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Ivan Kupala celebration. Rites for Kupala

The holiday begins to be celebrated on the night of July 7, which is considered special by the people - only on this night you can find a mystical fern flower that will bring happiness and wealth to a person.

How did the holiday come about?

The bright folk holiday of Ivan Kupala takes its origins from paganism, although its origin has not been precisely established. Ivan Kupala, presumably, originated from pagan rituals of purification, washing, which took place in rivers and lakes on the day of the summer solstice.

The ancient Slavs Ivan Kupala had a holiday of the Sun, the maturity of summer and green mowing. Therefore, it was associated with the summer solstice, which, according to the old style, fell on June 20-22.

After the adoption of Christianity in Rus', Ivan Kupala, which was timed to coincide with one of the greatest Orthodox holidays - the Nativity of John the Baptist, began to symbolize the Christian rite of baptism.

The future prophet, who predicts the coming of the Messiah - Jesus Christ, and then baptizes him in the waters of the Jordan River, was born in the family of the Jewish priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth on July 7 (old style June 24).

Centuries have passed - the holiday of Ivan Kupala, which has undergone changes and lost its true astronomical time, people continue to celebrate widely and brightly.

According to ancient tradition, the holiday is still celebrated in many countries, including Europe, the Baltic States, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and so on. In many countries, the feast of Ivan Kupala today is both a church holiday and a folk holiday, although they call it differently.

Traditions and rituals

The holiday, which the people called Ivan's Night or Ivan's Day, according to tradition, they begin to celebrate with the onset of night - people performed numerous rituals and ceremonies associated with water, fire and herbs, and of course, they wondered. By the way, many of these rituals have survived to this day.

On the night of Ivan Kupala, the main tradition was the obligatory bathing in the water, since in the old days people believed that, starting from this day until Ilyin's day (August 2, according to a new style), all evil spirits left the waters of lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Therefore, the water that night was considered healing and had magical powers. Accordingly, she helped to be cleansed of all evil, to be healed and to acquire good health.

In those villages where there was no reservoir nearby, people flooded baths in which they steamed and washed themselves from evil spirits, and bath brooms, which were harvested that day, were used until the next day of Ivan Kupala. People believed that plants on this day have a special power and have a beneficial effect on people's health.

The people believed that it was at this time that water enters into a sacred union with fire. This was considered a huge natural force, the symbol of which was the Kupala bonfires, which were kindled along the shores of lakes, rivers and reservoirs in our days.

According to popular beliefs, fire, like water, on the night of Ivan Kupala had great magical and cleansing power. Therefore, large bonfires were lit on the banks of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, which could protect people from all evil spirits.

The people believed that it was impossible to sleep on the Kupala night, since it was on this night that all evil spirits - goblin, mermaids, werewolves, kikimors, brownies, watermen, etc., went outside and could harm people, so they tried to defend themselves fire from bonfires.

The youth led round dances, danced around the fires and, of course, jumped over the fire. According to tradition, whoever jumps higher and does not touch the flame will be happy. Men also pursued the goal of becoming more successful and bold, and girls and women - to improve health, add beauty and attractiveness.

The older generation spent their livestock between the Kupala bonfires so that death and illness would not befall them. And mothers burned linen, shirts and clothes taken from sick children in bonfires so that no illness would take them.

It was also popular to set fire to wooden wheels or tar barrels, which were subsequently rolled down the mountain or carried on long poles, symbolizing the solstice.

Nowadays, the most popular tradition on the day of Ivan Kupala is to douse yourself with water, as people continue to believe that water washes away diseases and cleanses a person. However, the church does not welcome pagan rites.

The meaning of flowers and herbs

Flowers and herbs also had magical, healing power on the night of Ivan Kupala, so there were many rituals associated with their collection. But, it was necessary to collect the grass before dawn, otherwise all the magical properties would disappear.

In particular, flowers and herbs collected on Midsummer Night were placed under the Kupala dew, then dried and used as needed. Healing decoctions were given to sick people, fumigated huts, cast out evil spirits, attracted good luck and prosperity.

