Last weekend saw the celebration of the pagan Ivan Kupala holiday in Novgorod.
Last weekend saw the celebration of the pagan Ivan Kupala holiday in Novgorod.
Ivan Kupala Day (Ivan Kupala Night) is one of the main holidays in the Slavic calendar and coincides with the Nativity of John the Baptist.
Following the transition to the new style calendar, the holiday falls on July 7, or, more precisely – on the night between July 6 and 7. Several European countries celebrate Ivan Kupala Day, or the Feast of St. John, according to the old calendar, during the summer solstice between June 20 and 26.
Ivan Kupala Day is associated with natural elements: fire (usually in two forms, earthly and heavenly – the sun) and water.
On Kupala Night it is customary to light special bonfires…
It is believed that jumping over the flames and coals of the Kupala bonfire can save one from evil spirits.
Another custom on Ivan Kupala night is cleansing with water, for example by bathing in a lake.
Custom has it that during the celebrations, the most beautiful girl should walk along a “road” of intertwined arms in order for the most heartfelt wishes to come true.
Since 1991, the Kudesy Russian Folklore Theater has been conducting Kupala Night celebrations in Veliky Novgorod.
Ivan Kupala celebrations on the shores of Lake Ilmen.
Ivan Kupala celebrations on the shores of Lake Ilmen.
