Feast of Ivan Kupala - is an ancient pagan rite.It falls in the middle of summer - 7 July.In Russia this night swim in lakes and rivers, jumping over bonfires and collected herbs, braided wreaths, wondering ... Since then, almost nothing has changed.
How did the celebration of Ivan Kupala
Paganism
All holidays of the ancient Slavs were guided by the sun: two days of the solstices and equinoxes were two days while the reference points for all kinds of employment in agriculture.The fact is that even before the baptism of Rus summer solstice called Solstice (or grade), meaning "turn" of the sun on the wane.But what does Kupalo?On this - on.
Legend of Kupalo
Legend of this holiday is certain erotic overtones.The fact that bathing was a child separated from his sister.Later, he married her, without knowing anything about their relationship.It all ended tragically.They committed suicide: drowned in the lake.
Holiday Sun's
It was a celebration of summer and green meadows.Slavs girded greenery (floral bands, herbs), put on the head of the herbal and floral wreaths, circled in dances and sang songs.It was decided to make a fire in the middle of which is attached a pole with a flaming wheel - the symbol of the sun.Since this was a pagan holiday, then he performed in honor of the Sun God.Interestingly, in honor of the legend of the incestuous brother and sister in the day among the Gentiles admitted homosexual and merrymaking.
Feast of John the Baptist
When Russia adopted Christianity, this festival was timed to the birthday of the man who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, John the Baptist, who was born on July 7.Since then, the celebration of Ivan Kupala, and John the Baptist were combined as related to water.Date of celebration is no longer coincides with the astronomical solstice, that is not wavering.That is why today every schoolboy knows what day celebration of Ivan Kupala.
rites and traditions, committed on the eve of
in the shortest summer night on the eve of this festival held rituals associated with fire, with herbs and, of course, water.It argued that the celebration of Ivan Kupala is the holiday of all witches!That is why Kupala night is not recommended to sleep because all evil (witches, mermaids, goblins, water) come to life.
From the Carpathians to the north of Russia celebrated this mysterious, mystical and rather riotous celebration!So far, it is believed that the mysterious Kupala night trees come to life and move from place to place, talking to each other the rustle of their leaves ... Herbs that night filled with special miraculous power!
Midsummer Day today
Today, this celebration is a special cultural character.For example, in Moscow in 2013 Midsummer celebration was held in the residence of the art Guslitsa where were the theaters, concerts and exhibitions, as well as rare films were shown.And, of course, not without its traditional games, dances, jumps over a bonfire.
