Ivana Kupala/Kupalo is an ancient slavic holiday, celebrated around the solstice. It is believed that on the night of Kupalo, humans experience the magical powers vested in the natural world.
Kupalo harkens from the word: to bathe - kupaty- and it was customary in Eastern Europe to bathe in fresh water on this day.
For many centuries, Ukrainians have marked this day through ritual- gathering by water, making wreaths or flower crowns, releasing them into the water and experiencing the cleansing and purifying qualities of both water and fire.
Much lore surrounds this celebration- including the search for the elusive red fern flower deep in the woods. In ancient times, this holiday paid homage to one of the strongest forces of life - the sun - which was worshipped and honoured.
On this day, water can "make friends" with fire. The symbol of this union was a bonfire lit along the banks of rivers. Couples would hold hands and jump over the fire (this was especially exciting as a pre-teen at summer camp).
Wreaths were often used for divination on Kupala Night: if they floated on the water, it meant good luck and long life or marriage.
Kupala is one of the oldest pagan holidays that has survived in our collective Ukrainian memory and imagination to the present day. It’s one that can be adapted to many places and incorporates and venerates our local traditions too - like national indigenous peoples day. It brings us in conversation with the plants and waterways around us.
Thank you to my dearest, and oldest, friend Marika (a folk educator in the Kitchener area) and her family for hosting us and letting us take part in their community's annual Kupalo celebration.
Words by Marika Galadza and me (Sophia Pierro)
Photos by Michael Pierro
