kupalarna

Kupalarna is a term with origins in Slavic folklore, most notably associated with the summer solstice celebrations. It refers to a ritualistic bonfire, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and the leaping over the flames. These fires were believed to have purifying properties, warding off evil spirits and ensuring good health and fertility for the coming year. The practice is deeply intertwined with ancient pagan traditions that honored the sun and the abundance of summer.

The name "Kupalarna" itself is thought to derive from "kupalo," meaning to bathe or wash, reflecting the importance of water in these rituals alongside fire. Often, these celebrations involved young people, particularly unmarried girls, who would adorn themselves with flowers and herbs, sometimes casting wreaths into rivers to divine their future. The act of jumping over the kupalarna fire was a test of courage and a symbolic cleansing, with successful leaps signifying good fortune. While largely faded in its original form due to the influence of Christianity, elements of these kupalarna traditions can still be seen in some modern summer solstice festivals in Eastern Europe, often adapted and reinterpreted within new cultural contexts.