Why is Ivan Kupala celebrated?
On the night of July 6-7, many Slavic folks celebrate the Ivan Kupala – an ancient pagan holiday signifying the dawn of nature and midsummer. According to the beliefs, this day marks the turning of the sun to winter, when the days begin to become shorter. 2.
Why do Ukrainians jump over bonfires?
Many Ukrainians celebrate Kupala Night with bonfires that last throughout the night. Some people leap over the flames as it is believed that the act of jumping over the bonfire cleanses people of illness and bad luck. Some groups of people sing songs about love, romance and marriage on Kupala Night.
What is Ivan Kupala in Russia?
Since ancient times all peoples of the world have celebrated the end of June, the peak of the summer. Russia’s version of such a holiday is Ivan Kupala. This ritual act has become an annual celebration of summer solstice, combining a pagan and Christian traditions.
What countries celebrate Kupala night?
History of Kupala Night Kupala Night is celebrated in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and Russia. This holiday is dedicated to the celebration of the summer solstice, which was celebrated on the 23rd of June, according to the Julian calendar used traditionally in the Slavic realm.
How is Ivana Kupala celebrated?
Ivan Kupala Day, also known as Ivana-Kupala or Kupala Night, is a traditional pagan holiday celebrated in eastern Slavic cultures. Various rituals are traditionally performed on Kupala Night, including making flower wreaths, fortune-telling, jumping over bonfires, and burning a wheel-like effigy symbolizing the sun.
What is Ukraine Family Day?
July 8
Family Day is a national observance in Ukraine and celebrates the importance of families on July 8 every year.
Why do Russians burn scarecrow?
There would be a village bonfire, on which the scarecrow was be burned in a ritual to see off the winter. The bonfire would be in the village square, and the scarecrow would be carried off with jokes, songs and dances. Winter was mocked and derided for bringing the frost, but thanked for the winter fun and games.
Is Maslenitsa religious?
Maslenitsa (Belarusian: Масленіца, Russian: Мaсленица, Rusyn: Fašengy, Ukrainian: Масниця; also known as Butter Lady, Butter Week, Crepe week, or Cheesefare Week) is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, which has retained a number of elements of Slavic mythology in its ritual, celebrated during the last week …
When is Ivan Kupala Night in the Ukraine?
Kupala Night, also known as Ivan Kupala Day, is a Ukrainian observance annually held on July 7 to celebrate the summer solstice. Is Kupala Night a Public Holiday? Kupala Night is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
How did Ivan Kupala Day get its name?
Ivan Kupala Day is an observance and not a public holiday in Ukraine. Ivan Kupala Day combines the words Ivan, the Slavic name of John the Baptist, and Kupala, derived from the Slavic word for bathing. However, is also said the name of the day is associated with Kupajla or Kupalo, a harvest god.
Why do the Eastern Slavs celebrate Kupala Night?
Kupala Night is an ancient celebration of the Eastern Slavs, dedicated to the summer solstice when the day starts to decrease, and the night increases. Thus, from year to year, it comes on July, 6 and ends on July, 7. It is believed that on this day rituals protect homes and beloved ones, strengthen health and bring happiness.
What do people wear on Kupala Night in Ukraine?
Some groups of people sing songs about love, romance and marriage on Kupala Night. It is also customary for some women to wear traditional clothes with embroidery and a wreath of flowers on their head to celebrate the summer night. Ivan Kupala Day is an observance and not a public holiday in Ukraine.