Ivan Kupala Day is observed in Russia and Belarus every June 7 and combines ancient Slavic pagan fertility rites with the celebration of St. John's Day. The holiday's name reflects this blend, as “Ivan” is a Slavic variant of “John” and “Kupala” refers to a deity associated with the summer solstice. Traditional customs include lighting bonfires, where young people jump over the flames, and girls create flower wreaths to float on rivers, hoping to see their future husbands' images in the water. Historically, it was believed that the eve of Ivan Kupala was the only time ferns bloomed, inspiring adventurous youth to search for the mythical fern flower, which was said to grant supernatural abilities. Although celebrations have declined over the years, there is a renewed interest among neopagans in this ancient holiday.
June 7: Ivan Kupala Day (Belarus and Russia)
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