The holiday of Ivan Kupala - what kind of holiday is this? Ivan Kupala. water, fire and herbs Ivan bathed origin
The summer folk holiday of Ivan Kupala, beloved by many, appeared in pre-Christian times. We owe its origin to the Eastern Slavs, who worshiped various deities and believed in the forces of nature. One of the most important deities for them was the sun god Yarilo.
Our ancestors celebrated the Kupala holiday on the old style on June 24 (on the new July 7). It is dedicated to the summer solstice, the flowering of nature and the victory of light over darkness. By the time of Kupala coincides with the Nativity of John the Baptist - a major Christian holiday.
Ivana Kupala has other names:
- The day of Ivan;
- Kupala;
- Yarilo;
- Yarilin day;
- Ivan the herbalist;
- Summer Solstice, etc.
The name Ivan Kupala is a Slavic version of the name John the Baptist. The pre-Christian name of the holiday is unknown. Despite the fact that the holiday is recognized as a popular Christian holiday, the church does not recognize it, and celebrates on July 7 only the Nativity of John the Baptist. The clergy condemn the kindling of fires and jumping over them, as well as other rites and customs associated with Ivan's Day.
Ivan Kupala: traditions and customs
Believers on this day pray to John the Baptist for children. Also, prayers addressed to the saint help get rid of a headache.
The holiday starts on July 6th. This day in the folk calendar is called Agrafena Kupalnitsa. Our ancestors heated baths in which they bathed and washed. Girls and women went to the forest to prepare bath brooms for the coming year. Young branches of birch, bird cherry, willow, alder and other deciduous trees were used as material for their creation. Brooms were prepared for singing songs.
The girls put on their best outfits, went from house to house and asked: "wash." According to custom, they were supposed to be given some of the girl's jewelry (beads, earrings, ribbons, etc.). The guys went to the river during the day and collected muddy and dirty water in buckets, which they then poured over passers-by. Most of all, the girls who tried to take revenge on young people, and also poured water over them, got it. Having had enough fun, the youth went to the river to swim.
According to popular beliefs, in order to be healthy, in the evening on Agrafena you need to wash yourself with dew.
In the evening, girls and young unmarried women guessed at their betrothed. They found a plantain along the road, plucked it with the words:
"Plantain-plantain, you grow by the road, you see the old and the small, show me my beloved."
In the evening, the plucked plant was placed under the pillow, and in the morning of the next day they remembered who they dreamed of in a dream.
In order for the water in the wells to be clean, on the eve of the holiday they were cleaned from silt and dirt. In some villages, it was customary to ride on rye. According to the peasants, such a ritual contributed to a good harvest.
On July 6, before sunset, it was considered an obligatory tradition to swim. In the north they bathed in baths, in the south - in rivers and lakes.
On the night of Ivan Kupala (from July 6 to 7), various rituals were performed related to herbs, water and fire. Most of them took place at night.
Kupala bonfire
Closer to sunset, fires were kindled on the banks of reservoirs or on hills. Sometimes fire was made by rubbing wood against wood. The youth brought from all over the village a large amount of brushwood, which was put into a high pyramid. A pole was installed in the center of the pyramid, and a resin barrel, a wheel and a skull of a cow or horse were mounted on it. Bonfires were kindled in the late evening, the fire burned until the morning. In some villages, fire from a fire was carried into the dwelling, from which a new fire was kindled in the hearth. All the women living nearby were supposed to go to the fire. Those who did not come out were suspected of witchcraft.
They danced around the fire, sang Kupala songs, jumped over the fire. Whoever jumps higher will be happy. They believed that jumping over the Kupala bonfire would help cleanse them of corruption and the evil eye, as well as protect them from attacks by mermaids. The girls who didn't jump over the fire were called witches. For this, they could be doused with water or whipped with nettles. In the Kyiv province, young women who lost their virginity before marriage were forbidden to jump over the fire. It was believed that they defiled the flame with their jump.
It was customary to choose a "betrothed" and, holding hands with him, jump over the fire. If during the jump the hands remain together, then the wedding is just around the corner. It was considered a good omen if sparks from a fire fly after a couple.
In some places, in addition to bonfires, wheels or tar barrels were burned - symbols of the solstice. They were rolled down the mountain or carried on poles.
The girls gave the guys they liked their wreath, which was considered a symbol of girlhood.
Swimming at Ivan Kupala
An obligatory custom of the holiday is mass bathing in reservoirs. It was believed that all evil spirits come out of the rivers on Ivan Kupala, so you could swim without fear until Ilyin's day. Water on this day was endowed with magical and healing properties. That is why quite often it was recruited and used for various rituals.
