Ivan Kupala Day is one of the most expressive traditional holidays in Ukraine. It is still very popular among many locals, especially those living in the vast Ukrainian countryside. This pre-Christian rite, which is celebrated at the summer solstice, around June 24, signifies the connection of people with “Dazhbog” – the Slavic God of the Sun. Originally, Ivan Kupala Day was a joyful fertility festival honouring the light energy of the sun that was believed to provide people with good harvest, beauty, love, and healing powers. Later, the holiday was even accepted by the Orthodox Christian Church and included in the Church Calendar.
Early in the morning on June 24, women traditionally go far from their villages to gather medicinal and “magical” plants and herbs and, at night, there is a time for a cheerful and wild pagan celebration. The name “Kupala” stands for bathing (purification) and fertility. His attributes include sapling, ash, chaplets, dew, and other natural articles with healing and fertility-promoting properties. At night, Kupala is honoured by numerous burning bonfires, which symbolize the power of Dazhbog. Young women and guys jump over the flames in order to purify their spirits, to drive away bad luck, and to attract wealthy and happy future and a lucky marriage. Clothes of ill people are burnt in these sacred flames to banish the sickness. In the morning, villagers take the fire ashes home since they have a power to protect against bad luck and evil forces.
One more purifying aspect of Ivan Kupala Day is connected with water, which is a traditional symbol of healing powers. People bathe in a river, pond, or lake, in order to clean themselves from negative energies. A number of ancient water rituals and games are also related to attracting love and happy marriage.
Another aspect of the celebration is decorating of the “kupaily”, a branch of a cherry tree or willow, with candles, flowers, and ribbons. All village girls then dance in a circle around it (this traditional dance is called “horovod”), and sing about their loved ones. In the end of the night, “kupaily” is broken into pieces and every girl should keep a portion so that she can marry a good and hard-working guy.
Ukrainian witches usually celebrate their “sabbath” on the Ivan Kupala’s Eve, when the moon is full and all spiritual forces come close to people. A famous opera the Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky was inspired by a sabbath of Ukrainian witches.
marriage name change, 1 year ago
I really love to see a event like this where families are spending quality time with each other. One of the best way to enjoy marriage life.
travel to ukraine, 9 months ago
We have many interesting tours and festivals !