Ivana Kupala - A Unique Celebration in Search of Luck

Людина створена для щастя, як птах для польоту

A person is created for happiness like a bird is made for flying.

Ukrainian Proverb

As some of you know, I've been on vacation for the last couple of weeks, hence the lack of bloggery! Whilst I was away I read about a fascinating, often crazy, folk festival with its origins in the Ukraine. Ultimately, the celebration is held to promote luck and hey, if any nation needs a slice of luck right now, it's the Ukraine! So, I thought, dear reader, I'd tell you a little more about it!

Try to imagine jumping over fire, predicting the future, dancing, swimming, guessing games, searching for a magic blooming plant, (which incidentally never existed!), and doing all this stuff in the middle of the night in traditional costume? Bonkers right? Still, this is how Ukrainians celebrate Ivana Kupala Night, an extraordinary ancient holiday, beloved for its original traditions and rites.

What is Ivan Kupala Night?

People’s celebration of summer and sun is quite common across the nations of Europe. The holiday itself has many names — Flakagajt (the day of fire) in Albania, Saint Jeans (St. Jean) in France, Midsommar in Sweden, Sobotka in Poland, Ivana Kupala in Ukraine, and more. The celebration of Ivan Kupala Day falls on June 24 (Julian calendar) or July 7 (Gregorian calendar) and celebrates the summer solstice. In Ukraine, it is traditionally celebrated on the night of July 6th-7th.

Origin

The roots of the Ivana Kupala celebration can be traced back to pagan times. What is hidden in its title? Ivana or sometimes known as Ivan, is a common Christian Slavic name and is associated with John the Baptist. Coincidentally, Ivana Kupala Night coincides with one of the biggest Orthodox holidays in the name of John the Baptist, the holiday which marks Christ being baptized by said John in the river Jordan. And the Kupala bit? This refers to the word "bathing" of Slavic origin and the name of Kupala (also called Kupaija) — the god of fertility and harvest. Sun worship, iconic Christian moments; one of those Pagan meets Christian and we all celebrate together gigs! Alternative, romantic theories connect Ivan Kupala with Cupid, the Roman god of love. All this fun and frivolity potentially leading folk to their true love on the night! Perhaps a little implausible but, I like the idea!

Rituals

There simply can't be a real Ivan Kupala Night celebration without magnificent pagan rituals! Though these are certainly old and have a magical meaning, which celebrants can believe or not nowadays, the ritual actions are still popular.

The rituals are were originally based on ideas of purification through bathing however, over millennia have turned into somewhat artistic, flamboyant rituals which to be honest, sound like a lot more fun! The rituals are also deap seated in nature, its spirit, and forces, such as water, fire, and vegetation. No surprise then that people take the magic of nature to encourage procreation, health, happiness in their life prompted by the luck which inevitably comes from honouring our past!

It is believed that celebrating through the night helps to enhance the power of the ritual with many believing, you can actually talk to fire, water, earth and unlock their secrets giving the believers extreme strength!

Here's some traditional rituals carried out on Ivan Kupala Night in Ukraine:

Dancing around the illusive Kupala tree

Jumping, nay, positively leaping over the fire!

Weaving of wreaths

Planting trees

Burning of sacks of straw

Eating a ceremonial Ukrainian dinner with varenyky, (a traditional Ukranian dumpling stuffed with potatoes and onions), eggs, and liquor!

I'm going to close with an extract from the Prayer for Ukraine, written by Oleksandr Yakovych Konysky in 1885 which, in the current climate, has a certain poignancy.

Молимось, Боже єдиний We pray, oh Lord Almighty

Нам Україну храни Protect our beloved Ukraine

Всі свої ласки й щедроти Grant our people and country

Ти на люд наш зверни All your kindness and grace

Дай йому волю, дай йому долю Bless us with freedom, bless us with wisdom

Дай доброго світу, щастя Guide into kind world

Дай, Боже, народу Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune

І многая, многая літа For ever and evermore

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