According to popular beliefs, on the day of the summer solstice, water can be friends with fire. In honor of this, bonfires were lit on the banks of the rivers. The girls guessed by the wreaths, which were lowered into the river and watched as they floated. If the wreath floated, then this foreshadowed happiness, long years of life, and unmarried people - a quick wedding.
Kupala wreath
An obligatory attribute of the holiday is the Kupala wreath, which was made from field herbs and flowers before the holiday. There are two ways of manufacturing - twisting and weaving. It was believed that each plant added special properties to the wreath. Popular plants were:
- periwinkle, protecting from the evil eye and damage, driving away evil spirits;
- basil, which strengthens family ties, increases sexuality;
- geranium, protecting from quarrels and conflicts;
- fern, protecting from evil spirits;
- a rose that attracts love into a person's life;
- blackberry - protector from witches.
During the holiday, the wreath was most often destroyed. They threw it into the river, burned it in a fire, threw it on a tree or the roof of a house, carried it to a cemetery. Sometimes the wreath was kept in order to later be used to treat or protect gardens and fields from hail and insects.
At sunset, the girls were guessing, lowering their wreath into the pond. They made a wish and watched whether their wreath would sink or float. In the first case, the wish is not destined to come true, and in the second it will come true. The further the wreath floats away, the faster the cherished dream will come true. In the same way, they also guessed at the betrothed. Whose wreath floats, that girl will get married next year. If the wreath sinks, then sit in girls for a year. In which direction the wreath floated, from there and wait for the future spouse.
Girls living near the river. Volga, before lowering the wreath into the water, they developed (untwisted) it. Sometimes the wreath was taken to the hallway and left there so that it would protect its mistress from damage and the evil eye.
Kupala herbs
An important holiday tradition is the gathering of medicinal herbs. According to legend, it is on this day that the herbs receive great strength from the Earth and the Sun. Some of them are collected during the day, others at night. It is believed that it is better if the elderly and children are engaged in the collection of medicinal herbs - as the most pure (who do not have menstruation, do not live sexually). When collecting herbs, special prayers were most often read.
Many Kupala legends are associated with the fern and the Ivan da Marya flower. The names of these plants often appear in Kupala songs.
Our ancestors believed that once a year (on the night of Ivan Kupala) a fern flower blooms. The person who plucked it will receive wonderful opportunities. He will have the gift of clairvoyance and foresight, will begin to understand the language of animals, will be able to open any locks and find treasures buried deep in the ground.
The Ivan da Marya flower symbolizes the union of fire and water. According to legend, the origin of this flower is associated with twins (brother and sister), who fell in love with each other and entered into a forbidden sexual relationship, for which they were turned into a flower.
Video: traditions of the holiday of Ivan Kupala
The holiday of Ivan Kupala is known to everyone, and yet it originates from pagan times, even before the adoption of Christianity by people. Ivan Kupala is shrouded in magical rites, interesting traditions, and fortune-telling. In the modern world, the holiday of Ivan Kupala is celebrated with round dances, burning a fire, as well as performances by creative teams.
But from where exactly did such a holiday come to us and how is it right to celebrate it? In this article, you can find answers to these questions, as well as find out what day Ivan Kupala is celebrated and what are its main traditions.
History of occurrence
The holiday of Ivan Kupala was originally a pagan holiday, in which people washed their bodies in the hope of getting rid of diseases. It also had other names such as: Yarilin day, Suncross, Spirits day.
But the ancient Slavs celebrated the holiday of Ivan Kupala as the holiday of the Sun, which was often associated with the summer solstice on June 20-22.
When Christianity was adopted, the holiday began to be considered as the greatest holiday of the Orthodox Church, as a rite of purification. The date of the holiday also changed and began to be celebrated on July 7, because it was on this day that the prophet John the Baptist was born, otherwise known to us as John the Baptist. It was John who predicted the imminent coming of the Messiah - Jesus Christ, whom he then baptized in the waters of the Jordan River. It was at the moment of Baptism that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ in the form of a dove. Also, oh, you can read it here.
Traditions and rituals
It was believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala, all evil spirits come to life, so it was impossible to go to bed. Many inhabitants of villages and villages hid their horses, because of the belief that witches steal them and ride them through the forest at night.
Weaving wreaths
The main tradition of the holiday is the weaving of wreaths of flowers. Such wreaths were floated by young girls on the water, and where the wreath was nailed, it means that their future husband was there. And if they let out a wreath and he drowned, then the groom fell out of love and will choose another wife for himself.
Wreaths were usually woven from wild flowers, and one special wreath, the girl had to put on the head of her chosen one.
Symbols of fire and jumping over the fire
On such a night, people dance, sing songs, and also burn bonfires. In ancient times, a certain meaning was invested in such bonfires. If there was a burning wheel on a pole, it symbolized the sun and fertility.
