The holiday of Ivan Kupala bears in itself pagan traditions, however in the majority they now are not kept, except, perhaps, douche with water and bathing in the rivers and lakes. July 7 is the day when Ivan Kupala is celebrated. This is due to the fact that this date falls on the summer solstice. True, our ancestors celebrated it on June 24, with the transition to a new style, the date changed to July 7.
How is the holiday of Ivan Kupala celebrated?
Very interesting is the question of how Ivan Kupala was celebrated in Russia, and what traditions were transferred in our time. As already noted above, this holiday originates in paganism, but with the advent of Christianity in Russia it was associated with the day of John the Baptist.
Our ancestors celebrated this holiday according to rites and traditions. The main symbols of the Kupala night were water, grass and fire. It was allowed to swim from the day of Ivan Kupala to Il'in's day, because people thought that in these days impure force leaves the reservoirs, and bathing in them does not threaten anything. Moreover, according to the legend, water on the night of the feast acquired healing properties, bathing in it people could improve their health. In Christian times, people washed in holy sources (this tradition exists in our time).
Another of the symbols of the holiday is fire. Slavs bred cleansing fires and danced round them. Young people loved to jump through this fire, because it was believed that someone who does not hit the fire, waiting for happiness. After all this, people of the older generation drove cattle between the fires, so that death or illness did not come to them. On the night of Ivan Kupala our ancestors never slept, because they feared that evil spirits would come to them, and they could be helped by fire.
Various herbs on this night also acquired magical properties and were endowed with healing power. Plants harvested on this day were dried and later fumigated at home. It was believed that this helps to drive out evil spirits and diseases. If someone found a fern in Ivanov's day, then there was a high probability of finding a number of treasure.
Everyone knows that it is very good to spend fortune-telling in the Kupala night, that they often come true. Many young girls are still observing this rite. Most often, girls weave wreaths and insert candles into them, which are set on fire. Then the wreaths were put on the water and watched their behavior. If he quickly sails away from the shore, then the girl is waiting for happiness and marriage. If a candle burns for a very long time, it means a long life. Well, in the event that the wreath is drowning, marriage can not wait, and a loved one can change or fall out of love.
The Slavs believed that evil spirits and witches inflict special harm on livestock, so they defended it with all their might - the nettle was laid out in the house, and the horses were locked in the cribs. If you tear the flower of the ivan-da-marya on the night of the holiday and put it at home, then the thief will never be able to climb there. It was believed that on this night the plants come to life - they begin to talk to each other, and even animals acquire this ability.
Certainly, many traditions have already outlived their own, especially since the church does not favor this pagan holiday.
Special popularity Ivan Kupala has in Kiev - the capital of the Slavs. Parks, central streets, museums - just a small list, where they celebrate in Kiev Ivan Kupala.
In the central park in Kiev, for example, every year there is a show that is designed to move people to the Middle Ages and celebrate the holiday for real. Here you can even spend the night in rooms furnished in the style of the Middle Ages. Celebrations are held in other parks and museums. All of them are united by one thing - an attempt to preserve ancient traditions.