Ukrainian holidays and traditions

1. Ivana Kupala holiday
Ivan Kupala is a
holiday of unity with
nature. Ukrainians
celebrate this holiday
on the 7th of July. On
this day the girls
made wreaths and
threw them into the
water or fire; if a guy
took out a wreath, she
had to kiss him.

2. • Young couples went to
the forest in search of the
fern flower which, as
some people believed,
had magical power. At
this time magical plants
gained medicinal and
healing properties.

3. • According to legends, it was forbidden to sleep at
this midsummer night, which is the shortest,
because at that time not only nature was alive, but
all evil souls: witches, werewolves, mermaids,
goblins.

4. • However, it was
compulsory to swim in
open water, because
Ukrainians believed that all
the devils left the rivers
and lakes on 7, July and
nothing could threaten
people. On this night, the
water gets medicinal
properties, helps to cure
human body and soul of
bad thoughts and evil.
Legend says that on the day
of Ivan Kupala dew can
heal everyone. But for this
we must get up early and
walk barefoot on the grass.

5. • The holiday begins in the evening, on the eve
of Kupala. The main point around which the
action takes place is Kupalo fire, symbolizing
the sun-embryo in the womb. It should burn
all night long. Around the fire, young people
play games, sing songs, dance.

6. • But the main thing is
jumping over the fire. There
are superstitions associated
with the fire: if a guy jumped
the highest of all, there will
be a good harvest in his
family, if he couldn’t jump
over the fire and fell into the
flame, then expect trouble.
When a young couple of a
girl and a boy successfully
jumped over a fire, they
certainly would get married
and lived happily. Therefore
it is important to know that
you cannot jump over the
flame with anybody, but
only with your beloved.