Ivan Kupala 2025: what is this holiday and how is it celebrated in Ukraine

Traditionally, on the night of June 23-24, the holiday of Ivan Kupala is celebrated in Ukraine. It has ancient, Old Slavic origins.

This holiday is associated with the summer solstice. In pre-Christian times, the Slavs celebrated the pagan Kupala, and with the advent of Christianity it merged with the holiday of the Nativity of John the Baptist.

Ivan Kupala is a holiday of the sun, water, and fertility. On this day, people expressed gratitude to the elements and gods and began to harvest the first harvest in their gardens and orchards.

In all regions of Ukraine, the celebration of Ivan Kupala was accompanied by loud songs, dances, round dances around the fire, as well as festive rituals.

The name of the holiday comes from the word “kupatysa”, because it is inextricably linked with water. On Kupala night, several rituals are held that help to refresh oneself and get rid of emotional tension.

Ancient Ukrainians were convinced that fire and water help purify the soul, so young people first jumped over a high bonfire and then swam in a pond.

According to experts, such rituals work in a complex way: fire burns away negativity, and water fills it with new, clean energy.

Girls prepared for the holiday in advance – they gathered in a group, went to the field, where they picked flowers, and then braided them into a wreath, which was lowered into the water at night. In this way, the young women tried to find out the time of their upcoming marriage: if the wreath floated far, the girl would soon get married.

An important stage of the celebration was the search for the fern flower. According to legend, only on Kupala night does a magical fern bloom for a short moment. It is difficult for people to find it, because an evil spirit protects and hides it. However, whoever finds it will receive happiness, wealth, and knowledge.

Nowadays, the celebration of Kupala has undergone changes. However, it still remains a holiday with a vivid combination of pagan beliefs and folk customs, which indicates the longevity of Ukrainian traditions.

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