“Ivan Kupala is one of the most beautiful and ancient holidays of the Ukrainian people, full of mysticism and ancient rites. In 2025, due to the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Novoyan Calendar, the date of its celebration changed. When will we celebrate this magical holiday now? What traditions and rituals accompany the Kupala Night that combines pagan beliefs with Christian? We talk about a new date”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
Ivan Kupala is one of the most beautiful and ancient holidays of the Ukrainian people, full of mysticism and ancient rites. In 2025, due to the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Novoyan Calendar, the date of its celebration changed. When will we celebrate this magical holiday now? What traditions and rituals accompany the Kupala Night that combines pagan beliefs with Christian? We talk about the new date of Ivan Kupala 2025 and plunge into the world of his centuries -old traditions and rituals to understand the depth and relevance of this holiday for modern Ukraine.
Ivan Kupala 2025: New Celebration Date
For a long time, Ivan Kupala’s holiday in Ukraine was traditionally celebrated on the night of July 6 to July 7. This date was due to the Christmas of John the Baptist according to the Julian calendar, and it was with this Christian holiday that weaved more ancient, pre -Christian customs related to the summer solstice. However, in 2023 the Orthodox Church of Ukraine made a decision About the transition to the New Lanish calendar. This decision aimed at approaching the world Christian traditions and avoiding differences has also directly influenced the date of celebration of Ivan Kupala.
Thus, in 2025, according to a new church calendar Ivan Kupala will be celebrated on the night From 23 to 24 June . This means that the Christmas Baptist, which formed the basis of the Christian date of Kupal, is now on June 24. But the very essence of the holiday, its rites and symbolism remain unchanged. Only a calendar attachment is changing, which allows Ukrainian believers to celebrate this holiday together with most Orthodox churches of the world, which have long been using the Novoyan or Gregorian calendar.
The story and essence of Ivan Kupala holiday
Ivan Kupala’s holiday has an extremely ancient root that goes back to pre -Christian times and is associated with the summer solstice – the longest day and the shortest night of the year. In pagan times, it was a holiday of sun, water and earth, dedicated to the flowering of nature, its life -giving forces and fertility. Our ancestors believed that it was during this period that the boundary between the worlds thinned, and nature became a special magical power. People honored the celestial luminaries, the elements and asked for protection, health and the rich harvest.
With the advent of Christianity on the Ukrainian lands, pagan rites gradually adapted to the new faith. The holiday of the summer solstice was imposed on the Christmas of John the Baptist, which in the old style was on July 7. It was because of this combination that the holiday was given its dual name – Ivan (from John the Baptist) and Kupala (from the ancient swim, which symbolized the rituals of water purification, as well as the mention of Kupayla – the ancient Slavic deity). Thus, the modern holiday of Ivan Kupala is a unique symbiosis of two cultural layers, where pagan beliefs are closely intertwined with the Christian tradition, retaining their unique symbolism of purification, renewal, fertility and love.
Ivan Kupala traditions and rituals: Magic of Kupala Night
Kupala night is a time when ancient beliefs come to life and nature is given a special power. It is a holiday full of mystical rituals that are passed from generation to generation, each of which has its own deep symbolic meaning.
Kupala fire – a symbol of cleaning and protection
One of the central elements of the celebration is the ignition of large Kupala fires. It is not just a bonfire, but a powerful symbol of the sun, life -giving energy and fire that has purification.
Young people, and sometimes older, jump through a burning fire. It is believed that such a jump cleanses from illness, sins and misery, gives health, success and protection against evil spirits.
Couples, holding hands, jump together: if the hands do not separate, then their love will be strong and durable. Smoke from the fire was also considered healing, and the ashes were scattered in the fields for a good harvest. Sometimes old things were thrown into the hearth to burn all the troubles and diseases with them.
Water magic – purification and divination
The water on Kupala acquired special, healing properties. Bathing in rivers, lakes and springs was a mandatory rite. They believed that the water washed away the ailments, gives beauty and youth. However, it was important to swim before sunrise, so as not to cause trouble from mermaids and water.