According to beliefs, some plants could bestow the ability to talk with birds and animals. Some of the most popular herbs that were harvested that night were nettle, coltsfoot, oregano, wild rosemary and wormwood. Such herbs fought with evil spirits and used in various magical rites.

According to legend, the main flower on this night was and remains a fern, which blooms for a very short time. According to popular belief, a flowering fern, which was considered one of the most mysterious, magical plants, not only fulfills innermost desires, but also helps to find treasures.

It was believed that not only the fern flower has magic, but also the blooming migration-grass. Flight-grass, according to popular belief, can carry to distant lands. And if on the night of Ivan Kupala you pluck the grass, then you will not be afraid of enemies.

Divination, beliefs and signs

Fortune telling with the help of wreaths remains the most common on Ivan Kupala. Wreaths were woven from various herbs - burdock, bear's ear, Bogorodskaya grass (thyme, thyme) or Ivan da Marya, into which lighted small splinter or candles were inserted. Then they lowered them into the water and watched them closely.

If the wreath began to quickly sail away from the shore, this meant a happy and long life or a good marriage, and if the wreath sank, it meant that the girl would not get married this year or her betrothed would stop loving her.

The happiest person could be the one whose wreath swam farther than others, and the longest lived - whose candle or splinter in the wreath burns out longer than others.

Nettle people on this night protected themselves from the encroachments of various evil spirits - for this, the plant was laid out on the threshold of the house and on the windowsills.

On the Kupala night, people always locked up their horses, which were especially vulnerable that night, as the witches hunted them in order to go to Bald Mountain, from which the horses did not return alive.

On the night of Ivan Kupala, people searched for anthills and collected ant oil, which, according to legend, was endowed with great healing properties that night.

The Ivan da Marya flower, plucked on the night of Ivan Kupala, had to be put into all corners of the house - people believed that this was how they protected it from the encroachments of thieves.

According to one of the legends, the Ivan da Marya flower is a brother and sister who fell in love with each other, and were punished for this, and turned into a flower. Brother and sister will talk, and this will scare away the thieves.

It is believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala, trees can move from one place to another, talking to each other with the rustle of leaves. This also applied to grass and flowers. Even animals, according to legend, talk to each other on this night.

According to one of the signs, at midnight you need to pick up flowers without looking and put them under your pillow, and in the morning check whether twelve different herbs have accumulated or not. If you have enough, this year the girl will get married.

A tripartite (plantain) is placed under the head, saying: "Triputnik-companion, you live by the road, you see the young and the old, tell me my betrothed!"

On Midsummer's Day, before sunrise, you need to carry a bear's head through your herd and bury it in the middle of the yard, then there will be no death among the cattle.

And if on Midsummer's Day you climb over twelve gardens, any wish will come true.

Strong dew on Ivan Kupala - for the harvest of cucumbers, if there are a lot of mushrooms on Midsummer Night.

Material prepared on the basis of open sources

In summer, we rarely look at the calendar and do not think about what holiday it is today. After all, every warm day is already a joy. Meanwhile, in July there is an almost official reason for festivities - Ivan Kupala. The ancient holiday in Slavic culture has several names: Midsummer Day, Kupala Night, Yarilo, Travnik. The classics of Russian literature - Gogol and Yesenin - described him in his works. And it is not in vain that this day is mentioned and sung by great people. Ancient traditions dedicated to nature, the sun, love, fascinate, interest, beckon with magic to this day.

Ivan Kupala: the meaning and history of the holiday

Our ancestors celebrated the summer solstice - June 23-24 - the milestone after which the night becomes longer, winter is closer. The day from which the great luminary slowly, but loses strength, coldness creeps up imperceptibly to replace the heat. The celebration personifies Kupala. Some sources call him the Slavic god of fertility, others - a folklore character that arose due to a misunderstanding of the chroniclers.