It was considered obligatory to jump over the fire. And whoever jumps higher and does not touch the fire will be happier this year. Also, linen was burned in bonfires so that illnesses would go away. Husband and wife, as well as couples in love, jumped over the fire together, this was to strengthen their relationship. Cattle were also driven between the fires so that the smoke from the fires cleansed the animals, and they did not get sick during the next year, and were also more fertile. Bonfires also symbolized protection from evil spirits, which came to life that night.
bathing
Many people bathed in clean, river water in the hope of washing themselves from diseases. And others sprinkled water on those they met to not only cure the body of diseases, but also cleanse the soul from sins. In those villages or villages where there was no river, people heated baths and steamed there for as long as possible.
Due to the fact that the water in rivers and lakes was considered sacred on the night of Ivan Kupala, all fires were burned along them. By the way, it was necessary to swim in the water before dawn, and at dawn the girls collected dew and washed their faces with it.
Kupala tree
Often, a young tree was used for the Ivan Kupala holiday, which was usually dressed up with colorful, bright ribbons. Local girls could add fruits, grass, wreaths to the tree, and then they carried the tree outside the dwelling and stuck the fields into the ground.
Around such a tree, then they danced and sang songs. And the tree used for such a ceremony could be maple, birch, willow, spruce, and also an apple tree.
Beliefs
By tradition, many girls and boys were looking for Ivan Kupala in the forest on the night of a fern that bloomed only that night. If such a flower was found, then it promised great wealth to a person, as well as the fulfillment of all desires.
Also, after the holiday, on the next day, many residents brought an illuminated willow twig to pastures. It was believed that the sacred willow would not allow witches who took their milk from the cows. Nettles were also hung in the barn, and sharp objects were stuck into the tables.
If suddenly any girl or woman does not come to the fire on the night of Ivan Kupala, it meant that she was a witch.
It was considered an interesting belief on such a night to find the grass of Ivan da Marya and, after squeezing their juice, drink it. Such juice gave people health, could restore lost hearing. After all, such a grass, according to popular belief, personified true love.
divination
To see their betrothed in a dream, the girls went to bed, and under the pillows they put a bouquet of thistles and ferns. And in order to find out the name of their future husband, at midnight the girls asked the first man they met, and what name the person would say, the future husband would have such a name.
The girls also made a wish and looked at the horse. If the horse hits with the left hoof - the wish will come true, with the right - the wish will come true, but a little later. But if the horse neighs, it means fortunately, and lowers his head - then expect trouble in love.
At sunset, a stone was thrown into the water, if there were an even number of circles from the stone, then the wish will come true, if not, then it will not come true.
Girls plucked birch branches and hid them behind their backs. Usually there were seven such branches. Then they were pulled out one by one from behind, and if the branch came across a beautiful, even one, then the year would be successful. But if the branch was bumpy or crooked, then expect trouble.
Any girl or woman could make a wish and pick a dandelion. Then blow on it with all your might and if the fluffs scatter, then the wish will come true this year. But if half remains, then the desire will come true, but it's worth the wait. It happened that the fluffs remain in place, which means that the desire, unfortunately, will not come true at all.
Collection of medicinal herbs
On the night of Ivan Kupala, many collected medicinal herbs, which only on that night acquired simply magical power. Many girls and boys, even adult men, went on a "hunt" for magical flowers and herbs.
Ararat grass
If a person can find such a flower and cut it off for himself, then he gains power over evil spirits. Because evil spirits guard all plants that night. And only a brave and courageous man could cut such a flower.
Gap grass
By giving a gap-grass in the night, Ivan Kupala, could give a person who finds it during a fiery flowering, invisibility. As well as other power over castles, barriers and covenants. But finding such a herb was not easy. First, it was necessary to mow the grass in a dark and overgrown place in a wasteland until the scythe breaks, and then take the mowed hay and throw it into the river. All excess straw will sink, but the gap will float the grass against the current.
Plakun grass
Plakun grass, according to old beliefs, had the magical power to make a person invisible, protect a person from evil spirits, and also gave power over evil spirits.
Overcome the grass
In another way, this species is called - white water lily. In order to properly pick such a flower, it was necessary to dig it out of the mud, while pronouncing the cherished words. A white water lily gave a person a powerful amulet against evil spirits.
Congratulations on Ivan Kupala
Modern holiday Ivan Kupala
In the modern world, Ivan Kupala is not celebrated on such a large scale as before, but some traditions are still observed. Especially in the villages, residents celebrate the holiday of Ivan Kupala by kindling bonfires, as well as traditional jumping over it. Girls tell fortunes on the water and float wreaths into the night along the river, into which candles are often inserted.
