Superstitions of Kupala Night: what you absolutely cannot do on Ivan Kupala
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The holiday of Ivan Kupala, which falls on the night of June 23-24 in Ukraine, is one of the most mystical Christian holidays, which intertwines pagan rites, beliefs in nature, magic, and customs passed down from generation to generation.
Traditionally, Ukrainians tell fortunes, look for fern flowers, jump over fire, weave wreaths, and purify themselves with water and fire. But during this magical time, there are also a number of prohibitions that are supposed to protect a person from evil forces, bad luck, and even danger.
Here are the main things you can’t do on Ivan Kupala 2025.
You can’t sleep all night. Since ancient times, it was believed that the night of Ivan Kupala is a time of activity of evil spirits. Therefore, people did not go to bed to prevent witches, mermaids, or forest spirits from harming themselves or their relatives. Unmarried girls should be especially careful – mermaids hunt them.
They don’t swim after sunset. Despite the water symbolism of the holiday, swimming on Kupala night is considered dangerous. It was believed that the water “comes to life” and that mermaids or other spirits could be hiding in it, which could drag a person to the bottom.
Do not allow strangers into the home. On Ivan Kupala, it is forbidden to let strangers into the house, because they could be a reincarnated spirit or a witch. It is especially dangerous to invite strangers to stay overnight – they can “take” happiness out of the house.
It is not advisable to take or give things, especially food. It was forbidden to accept gifts or treats from strangers on this day. It was believed that such things could bring illness or misfortune into the house.
They don’t cut grass or cut down trees. On the night before Kupala, nature is considered sacred, so any interference with it is taboo. This especially applies to forests, fields, and water bodies, because that’s where spirits live and can get angry.
They do not quarrel or remember evil. This is a holiday of purification, so enmity, insults, and evil words can “contaminate” not only a person, but also the entire family. It is said that whoever quarrels on this day will lose the support of nature and will have troubles all year long.
In 2025, against the backdrop of war, many Ukrainians are looking to such ancient customs for support, hope, and protection. The holiday of Ivan Kupala is a wonderful occasion to remember one’s roots, to feel a connection with nature and generations of ancestors who celebrated this night with faith in goodness.
Let us remind you that today, June 23, is the eve of the holiday of Ivan Kupala . It is also known as Agrafena Kupalnytsia. It is celebrated on the night of June 24. On this night, various rituals related to water, fire and herbs take place, as well as fortune-telling and celebrations.
By the way, according to folk beliefs , Kupala rituals make life better. They were convinced that jumping over a fire could cleanse them of curses and sins.
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