What date is Ivan Kupala in 2021

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:37

Bright holidays that have a connection with myths, the emergence of which was based on the observations of the ancient Slavs, are considered the property of the people. Their celebration was carried out in accordance with ancient traditions and beliefs. The traditions of the holiday of Ivan Kupala and what date it will be celebrated in 2021 will be discussed further.

Ivan Kupala holiday

This is an ancient Slavic folk holiday that has a mystical nature. It was previously celebrated on June 24th. According to the new style, this day falls on July 7, coincides with the birth of John the Baptist and is timed to coincide with the summer solstice.

After the arrival of Christianity, the holiday has changed somewhat. Today, Orthodoxy considers it to be no less important than Christmas. Ivan Kupala is not celebrated in America and Europe.

On the night of Ivan Kupala, various rituals related to river water, fire and herbs were performed. It was considered obligatory to swim in rivers and lakes before sunset. Towards evening, the elders made fires using the ancient method, and young girls jumped over the fire and sang songs.

The peasants considered Ivan Kupala a holiday of the sun, summer and the heyday of nature. This is the moment of waiting for the harvest, when fruits and vegetables ripen in the orchards and wheat is poured in the fields.

Scientists disagree on the meaning of the word "kupala". Some of them claim that rituals on this day are associated only with water, ablution and bathing.

Interesting! When will there be lunar eclipses in 2021

For others, there should be a lot of fun, passion and fire during the holiday. They also note the relationship between the forces of nature, water and fire.

The holiday of Ivan Kupala was celebrated together. Everyone took part in it: children, old people, married couples, unmarried girls and unmarried guys. The Kupala rituals instilled in the Slavs the belief that they were getting rid of evil spirits, and evil spirits could not harm them.

It is a fabulous and most unusual day of the year, marking the solstice, when day corresponds to night. During the heyday of nature, ceremonies and rituals acquire magical power, especially if they are carried out in accordance with ancient traditions.

Our ancestors believed that this holiday has a grain of magic. They worshiped the sun, the forces of nature and believed predictions.

Traditions and rituals

Initially, on Ivan Kupala, all rituals during the festivities were performed by pagans in honor of the sun god. Therefore, the Orthodox Church treated him sharply negatively.

Participation in activities of this kind was considered a sin and was regarded as idolatry. The fact is explained by the fact that Christian confessions adhered to a certain direction within the framework of their religion.

The day of the holiday according to the Orthodox calendar coincides with the birth of John the Baptist. This is the prophet who baptized Christ on the Jordan River. The church on this day urged to pray to St. John the Baptist, and to refuse to participate in pagan rituals.

Despite church prohibitions, Ivana Kupala has become one of the most beloved holidays among the people. Young people especially liked him. On the night of July 7, many mystical events took place.

In the morning, unmarried girls washed themselves with dew so that the skin on their face would acquire freshness and become more tender. On the day of the holiday, women collected medicinal herbs.

It was believed that plants were endowed with healing powers. In connection with this, the holiday received a second name - Ivan the herbalist.

According to mythical stories, on Ivan Kupala in the rivers and lakes one could meet mermaids who come out of the water and lure everyone who sees them. In order not to anger the mermaids and keep the guys out of them, the girls threw wreaths specially woven for this into the river.

Kupala bonfires were made in the evening and kept up until the morning. On this day, the Slavs played games, the girls jumped over the fire. It was believed that if you jump above everyone else, you can successfully get married and be happier than others.

Interesting! What does Trinity holiday mean and its traditions

During the festivities, women also approached the cleansing fire, since according to legend, only witches could be afraid of fire. They danced around the fire and danced with songs.

The peculiarity of the holiday among the Eastern Slavs is the ritual atrocities committed by young people. Young people stole from neighbors and scattered firewood, overturned carts, covered up windows, dismantled stairs and fences. Such actions were regarded as cleansing rites, reminiscent of the expulsion of evil spirits.

Folk omens and beliefs

Mystery and mystical nature have always been attractive to people. Many believed in folk omens. According to the ancient Slavic legend, on the night of Ivan Kupala one could find a blooming fern. The one who ripped him off was predicted wealth and the possession of superpowers.

There is a legend that a person who finds a mythical flower will begin to understand the language of animals and birds, will be able to become invisible and invulnerable, and all his desires will be instantly fulfilled.

According to legend, it is extremely difficult to meet a miracle flower. In addition, during the search, this will be hindered by an unclean force that can deprive a person of sanity and memory. Ferns are also poisonous, so finding a magic flower is a dangerous occupation.

There is a statement that ferns do not bloom, despite the fact that there are a great many varieties of them. However, among these plants, two species are distinguished - the grapefruit and the grasshopper, which release foliage on the root, reminiscent of flowering.

On this day, young girls wondered about marriage. They attached candles to the wreaths and let them go through the water:

• a candle that has not been extinguished for a long time promised a long and happy life;
• if the wreath floated away, it meant that the girl would soon get married;
• a sunken wreath was considered a harbinger of misfortune.

The magical power of water and fire has been proven by the experience of our ancestors. It was believed that from the day of Ivan Kupala to Ilyin's day, all evil spirits left the reservoirs. Therefore, during this period, it is allowed to swim in rivers and lakes.

They also say that you can't sleep on Kupala night, as witches and werewolves come to life at this time. There are many signs associated with the day of Ivan Kupala. Long-standing traditions tend to revive, and the celebration of such holidays is quite acceptable and harmoniously fits into the modern rhythm of life.