And fairs work in the city, folk, creative groups perform and ritual songs are sung in honor of the Ivan Kupala holiday. People unite and dance around the elegant Marena. Those who could not attend the holiday are guessing at home on the water, on bouquets, wreaths, and also on a mirror. They also pour water over their houses, trying to be in time before dawn.
Ivan Kupala is a midsummer holiday with ancient traditions and customs. On this day in Russia people bathed in lakes and rivers, jumped over bonfires and gathered healing herbs.
history of the holiday
Before baptism, the Slavs celebrated the summer solstice Kupalo or Solstice - the "turn" of the sun to decline, which in 2019 falls on June 21.
With the adoption of Christianity, the holiday was timed to coincide with the birth of John the Baptist, which is celebrated on July 7, and the date of the celebration no longer coincides with the astronomical solstice. The name of the holiday "Ivan Kupala" is associated with another name of John the Baptist - the Bather.
Ritual washing with water and cleansing with fire are the main traditions of Ivan's Day.
Traditions and rituals on the night before Ivan Kupala
The night before Ivan Kupala is special. The rituals performed on this day are associated with fire, herbs and water: it was customary to kindle fires on the banks of rivers and jump over them, dance, swim, collect herbs, weave wreaths and tell fortunes.
On Kupala, witches, werewolves, sorcerers, mermaids, goblin and mermen become especially dangerous, so you can’t sleep that night.
Swimming in lakes and rivers
One of the main traditions of the holiday is swimming in lakes and rivers. The water in the reservoirs on Kupala becomes healing, acquires special, magical properties.
In addition, on the Kupala night, mermaids and mermen come out of the lakes and rivers, so until August 2, Ilyin's day, you can swim without fear.
At dawn, it was customary to wash with morning dew.
cleansing fire
At sunset, fires were lit by the river or on a high hill, they danced, sang songs, danced, and played games. The Slavs believed that on Kupala the fire acquires a healing cleansing power, removes damage and drives away evil spirits.
On the night before Ivan's Day, they chose a mate for themselves. Guys and girls exchanged wreaths and jumped, holding hands, over the fire. If sparks fly after the couple, and their hands do not separate during the jump, it means that there will be a wedding soon. We watched who jumped higher - he would be happier.
Healing herbs
Herbs on the night of Ivan Kupala acquire magical powers: they become especially healing, give health and vitality, and protect from evil spirits.
Ivanovo herbs were collected at night or at dawn due to dew, dried and used all year round.
One of the symbols of Ivan's Day is the Ivan da Marya flower. According to an old belief, the juice squeezed from this plant restores hearing and a lost mind. The flowers of Ivan da Marya, collected on the Kupala night, were placed in the corners of the rooms so that thieves would not enter the house.
Wormwood had great power to protect against evil spirits: it was dried and hung in the house, woven into wreaths and worn on the belt. To scare away witches, who became especially dangerous on Midsummer Night, nettles were laid out on the threshold and window sills in the house.
Fern flower
According to legend, on the night before Ivan Kupala, a fern blooms: a flower arrow with a bud resembling hot coal appears from the center of the bush, and at exactly midnight a fiery flower appears for a moment. If you break it, you can acquire the ability to see treasures buried in the ground, understand the language of animals, open all the locks by simply attaching a flower to them, gain the gift of foresight, take on any shape and become invisible.
The flower hunter should draw a circle around himself with a consecrated knife and wait until midnight. It is difficult to pick a fern flower, as the forest evil spirits prevent this in every possible way: it calls out, calls in a familiar voice, makes noise. In no case should you respond or turn around - you can lose your life. Having obtained a flower, you need to hide it in your bosom and run away without looking back.
Divination and beliefs
On Ivan Kupala, girls weave wreaths, stick candles into them, let them float on the water and tell fortunes. If the wreath does not sink, but floats, then a quick marriage awaits. The happiest will be the one whose wreath lasts longer on the water, and whoever burns out the candle the longest will live the longest life.
At midnight, without looking, you need to collect a bunch of herbs and put it under your pillow, and in the morning check if there are twelve different plants. If you have enough - to be married this year. They also put a plantain under the head, which in the old days was called a tripod, saying “Triptnik-fellow, you live on the road, you see the young and the old, tell me my betrothed!”
According to legend, you can expect the fulfillment of a wish if you climb over the fences of twelve gardens on Midsummer Day.
It is believed that those who take part in the celebration of Ivan Kupala Day will definitely find their happiness and love.
The first mention of the celebration of the so-called Ivanov's day are found in the sources of the XII century. This holiday was allegedly celebrated in honor of the deity Kupala, who personified the flowering of nature and was "responsible" for the harvest.
