Ivan Kupala – what kind of holiday it is, its history, traditions and rituals – in Athletistic material.
Ivan Kupala is a Ukrainian folk holiday, which falls annually on July 7 according to the new calendar. This holiday has very ancient roots and reflects a combination of pagan and Christian traditions.
Story
Ivana Kupala has pagan roots. It is associated with the summer solstice and the full bloom of nature. Then people worshiped the Sun and performed various rituals for harvest, prosperity and health.
On the night of July 6-7, when the sky is full of stars, people gather on the banks of rivers, lakes and in the fields, where they perform various ceremonies and rituals. It is a night when it is believed that nature is full of magical energy, and certain actions and rituals can bring happiness, health and love.
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Traditions
On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, rituals associated with fire and water are often performed. For example, unmarried women wondered about love and fate: during the day they wove wreaths, and at night they lowered them into the water, determining their own future in the direction of the movement of their wreath.
Also, people jump over the fire and burn the Kupala effigy, believing that the fire has cleansing powers and can destroy poverty, negative energy and disease.
On the night of July 7, young people were looking for a rare flower – the color of a fern. There is a belief that he appears only once a year and at night. Whoever finds the color of the nail can cure any disease and understand the language of animals and birds.
On the holiday of Ivan Kupala, traditional dishes are prepared: kvass, porridge, sweet dumplings. The poor were treated with porridge, and then they ate it themselves. All this is done to attract prosperity and happiness.
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What not to do with Ivan Kupala
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On the night of Ivan Kupala, you cannot sleep – at this time, evil spirits are activated.
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Nothing can be given, sold, or borrowed.
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Do not do sewing.
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It is forbidden to perform any hair manipulation.
The celebration of Ivan Kupala has deep roots in Ukrainian culture and tradition. This holiday contributes to the preservation of indigenous rituals and maintains a sense of unity with nature and the community. Although the modern celebration may differ from its ancient forms, Ivan Kupala remains an important cultural and religious holiday that Ukrainians celebrate with pomp and joy.
Source: korrespondent
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