The most famous water ritual is the launch of wreaths on the water. The girls wore beautiful wreaths of field flowers and herbs (especially mistress, periwinkle, daisies) and put them on the water. By how a wreath sailed, They wondered on the fate and the future. If the wreath quickly sailed from the shore, sailed evenly and did not sink – it heralded a quick and happy marriage. If the wreath was spinning in place, nailed to the shore or sinking – it could mean the loneliness or lack of marriage this year.
Plant strength – search for ferns bloom and healing herbs
Plants in Kupala night were filled with unusual force. The main plant legend is the fern color. According to the belief, the fern blooms only one moment on the shortest night of the year, and the one who finds this mystical color will receive incredible knowledge, will be able to understand the language of animals, see hidden treasures and open any castles. Of course, the fern does not bloom, but the legend symbolizes the search for something extraordinary that can change life.
In addition to ferns, others were collected and Healing herbs because it was believed that in Kupala night they have the highest healing power. These herbs were prepared decoctions, charms, dried and stored, using for treatment and protection throughout the year. Especially appreciated oregano, thyme, St. John’s wort, wormwood. They also wore wreaths and home charms.
Divination and giving desires
Kupala night was the perfect time for divination. In addition to wreaths on the water, they were warned on fire, on candles, on herbs. The girls tried to find out their fate, the name of the future husband, whether the year would be happy. They made the desire, believing that on such a magical night they would necessarily come true.
Games and Songs on Ivan Kupala
Ivan Kupala’s holiday was accompanied by loud festivities. The youth drove the roundabouts around the campfire, sang Kupala songs that sang love, nature, fertility and ancient rites. It was a holiday of unity, joy and carelessness that united people around the common faith in the power of nature and the magic of summer night.
That cannot be done on Ivan Kupala
AT In addition to joyful rituals and merry parties, Kupala night has its strict bans and beliefs that our ancestors strictly followed in order not to cause trouble and protect themselves from unclean power, which, according to beliefs, becomes especially active at this time.
Not sleep in Kupala Night: It was believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala wakes up all the unclean power – from mermaids and mowers to witches and devils. Therefore, it was extremely dangerous to sleep, because it could make a person vulnerable to their influence. People were watching at the fires, sang, playing to drive away evil spirits.
Not to go far from the Kupala fire: The fire was a charm. Leaving it, especially alone, was considered dangerous, as it opened the way to penetrate the unclean power into the apartment or to humans. Leaving the house, necessarily ignited the fire or lit a candle to protect the house.
To take nothing of a stranger : This night believed that any found item (especially money or jewelry) could be thrown by unclean power or witch. Such an object could bring misfortune, illness, or even stuck.
Not quarrel or swear : Kupala night is a time of unity with nature and people. Negative emotions and quarrels could attract evil spirits and spoil the magical energy of the holiday. On the contrary, it was customary to put up, forgive the images and wish each other good.
Beware of water : Although bathing on Kupala was ritual, there were some cards. In particular, the sun could not swim in open reservoirs, because it was believed that with the onset of the darkness of mermaid and watering could be dragged to the bottom. It was also dangerous to swim in unknown places or alone.
Not to give in debt money or valuable things : According to beliefs, this could lead to financial loss or failure throughout the next year.
Ivan Kupala’s importance for modern Ukraine
Ivan Kupala holiday today is not just an echo of ancient beliefs, but an important element of the national identity and cultural heritage of Ukraine. In the modern world, where globalization erases borders, the preservation of such authentic traditions is of particular importance. Kupala is a kind of bridge between the past and the present, which allows Ukrainians to feel a deep connection with their ancestors, their wisdom and outlook.
The revival and active celebration of Kupala now contributes to the popularization of folk customs among the younger generation, nurtures a love for native culture and history. This holiday is a great opportunity for family and public meetings that strengthens social ties and a sense of community.
Besides, vivid and original Kupala rituals have a significant tourist potential Attracting guests who seek to touch the unique Ukrainian culture.
Ivan Kupala in 2025, which will be celebrated on the night of June 23 to 24 According to the new calendar, it remains one of the greatest and most magical holidays of the Ukrainian people. This holiday is a striking evidence of a deep communication of man with nature, his cycles and elements. Regardless of the calendar changes, the essence of Kupala remains unchanged: it is a time of purification with fire and water, the search for its happiness, unity with ancient traditions and one of the most striking holidays of summer.
