Ivan Kupala is the most mysterious of all the Slavic holidays. Until now, many argue, what is the number of Ivan Kupala - July 6 or 7, or, nevertheless, June 24 in the old style. The answer will be correct-July 7, but it is also inaccurate. It is the night of Ivan Kupala that is considered magical. It is believed that at this time you can get rid of all "evil eye", remove "spoilage" and all the accumulated negative, and you can do it yourself, making simple, and even interesting rituals.
What is the date of Ivan Kupala?
The night of Ivan Kupala according to a new style comes from 6 to 7 July. However, the adherents of the holidays of the Old Style calendar believe that it is more correct to celebrate it on June 24 - the day of the solstice. The holiday is celebrated in many European countries, although it is not considered official. In Christianity, it coincides with the birth of John the Baptist and the day of the pagan holiday dedicated to Kupalo (or Kupala), the god of the Slavs, symbolizing the summer solstice.
Interesting divinations, rituals, traditions on Ivan Kupala
Despite the fact that Ivan Kupala was never celebrated as an official holiday, almost all Slavs celebrate it. Particularly believe in divination, rites and traditions of Ivan Kupala are young girls, less often - guys. The most magical legend is to find a blooming fern in the night from 6 to 7 July (and someone searches for June 24), shining in the dark with a fiery flower. It is believed that one who finds a fern flower will discover the ability to find any treasures and become a very rich man. It is curious that today the flower of the fern still continues to search, although it has long been established: the fern does not blossom. They say that witches are having fun on the night of Ivan Kupala, therefore, to protect themselves from them and from evil forces, the thresholds and windowsills of houses are protected with nettles. Girls this night let the wreaths of grass woven into the river the day before. On the wreaths a ray of light burns. The girl whose wreath floats further than others will be the happiest, and the burning ray on the wreath will show if her life will be her duty. Luchina burns a long time - life is long. According to popular beliefs, flowers, grasses, animals and trees talk to each other this night. Heard their conversation, learns a lot of secrets. The flowers of Ivan-da-Marya, torn to Ivan Kupala and laid in the corner of the house, will protect the shelter from thieves.
What else to do on the night of Ivan Kupala?
Curious and believing mystical signs people will be interested to take part in the search for a flower fern, and the girls will weave wreaths and let them on the river, wondering. Who of them will be happier, and who will be less lucky. The most common custom and the most cheerful action of this night is the bonfires for Ivan Kupala. At night, a fire is lit on the meadow, and the girls with the boys jump through the fire. Dancing around the fire and jumping through it is cleansed of an unclean spirit. Everyone is bathing naked this night, but one must be very careful. Water is also having fun this night, and the water is "friends" with fire. If you are going to swim after all, let the person who watches your safety on the water remain on the shore. Young people arrange for Ivan Kupala games around the campfire and in the clearing: this is the time of the triumph of youth and health. Those who do not know what exactly to do for Ivan Kupala, can join the companies celebrating the holiday. The more the company will be - the more successful and fun the night's fun, and the year.
Congratulations on Ivan Kupala in verse
On July 6, according to the New Style, it is customary to exchange congratulations for Ivan Kupala. It can be poems, postcards, songs, funny and funny pictures related to the rites and traditions of Ivan Kupala. Give friends cards with fern images and congratulations in verse, wish your friends money, health and happiness. Arguing on the number of Ivan Kupala on July 6, July 7 or June 24, they can easily do: celebrate all these days with merry ceremonies, go to the forest to gather herbs, and collect them, reliably protect the house from thieves and evil spirits.