Vacation 2004: Celebrating Ivan Kupala

July, 6th is a big day for all pagans of Slavic origin. This was one of the biggest holidays for Russians before Christianity was forced over the country in early XI century. Since the Festival we participated in, was dedicated to cultural traditions of different nations, it is quite natural that we had an insight into festivities like this. Of course, it was not completely the same thing as it was millenia ago, but at least it made a good overview of the tradition to those of us who did not know pretty anything about it.

Being held in the middle of summer, this holiday had a big value for people - this is a time when men and women formed couples and the whole holiday was mainly dedicated to helping people match each other. In our version of Holiday we just kept additional attention to our own sexes. The whole day before men were learning to feel themselves more masculine through old rituals and meditations; the same thing women did with their feminine feelings and traditionds. In the end of the day we just had a party which could remind the antic guys their beloved holiday.

Before the population of a village gathered to the holiday, girls were decorating themselves with flowers and the best clothes. Here you can see just three of the beauties that surrounded us those evening on the island.



After all people are gathered and formed a huge ring around the bonfire (not fired yet at the moment) the old Gods are hailed. Dolls of Yarilo and Mara, two significant Slavic gods are brought and ritually buried to symbolize throwing away all bad things . After that all the big matching game starts. Girls are dancing around the young birch, which symbolizes virginity. Men are trying to steal the birch from girls, hence symbolizing the assault to girls' virginity. On this photo, which I like very much, you can see men planning the attack.



After birch is conquered and destroyed, the most fun part of the holiday begins. Dances, songs, games. And the big bonfire. And jumping over it. And nude swimming afterwards. Great fun. On photo below Anya and Vanya are jumping.