Date :
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
We associate this folk festival with a bonfire, bathing, looking for a fern flower and, of course, with something pagan. But what is the history of Kupalye and what traditions are still observed?
How it all began
It appeared in pre-Christian times, when the Eastern Slavs worshipped different gods. One of them was Yarilo, the god of the Sun. Kupalye used to be celebrated on June 24, the day of the summer solstice, as if it were a day of defeating darkness.
The name Ivan Kupala comes from the name of John the Baptist.
Traditions and customs
Since the celebration is dedicated to the gods, on this day it is customary to pray for children and for the health of loved ones. In the Slavic calendar Kupalye was called Agraphena Kupalnitsa, which meant that it was time to heat the baths, prepare bath besoms made of birch and other trees. The girls tried on their most beautiful dresses and went into each house asking to be ‘washed’. In turn, the people gave them jewelry of some kind. The boys, on the other hand, would draw water from the rivers to pour over passers-by, particularly the girls, who tried to defend themselves and attack them with the same. Then they all ran together to swim in the river.
Our ancestors believed that it was necessary to wash your face with water that very evening in order to stay healthy. Unmarried women used to tell fortunes for their grooms, and peasants then and still do night rituals that involve grass, fire, water.
Kupalye Bonfire
One of the most important traditions was and still is jumping over the bonfire. All the villagers used to bring firewood and pile it in the shape of a high pyramid. A pole was placed in its center, on which a tarred barrel, an animal skull and a wheel used to be placed. They would be lit late at night, so that the fire would not burn out until morning.
Those who did not come to the bonfire were considered sorcerers. There was constant singing and dancing and jumping over the bonfire, and anyone who jumped the highest would be the luckiest! If a young couple jumped over the fire without dropping their arms, it was a sign that they would soon be married. Girls would give wreaths to guys they liked as a symbol of maidenhood.
Where to celebrate in 2021
- In Sula Park on June 26 and July 03 at 1 p.m., musical groups will perform, workshops on wreath weaving will be held, and, of course, traditions will be honored: throwing wreaths into the water, round dancing, jumping over a bonfire.
- In the Dudutki complex on June 26 at 5 p.m. there will be a show of folk and ethnic groups, a fire show, and unusual locations. In addition, there will be photo zones and a playground.
- At the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Ozertso on June 26 at 6 p.m., the following is expected: workshops on making wreaths, candles with herbs, Kupalye procession, making Kupalye bonfire, storytelling about nightmares and legends, lectures about magical herbs, singing and dancing.
- In Bezdezh agrotown, near the “Kalya Plesa” farmstead on July 6 at 8 p.m., you will be offered to draw patterns on your face, treat yourself to some delicacies, arrange lowering wreaths on the water, lighting the Kupalye bonfire, etc.
- In Alexandria agrotown on July 10-11 at 11 a.m. you will find thematic areas, entertainment and circus acts, performances of musical bands, fancy dresses, dancing, fireworks.
Even though the holiday originated several centuries ago, it is still interesting today, because it is associated with colorful and merry festivities in the summer evenings. Feel free to join in the celebrations!