What is Ivan Kupala day 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.

Where is Ivan Kupala celebrated?

In parts of Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and Russia, an ancient pagan summer rite called Kupala combined with the traditional Orthodox feast of Saint John the Baptist, becoming Ivan Kupala Night, a festival celebrating the summer solstice.

What countries celebrate Kupala Night?

Kupala Night is celebrated in Ukraine on the night of July 6-7. It is known for its traditions – swimming, jumping over fire, divination and searches for a blooming fern. However, the holiday itself is not limited to this. Ivan Kupala is an ancient holiday.

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.

Is Ivan Kupala still celebrated?

1. 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. Today, Ivan Kupala is more or less just a merry night, but some still uphold the ritual’s traditions.

What traditions are in Russia?

Russian Traditions

  • Easter. Easter is the day of the resurrection of Christ.
  • Christmas. Christmas is the holiday of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, whose advent gave people hope for mercy, kindness, truth and eternal life.
  • Ivan Kupala.
  • Maslenitsa – Old Russian Tradition.
  • Wedding.

What is Maslenitsa Russia?

Maslenitsa, or Shrovetide, is an ancient Orthodox Christian holiday celebrated in the last week before the Orthodox Lent. The festivities — also known as Pancake Week — are traditionally celebrated in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine and mark the end of winter.

Why do people celebrate Ivan Kupala?

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.

What are 3 traditions in Russia?

The Russians still celebrate pagan holidays, many people believe in numerous omens and legends. Christianity gave Russians such great holidays as Easter and Christmas, and Paganism – Maslenitsa (Shrovetide) and Ivan Kupala. Old traditions are passed on from generation to generation.

What is Christmas called in Russian?

Christmas in Russia
Official name Рождество Христово
Observed by Russia
Significance in memory of the birth of Jesus
Celebrations Christmas tree decorations, church services

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.

How did Ivan Kupala Day get its name?

The Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian name of this holiday combines “Ivan” (John — the Baptist) and Kupala which is related to a word derived from the Slavic word for bathing, which is cognate. The latter is reinterpreted as John’s baptizing people through full immersion in water (therefore his biblical title of the Baptist).

When is Kupala Night in Poland and Belarus?

Kupala Night, ( Russian: Иван-Купала, Belarusian: Купалле; Ukrainian: Івана Купала; Polish: Noc Kupały ), called Ivanа-Kupala, is a traditional eastern Slavic holiday which is celebrated in Ukraine, Poland, Belarus and Russia during the night from 6 to 7 July (on the Gregorian calendar ).

Is it safe to swim on Ivan Kupala Day?

In addition, on Kupala night mermaids leave lakes and rivers, so until August 2, Ilyin day, you can swim safely. On Ivan Kupala Day, at sunset by the river or on a high hill, young people test themselves of bravery and faith jumping over the flames of bonfires.

Where did the name Kupala Night come from?

Simon Kozhin. Kupala Night, Divination on the Wreaths. The name of the holiday was originally Kupala; a pagan fertility rite later adapted into the Orthodox Christian calendar by connecting it with St. John’s Day which is celebrated on 24 June.