According to another version, there was no deity: the ancient Russian pagans simply celebrated the days of the summer solstice, which was accompanied by merrymaking and bathing. And the chronicler, who compiled the Gustyn Chronicle in the 17th century, took the name of the holiday for the name of a pagan deity.
With the introduction of Christianity in Russia, many pagan holidays survived, but were transformed. So it happened with the day of Kupala. The fact is that on the same day the Nativity of John the Baptist was celebrated. Their names were simply connected, and a new holiday appeared - in honor of "Ivan Kupala".
The rituals that accompanied the festival were called so - bathing. The main role in them was played by water, fire and herbs. For example, girls on this day threw wreaths into the water, and then guessed from them whether they would soon have a betrothed.
The night on Ivan Kupala was considered especially important. The youth lit bonfires that night and then danced around them. It was also customary to jump over a fire: it was believed that the higher you jump, the happier you will be. Shortly before dawn, an effigy of wood and straw was burned - it personified the dark beginning. Women whose children were ill took off their shirts, brought them to the Kupala fire and threw them into the flames in order to "burn" the disease. It was also customary to throw bunches of nettles into the fire - according to legend, this warded off evil spirits.
There was a belief among Russian peasants that on the night of Ivanov's day everything around becomes alive: trees can move from place to place, and animals begin to speak human language ... Herbs are filled with a special, miraculous power - healing and protective. Herbs and flowers collected on the Kupala night were taken out of the house in the morning so that they were saturated with morning dew. After that, they were dried and stored at home. If someone fell ill in the house, he was fumigated with Kupala grass. During a thunderstorm, Kupala herbs were thrown into a burning stove so that lightning would not strike the house.
When will Ivan Kupala's holiday be in 2020? The celebration begins on Saturday, July 6th. The festivities will take place on the shore of the reservoir. All night long people will have fun, sing funny songs and jump over the fire. Young unmarried girls can tell fortunes about their betrothed. The celebration will continue on Sunday, July 7th. On such a day, you need to swim in the river, conduct a ceremony to protect the family and the harvest. On Sunday morning you can go to church and read a prayer to John the Baptist.
Ivan Kupala has long been celebrated on the very Nativity of John the Baptist, that is, on the night of July 7th. Previously, the birth of a saint was celebrated according to the Julian calendar - June 24th. The holiday of the ancient Slavs is dedicated to the summer solstice. True, the longest day usually falls on the 20th-22nd of June. However, due to the abolition of the Julian calendar and the introduction of a new style, the holiday moved to July 7th.
Starting in the evening, and then the whole night, people have fun. On Kupala, you need to collect various herbs and flowers, weave wreaths, decorate your home with green plants. At night - jump over the fire, dance round the fire and sing funny songs, and also guess. The main attributes of the holiday are water, fire, herbs. On the Kupala night, they are endowed with magical powers.
After July 7, it was possible to swim without fear of drowning in any body of water. After all, any evil spirits left the water before Ilyin's day (celebrated on August 2).
The history of the origin of the holiday
There was a holiday of Ivan Kupala even before the baptism of Russia. True, in those days it was dedicated to the Sun and was celebrated at night, during the summer solstice, that is, on the longest day of summer. Once upon a time on this holiday, the pagans called on the spirits and asked them for a good harvest. Before the magical action, it was necessary to undergo purification by fire and washing with water. At night, various rituals were performed, and young girls guessed at their betrothed.
Christian Russia could not abandon its centuries-old traditions. At first, people were reluctant to follow the new religious rules. The Solstice Day and the ancient holiday were dedicated to John the Baptist, who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ and baptized the Messiah. The Slavs called the saint Ivan Kupala. Traditions have changed slightly over the centuries. The holiday beloved by the people, dedicated first to the Sun, and then to John the Baptist, was transformed from pagan into Christian.
Traditions and customs
The festivities began in the evening and lasted the whole night. When it started to get dark, fires were lit. On the Kupala night, rituals were performed with fire and water, herbs were spoken, merry songs were sung, danced, fortune-telled, and a scarecrow was burned.
Training
They prepared for the Kupala night all day. According to custom, the celebration was held on the banks of a flowing river. Only in such a place at night did everyone feel safe. After all, all evil spirits came out of their dark places on Ivan Kupala. The organizer of the holiday was appointed from among the local residents. He made sure that the guys prepared the site for the night, collected firewood for the fire.
Grass bevel
A glade was being prepared for the holiday. They mowed the grass on it so that the vegetation would not interfere with dancing. Mowers went out into the field early in the morning, when dewdrops were still shining on the grass. In the middle of the glade, a ritual tree was set up from willow branches, an effigy of Madder or Kupala from straw.
Firewood
During the day it was necessary to prepare more firewood and brushwood. After all, it was necessary to burn a fire until the morning. The firewood was harvested by young boys. It was necessary to make a huge pyramid so that the flame of the ritual fire would rise to two meters.
