was the Slavs who were famous for their energy balance and harmonious relationships with nature. Turning to ancient rituals, they drew strength, luck and happiness, which helped them endure any blows of fate, scare away misfortunes, dangers and live in tune with the will of the Higher Powers.
Beliefs and signs on the night of Ivan Kupala
On this day, it is customary to observe weather conditions: if rain falls on the earth on Midsummer’s Day, you should expect drought. And if at night the entire sky is showered with stars, summer will bring a generous harvest.
On this holiday, the Slavs avoided snakes and places where they might live. Seeing a snake means suffering from misfortunes, illnesses and evil all year.
Young maidens and married women went to collect medicinal plants. If it was possible to collect thirteen types of different herbs, this meant that there would be a wedding in the family in the near future.
The main attributes of the celebration are fire and water. Legend has it that on the night of Ivan Kupala, the water element unites with the fire element, like two lovers who were separated during life. According to legend, on this day the Sun played the wedding of the pagan God Kupala and his betrothed Kostroma. This is a tragic love story in which estranged lovers reunite for just one night and help lonely people find happiness.
According to legends, on the night of Midsummer, various evil spirits woke up and scoured in search of what was left unattended. Therefore, people tried not to be alone, and they lit fires around their houses to scare away dark force. They tried to hide the animals securely.
On the mysterious night from July 6 to 7, the boundaries between worlds become weaker. The ancestors believed that plants and animals at this time communicated with each other in human language. People hear the whispers of dead ancestors who cannot find a place for themselves. And the trees in the forest and surrounding area change their location.
According to ancient legends, on bathing night there is a Sabbath of evil spirits on Bald Mountain, and a witch who strays from her own people can cause irreparable harm to all living things. Therefore, in ancient times, people sprinkled the thresholds of their houses with ashes from fire pits. It was believed that this could scare away evil spirits.
Customs and rituals on Ivan Kupala
Bonfires on the night of Ivan Kupala had a cleansing power. The main ritual using fire is jumping over the fire. Before the jump, people made a wish. It was believed that the faster you jump, the sooner your dream will come true. There were many who wanted to perform this ritual. For some, this was given with back-breaking difficulty, but fire could not only fulfill a wish, but also cleanse the body of bad influences, evil, damage and disease.
Sleeping on this mystical night was a bad thing for a number of reasons. One of them read: the first one who finds the morning dew and touches it will gain health, inhuman beauty and love.
Any person you liked could be doused with dirty water or earth - this promised happiness, success and prosperity. After all, the more times you swim during the day and night, the more joyful events will happen to you in a year.
Any celebration would not be complete without the creation of a scarecrow symbolizing the deity Kupala. Usually, young boys and girls were involved in creating dolls. They danced around the scarecrows, danced in circles and sang songs loudly. One of the young people must have accidentally pushed Kupala so that he touched the ground and “died.” The girls began to cry about the dead god. After this, the doll was carried to the funeral pyre and burned. This ritual served as the opening of the Kupala night and was very revered among people.
People threw clothes into the fire that they had recently worn or experienced a misfortune. It was believed that all illnesses, troubles and sorrows burned away along with things. Basically, parents did this to wash away their sins from their children and make their lives happy and bright.
The thresholds of the houses were covered with nettles. This ritual helped protect one’s home from evil interference and otherworldly forces.
Girls who wanted to get the attention of their chosen one raided the rye fields. It was believed that by running around the field three times, you could get the opportunity to appear to your lover in a dream, and the next morning the young man would wake up bewitched by the girl who performed the ritual.
Swimming in ponds and rivers had a positive effect on a person on the night of Ivan Kupala. However, such an activity was dangerous. The Slavs believed that at this time the waterman had a name day. Possessing a terrible character, this aquatic inhabitant could drag away anyone who climbed into the water and ruined his holiday.
The night of Ivan Kupala is a mystical time, imbued with traditions, beliefs and various rituals that have survived to this day. Many people wonder if it is possible to find a flowering fern. As the old legend says, on Kupala night the fern actually acquires a fiery color, which has powerful strength and the ability to fulfill any desire. Try your luck, and we wish you a great mood, a wonderful holiday, and don't forget to press the buttons and
