Kupala

Kupala, also known as Ivan Kupala Night or Ivana Kupala Day, is a traditional Slavic midsummer festival celebrated in parts of Eastern and Central Europe. It centers on the summer solstice and the night before it, traditionally observed on June 23–24 (Julian calendar) or July 6–7 (Gregorian calendar) depending on the region. The festival blends pre-Christian fertility rites with later Christian associations with Saint John the Baptist in many areas.

Origins lie in agrarian rites honoring water, fire, and the renewal of nature at midsummer. The name Kupala derives from a verb meaning to bathe or wash, reflecting cleansing rituals performed in rivers, lakes, or springs during the celebration; fire and water symbolize purification and protection.

Rituals commonly include lighting bonfires and jumping over them, making flower garlands of wild herbs, and releasing garlands onto streams or wearing them as amulets. Many communities practice water-based rites, such as washing or swimming, and engage in folk games and matchmaking customs. A widespread folk tale concerns the fern flower, a mythical bloom said to grant fortune if found, though it is generally regarded as legend.

Regional variations exist. In Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Poland the festival is often called Ivana Kupala or Noc Kupały and may be tied to Saint John the Baptist; dates and emphasis vary by country and locality. In some places the celebration has become partly secular, with concerts and fairs, while retaining core motifs of fire, water, fertility, and nature.

Kupala remains a symbol of renewal and communal identity at midsummer, preserved in folklore, literature, and contemporary cultural programs.