Scarecrow making
For the Kupala night, straw and hay were prepared in advance to make a scarecrow. From the dried grass they made a doll of Mary or Marena, who brought hunger, misfortune and misfortune to the house. They danced around the scarecrow, and then touched it so that it fell. After that, the doll was mourned, carried to the funeral pyre and burned.
Instead of a scarecrow, a ritual tree was made from branches of a birch, maple, willow, apple tree. This tree was decorated with ribbons and flowers. They called him Kupala or Kupail. All night round dances were made around him and merry songs were sung. Then they were burned on a ritual fire or drowned in a pond.
jumping through the flames
The fire on Ivan Kupala was considered sacred. The ancient Slavs thought that he was the embryo of the Sun, worshiped him, cleansed and protected himself from evil spirits with a flame. On the night of July 6-7, it is customary to light bonfires and jump over the fire. The flame was produced exclusively by rubbing wood against wood. The fire had to burn all night. Nobody had the right to cancel it. The fire had to burn out on its own.
Bonfires were kindled in the evening. Jumping over the fire was an obligatory ritual. He helped the girls avoid illnesses, protected them from spoilage. A woman who refused to jump over a fire at night could be accused of witchcraft.
You could jump alone or in pairs. The main thing is not to get burned, then expect trouble. They say that if the bride and groom successfully jumped over the fire without letting go of their hands, they will be a happy couple. For children, a smaller fire was made from nettles and thistles. These herbs drove away evil spirits. It was customary to play burners on Ivan Kupala.
Round dances and dances
On the night of Kupala, all evil spirits became more active. The whole village gathered around the fire near the river. Nobody slept at night. People led round dances and danced around a scarecrow, a built ritual tree and a fire. Still singing. The songs were about love, happiness or comical, in the form of squabbles between boys and girls.
Setting fire to tar barrels and wooden wheels
With the last rays of the sun on July 6, bonfires began to be lit on the shore of the reservoir. A pole with a huge wooden wheel was placed in the center of a huge pyramid of firewood and brushwood. The bonfire was lit from a living fire obtained by friction. A huge column of fire was formed with a burning wheel in the middle, symbolizing the Sun, around which they danced and sang songs until the morning.
Sometimes with a wheel they simply walked and glorified the Sun. A burning tar barrel was rolled down the mountain. This symbolized the sun descending from the top and the approach of autumn.
Pouring water
On Midsummer Day, it has long been customary to cleanse with water. Those who lived far from water bodies took a bath with brooms made of various herbs and thus drove away the unclean from themselves. You could douse dirty water all day for fun. It was believed that the more often a person washes on Kupala, the healthier he will be.
wreaths
The wreath was considered the main decoration of the Kupala night. The girls collected the plants they needed and wove them into wreaths for their heads. In each such decoration there were 12 herbs, necessarily - fern, periwinkle, rose, branches of blackberry, oak and birch. All night long they had fun in wreaths, they put it on the head of their beloved, and then they lowered it into the water along with a burning candle. The wreaths slowly floated downstream. The girls followed them along the shore and watched.
If the wreath floated smoothly, and the candle did not go out, then soon the owner was planning a wedding. If he drowned - unfortunately. They also looked at which bank the wreath would land on, from there it was necessary to expect the groom. The wreath could be burned at the stake or kept to protect against illness or crop failure.
Bathing
On Kupala, you had to swim in the river at sunrise. This procedure helped to wash off all the sores and cleanse the soul. After sunset, the ancestors of the Slavs took cattle to the watering place. On the Kupala night, the water had healing properties and could protect animals from illnesses.
Body cleansing
In order to cleanse your body, you had to swim in the reservoir 9 times on a holiday or heat a bathhouse and wash in it. Morning dew had a special healing power. Young girls were washed by her in the early morning to always be young and beautiful.
Purification of the soul
Kupala water healed the soul. She had the same power as the baptismal one. After divination, it was necessary to cleanse the soul with holy water from a reservoir. People at dawn went to bathe, having read a prayer or asked water to wash their body and soul. They also cleansed the soul by jumping over the fire. It was necessary to jump over 9 times. The fire took away all the negativity and cleansed the aura.
Spirit cleansing
The spirit of evil thoughts was cleansed by sacred fire. On the night of Kupala, it was necessary to walk barefoot 9 times around the fiery circle. It was made from the burning firebrands of a ritual fire. Those who were afraid of such a ritual could cleanse the spirit with the help of bathing.
Theft of jewelry
In the old days, they believed that on such a holiday, evil spirits hunt for innocent souls. On the bank of the river, a fire was burned at night to scare away evil spirits and prolong the day. Ancestors were afraid of mermaids living in reservoirs. These creatures hunted swimmers and dragged people to the depths. Vodyanoy's daughters were very fond of jewelry and sometimes stole bright things left on the shore.
