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Kupala night is the only time in the year when fire and water, the two most important elements, two opposing entities, come into harmony. The legends of our ancestors spoke about this, which is why the ancient rites and signs on Ivan Kupala are traditionally associated with making fires and swimming in rivers. The rituals performed on this day were meant to drive away evil spirits and ensure happiness and longevity for those who participate in them. We talk in detail about them, as well as what can and cannot be done on Ivan Kupala.
The history of folk signs on Ivan Kupala
Ivan Kupala is one of the most striking examples of holidays that were pagan, but became Christian. Once it was held on June 21 – the shortest night of the year. At that time, superstitions about evil spirits crawling out of their holes at night were strong among the people, so once a year – on the night before the summer solstice – the people gathered and arranged festivities to scare away the undead, to demonstrate their fearlessness in front of her.
With the advent of Christianity in Our Country, the church brought new meanings to this holiday. From now on, he was associated with the name of John the Baptist, and water rituals, familiar to pagan Our Country, were now associated with the baptism of Christ.
Despite the active Christianization of the holiday, Ivan Kupala was and remains one of the most mystical days, whose pagan roots are easily traced through traditional rituals and signs.
“Fiery” signs: why they jump over the fire on Ivan Kupala
When you hear “The Day of Ivan Kupala”, the first association that arises in your head is people in linen shirts jumping over a fire. This is one of the oldest traditions, dating back to ancient pagan times, when the holiday was still called simply Kupalo. Fans of ancient history, reenactors and those who happened to be out of town on that day still continue to make fires. So why jump over fire, putting yourself at risk of getting burned? We tell.
- Various magical properties were attributed to the fire that night, the main one being cleansing. The fire lit that night drove away evil spirits, relieved troubles.
- They believed that a person who dared to jump over the flame would find happiness and good luck for a year – until the next Ivan’s night.
- If a young couple jumps over the fire, holding hands, they will be inseparable for the rest of their lives.
- It was believed that a woman who jumped over a fire regained youth and beauty.
- If cattle are led between two fires lit on the night of Ivan Kupala, the animals will not get sick all year.
- In Kupala bonfires, the clothes of sick people were burned so that the disease would go away and never return.
“Water” signs
And in pre-Christian times, the holiday was closely associated with water, and when it was tied to the Nativity of John the Baptist, bathing became an integral part of folk festivals. However, the name of the holiday speaks for itself. The main function of water, like fire, was considered purification.
- They believed that all the water on this day acquires healing properties.
- It was believed that bathing in a river, pond or lake on Midsummer’s Day would help get rid of all diseases.
- Women washed themselves with morning dew to keep their youth and attractiveness. Men – to become more resilient and stronger.
- If you drink the water that was drawn from the well in the morning, you can cleanse yourself of evil thoughts and find peace of mind.
- Mass bathing on this day was common in Our Country. If you do not take part in them, you can doom yourself to sorrows and loneliness.
Signs about plants
Ivan Kupala Day is a holiday of unity with nature, turning to the origins. In the old days, it was celebrated far from the villages: in an open field, on the edge of a forest, on the river bank. Folk festivities lasted all night and all day, and many signs were associated with plants.
- The most famous ritual on Ivan Kupala is the search for a fern flower. To this day, many believe that if you find it, you will find eternal happiness, countless treasures and secret knowledge about the structure of the world. According to legend, the fern blooms only for a moment, exactly at midnight before Ivan Kupala. Unclean forces in every possible way prevent the acquisition of a mythical flower, frightening the seeker, depriving him of vision, memory, and reason. In different nations, the flower is described in different ways: someone says that it is a tiny silver flower, someone talks about a huge scarlet bud. Until now, as far as is known, the coveted flower has not been found, so no one can say what it looks like. Although the finder would hardly tell anyone about his luck – he would have to share the treasures
- The girls wove wreaths from plants and flowers. During the day they decorated the head, and in the evening, after inserting a candle into them, they let them float on the water. Whoever’s wreath floats farther will be the happier of all. Whoever has a candle that burns longer will have the longest life. If the wreath is untwisted – do not wait for marriage this year. The wreath drowned – to troubles, sorrows and ailments.
- Wild flowers and herbs acquired magical power on this day. Women replenished the stock of medicinal plants, drying them for the future.
- It was customary to prepare bath brooms for Ivan Kupala. It was believed that the branches cut and dried on this day retained their healing properties for a whole year.
signs of the weather
Observing the surrounding nature on this day, you can predict the weather for the coming months.
- Rain on Midsummer Day – in seven days the heat will begin and last until the end of summer.
- Abundant dew on this day – for the harvest of cucumbers.
- The sky is clear, starry – in the fall, mushrooms will be born.
- You can hear the cuckoo chirping – it will be a cold autumn.
- Hear the cricket singing – the winter will be mild.
- Thunderstorm on Ivan Kupala – do not expect a harvest of nuts this year.