What Not To Do On Ivan Kupala: Signs And Facts

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

What not to do on Ivan Kupala

Ivan Kupala is one of the most popular pagan holidays in our country. It was formed in ancient times among the Eastern Slavs and was dedicated to the summer solstice. Previously, the holiday was celebrated on June 24, but due to the transition to another calendar, Ivan Kupala is now celebrated on the night of June 6-7.

Bans on the night of Ivan Kupala

The night at Ivan Kupala is one of the most mysterious of the year. The celebration begins at nightfall, and it is at this time that miracles can be expected. Traditionally, on this night, young people jump over the fire, and then all those present go to the forest in search of a fern flower.

It was believed that it was on the night of Ivan Kupala that swimming in open reservoirs became safe - all evil spirits were expelled from rivers and lakes

However, during the celebration of Ivan Kupala, one must not only adhere to traditions, but also observe some prohibitions:

1. Children, old people and pregnant women cannot swim. This prohibition was explained by the fact that on the night of Ivan Kupala all evil spirits leave the reservoirs, but are still capable of harming the weak, which include the listed categories of people.
2. You can't sleep. On this night, it was strictly forbidden to sleep, because the dark forces are especially active on Ivan Kupala and are able to take away everyone who closed their eyes.
3. You cannot give, give or lend anything. Such actions can seriously harm the financial situation of the family.
4. Horses cannot be driven out into the field at night, as witches are capable of abducting them. In addition, in no case should you beat or hurt pets. Such behavior will turn into a person with diseases.
5. Do not lift anything on the road. If, walking along the road, a person found any object, it is forbidden to take it for himself. Having appropriated the item, together with it, you risk taking away all the troubles and debts of the past owner.

For unmarried women, there was a separate ban prohibiting eating berries on the night of Ivan Kupala. It was believed that if it was violated, the girl's future child would be born dead.

Sign

Our ancestors had a sign that could predict the weather for the summer on the holiday of Ivan Kupala. It was believed that if the weather is rainy on this day, the summer will be hot and dry, and if the night is starry, a good mushroom harvest can be expected.

Ivan Kupala is an old pagan holiday. All the traditions and prohibitions concerning the festival were invented a long time ago and today have no logical explanation. Therefore, it is up to everyone to follow them or not.