True, not only mermaids were engaged in theft. The guys, having fun at night near the Kupala tree, decorated with wreaths and ribbons, specially teased the girls. The young men tried to steal the ritual tree or some decoration from it. The girls guarded the main symbol of the holiday, and before dawn they burned it at the stake.
Collection of herbs
Another such day was called Ivan the Travnik. It was believed that on Kupala many herbs acquired healing and magical properties. Plants were collected at night, in the afternoon or early in the morning, until the dew dried on them. Then the herbs were consecrated in the church.
Chamomile and wormwood helped with diseases of the stomach, a series of treated skin diseases, yarrow was used for appetite. A whole legend was associated with the Ivan da Marya plant. In the old days, they believed that they were brother and sister, separated after birth, and after many years entered into a forbidden love relationship with each other. For this reason, they turned into a flower.
Burning unnecessary things
On the Kupala night, things of loved ones were burned at the stake, which they wore when they were sick. The Slavs believed that in this way it would be possible to escape from ailments and protect themselves from trouble. In the Kupala fire it was possible to burn all the things that evoked gloomy memories. Along with the flames rising to the sky, corruption and evil evaporated.
divination
Kupala night is an ideal time for divination and love magic. Fortune telling in the old days in different ways, some customs have survived to this day. After divination, it was necessary to wash with Kupala dew or swim at night, at dawn in the river.
In circles on the water
On the night of Kupala, you need to go to the reservoir and throw a pebble into it. Then - count the circles on the water. An even number means that the wish will surely come true, an odd number does not bode well. You could just take water in a bowl and throw pebbles into it, and then count the circles.
on the fern
On Midsummer's Day, you need to collect as many fern branches as the girl has contenders for her heart. Each branch needs to be marked with some kind of thread or a piece of paper with the guy's name attached. Then all the branches of the fern must be simultaneously lowered into the water at night. The branch that first pops up will reveal the name of the betrothed.
On a wreath
With wreaths of flowers and herbs, young girls not only decorated their heads, they also guessed at them. Each wreath was associated with a beloved guy. It was desirable to hold such an ornament of flowers on the head of a lover. Wreaths on a Kupala night were floated on the water and watched closely. Whose wreath sails far away, that girl's wish will come true. If the wreath quickly sinks, the lovers will not be together. If it stands in one place, the wedding is still far away.
On wax
You can tell fortunes on wax on the Kupala night. For such a fortune-telling, you need to take a candle and crush it into small pieces. Then - you need to melt it in a spoon over the fire. As soon as the wax melts, it must be immediately poured into cold water. Get some figure. If the ring comes out, the girl will have a wedding in the near future. A figurine of a coin - to wealth. The flower is a new suitor. A figurine of a person means that a guest will appear soon.
Bouquet of flowers
On the night of Kupala, it was necessary to pick a bouquet, but so that it contained 12 herbs. Definitely - thistle and fern. Before going to bed, you need to put a bouquet under the pillow and say: "Narrowed-mummers, dream of me dressed up."
For a cherished desire
You can entrust your most cherished desire on the night of Kupala to a dandelion. You need to blow strength on him. If all the fluff has flown away, then the desire will come true. If a part remains, it is better to think of something else.
on chamomile
On the night of Kupala, you need to take two flowers and put them in a vase of water. One chamomile will symbolize a guy, the other - a girl. If the flowers turn their heads towards each other, the lovers were destined to live together all their lives. If the daisies turn away, the couple could be separated. You can throw two flowers into the river. If the daisies swim side by side, the lovers will never be separated. If the flowers disperse in different directions, the guy and the girl will part.
on the maple
On the Kupala night, you need to go to the maple and pick the first leaf that comes across. Then make a wish and count the sharp tips. If there are an even number of them, then the wish will come true. An odd number means that the dream will never come true.
On the birch
Birch branches will tell about what life will be like. For fortune-telling on the night of Kupala, you need to take seven different (curved, straight, thick or thin) birch branches. They need to be tied into a bouquet. Then close your eyes and pull out at random the first one that comes across. If the branch is straight, such a person will have a smooth and happy life. A winding and thin birch twig portends an uneven fate and poverty. Thick - to wealth.
Folk omens
In ancient times, they were attentive to everything that happened on a holiday. Signs helped people better understand nature.
For the weather
If the sky overcasts on Kupala and it rains, then it will be rainy for a whole week. But then the weather will become hot and dry. The star-studded sky on a Kupala night - to a huge harvest of cucumbers and mushrooms.
