As you know, the holiday of Ivan Kupala, or Ivanov's Day, has pre-Christian roots and happened earlier on the top of the summer - June 20-22.
In those days, the ancient pagans worshiped many gods, among whom was the god of fertility Kupalo.
However, with the adoption of Christianity, the feast was timed to coincide with the birth of John the Baptist (June 24). So, after the transition to the Gregorian calendar Kupala in Ukraine, celebrated on July 7, and some countries of Europe continue to celebrate it from June 20 to 24.
Thus, the day of Ivan Kupala is associated with fortune-telling, fire, water and herbs. For example, the main divination of the holiday of Ivan Kupala was the launching of wreaths on the water. If the wreath drowns, then the girl will not marry in the next year, and if she swims - the girl will soon find her true love.
Kindling a fire According to beliefs, a fire has cleansing properties, relieves the body of illnesses and gives the power of love. It needs to be lit immediately after sunset. Young couples holding hands must jump over the ritual fire. If lovers can do this, then they are destined to be together forever.
Bathing It is believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala spirits of nature awake, from whom you can ask for help. A compulsory custom of the holiday is a mass bathing in a lake or river. According to popular beliefs, this night from the rivers and lakes comes all the evil forces, and water is endowed with magical properties. By the way, in the morning it is worth washing your face in the dew so that the water will wash away all the diseases.
Collecting Herbs On a holiday, plants receive magical healing powers, because the sun and earth transmit their energy to them. According to the Slavic beliefs, only this night the fern blooms. If it is broken and saved, the owner of the flower will be able to communicate with animals and unlock any locks by attaching the plant to the doors. And the unclean spirits and demons must crumble before him.
It should be noted that on the night of July 6 to July 7 from the water it is better to stay away from pregnant women, children and the elderly. Because the watery evil spirits can harm the weak organisms of these people.
Also, folk legends say that on the night of Ivan Kupala can not sleep, because the earth is wandering around the unclean force and can harm the sleeper. In addition, this holiday can not lend money, sell or give away expensive things. Accidentally found values ??are better not to raise and not to take in the house, because such a finding can lead to losses and poverty in the family.
Recall, as reported by "URA-Inform", earlier Christians celebrated the Day of the Holy Trinity, or Pentecost - the day of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.