The year will be happy if you see a rainbow for the holiday. True, after such an atmospheric phenomenon, prolonged rains should be expected. The clear sky on Kupala foreshadowed late autumn, a long and very hot summer.
Snake
The harbinger of trouble was a snake. It was considered an unkind sign to meet her on Ivanov's holiday. A meeting with any snake promised trouble and possible death. A loved one could die.
Concerning wreaths
Wreaths were lowered into the river and a candle was inserted into them. If the candle did not go out for a long time, and the wreath did not sink, then the wish will come true. A wreath sunk in an instant did not bode well.
Rites
On Midsummer Day, many rituals were performed. Ancient knowledge and rituals helped people to protect the future harvest, protect themselves from diseases and troubles, save the house from theft.
Protective
To protect against witches in the pasture, it was necessary to bring several branches of willow or aspen consecrated in the church so that evil spirits would not take the milk from the cows. The nettles hung in the barn near the ceiling guarded the milk yield. Embers from the Kupala fire protected the field from evil spirits, crop failure, and fire. The cooled firebrands were thrown into rye or wheat.
Nettle sprigs had to be placed on the threshold of the house. The grass protected the dwelling from witches and evil sorcerers. Evil forces could not step over the nettles and get into the house. Wormwood can be used for the same purpose. To protect against evil spirits that bring trouble to the house, you need to stick sharp objects into windows, tables, doors.
For well-being at home
Early in the morning on Midsummer's Day, you need to go to church and pray. You can mentally turn to John the Baptist and tell him about your cherished desire. Then pluck a sprig of nettle. It is better to consecrate it in a church or in a clean stream. Nettle will protect the house from swearing and misunderstanding, protect it from uninvited guests and thieves.
For prosperity and wealth
There will always be wealth and prosperity in the house, if you put a flower of Ivan da Marya in all corners. The plant will not let a robber into the dwelling. It will seem to the thief that someone is whispering in the house. According to dr according to the legend, Ivan and Marya will talk and, thus, frighten off the robber.
With bathing dew
At dawn, you need to wash yourself with morning clean dew. She helped the girls to maintain beauty and health. You can put dew in a bottle and rub your eyes with it so that it does not hurt. Even early in the morning they tore grasses with drops of dew and consecrated the dwelling with them. Such a rite helped protect housing from evil spirits and insects.
Fern Legend
Our ancestors had a beautiful legend about the fern flower. It could be found in the forest only on a Kupala night. The one who found the color of the fern received amazing abilities: he began to understand the conversations of animals and birds, he could find any treasure. True, they went to look for a magic potion by removing their pectoral cross. On the night of Kupala, it was dangerous to walk through the forest unprotected. Goblin and evil spirits roamed everywhere. They frightened people, tried to prevent them from finding the treasured flower.
Exactly at midnight, the lucky one could see a jumping bud on the leaves of a fern. Then it cracked open, and a fiery red flower appeared from it. True, it is forbidden to rip it off. You can only look at the flower. A person who saw the color of a fern was endowed with amazing abilities. All his wishes were fulfilled.
Features of modern celebrations
Today, Ivan Kupala is a favorite holiday for young people. Rarely in any village located near a reservoir, it is not celebrated. Young people gather on the banks of a river or lake, light a fire and have fun all night long: they dance and sing songs. This holiday is popular in children's sanatoriums, camps and rest homes.
Educators are trying to revive the traditions of their ancestors and hold events, as in the old days - with round dances around the fire, chants and burning a scarecrow. Girls weave wreaths at night and tell fortunes about their betrothed.
According to Soviet tradition, in some cities located near the sea or rivers, on Ivanov's Day they celebrate the feast of Neptune. All residents in the evening or at night gather at the reservoir. Young girls dress up as mermaids and nymphs. A colorful action unfolds on the stage. Such a holiday is rarely complete without catering services. Barbecues and tables are set up on the shore, barbecues are fried, and alcoholic drinks are sold. The youth have fun all night long. Rock bands and famous artists entertain people.
How to determine the date of Kupala night
Many do not understand when to celebrate Ivan Kupala. So you don't want to miss your favorite holiday. The celebration begins on the evening of July 6th. They prepare for it even in the afternoon: they collect firewood for a fire, make and dress up a scarecrow. Usually, the time and date of the start of the holiday is written in local ads or newspapers. You can take a ride along the coast in the evening and find out if anyone is going to celebrate Ivan Kupala at night.
On the night of the 6th to the 7th, residents gather on the banks of the river, burn bonfires, jump over the fire, have fun, guess. In the early morning they bathe in the river or are washed with dew. On July 7, after nightly festivities, you need to go to church and consecrate herbs to protect against evil spirits. The dwelling can be decorated with consecrated nettles or linden branches. July 8 is a normal working day.