In the old days, people believed that on this day the four elements - water, fire, earth and air, as well as plants, have extraordinary cleansing and healing properties.

But, at the same time, the cycle of Kupala holidays was also considered the most dangerous period of the year. According to popular beliefs, evil spirits were gaining strength, they could appear to people, mischief and lure to themselves. They were especially afraid of the night on Ivan Kupala, in which mermaids, water, forest spirits, witches gained unprecedented power.

So it was before the baptism of Rus'. The clergy acted wisely, they did not completely eradicate the ancient customs, but timed the holiday to coincide with the birth of John the Baptist (July 7). The image of the saint is associated with ritual bathing, cleansing, washing. The flock did not immediately realize the filigree difference between the usual foundations and church rituals. Centuries have passed, the meaning of pagan beliefs has been forgotten, but ancient customs are still practiced in the outback and cheerfully revived in big cities.

Traditions on Ivan Kupala

A special place in the traditions of Ivan Kupala belongs to the legends about the fern. After all, only once a year, on the night of Kupailitsa, an unusual flower blooms for a short time. The lucky one, who, despite the difficulties and tricks of the forest spirits, will be able to find it and pluck it, will be lucky in love and wealth. But the event was considered dangerous: in the wilds, at every path, pebble, tree, they expected a meeting with a witch or a goblin, therefore only real daredevils went in search of the color of the fern.

The magic of the July holiday of Ivan Kupala fascinates with its purity and poetry, but there are also practical moments in it. For example, people believed that plants acquire magical properties on the Kupala night, therefore, many flowers were hung in the rooms of the sick, which were supposed to save a person from illness by morning. Healers still consider it a “rule of good manners” to replenish stocks of medicinal herbs for the year ahead during this period. Healers read conspiracies and prayers to John the Baptist, asking the saint to protect him from damage, bleeding, head diseases.

Attention, there is a modern clue to the legend, even two.

There is an opinion that magical flowers were confused with the twinkling of fireflies. The bugs are frightened by the rustle of steps, and they do not land on all ferns. That is why not every brave man could derail a miracle.
According to another theory, in summer, when it is hot and stuffy, some ferns give off poisonous odors that cause hallucinations.

Another beautiful tradition is associated with bonfires. And in our time, on the night of Ivan Kupala, they kindle a cleansing fire, around which they dance, dance, they throw the clothes of sick people into it, jump over it. If you jump over deftly and high, you will be healthy and happy all year, and if you catch the flame, then, on the contrary, failures will accompany. Couples, holding hands, jump over the fire, so that in the future they will be accompanied by love and mutual understanding. Livestock owners guide animals between fires so that they do not get sick and die.

The people believed that on this day water and mermaids leave ponds, rivers, lakes, and the water itself becomes healing. Therefore, people bathed, gained vital energy. If there was no natural reservoir nearby, then baths were melted and steamed in them.

It is not customary to rest in the arms of Morpheus on the Kupala night, because mermaids, goblin and other evil spirits are at the peak of activity, therefore it is not difficult for them to drag the sleeping person along with them. The threshold of the house was always covered with prickly nettles, preventing the witch from getting into the hallway, and the horses were locked in a stall so that they would not be kidnapped for a trip to the Sabbath, from where not a single horse returned.

You say - a fairy tale, we agree. But how beautiful!

How to guess on Ivan Kupala?

Divination is an ungodly occupation, but it captures both young people and even sedate people. Everyone wants to know fate, to find out: will the desire come true when the long-awaited love appears. In the summer solstice, higher powers and nature itself answer questions.

You saw how on July 7 in the villages girls weave wreaths and float them down the river. Do you know what this action means? The symbol of the cycle in nature is given the following meanings:

quickly sails away, does not sink - a successful marriage, a long life;
whose wreath is farthest away from others, she will be the happiest;
grasses are untangled - not to be a bride this year;
the cherished circle will sink - wait for deceit from the insidious betrothed.

Wreaths are thrown over the fire. Grooms try to grab the weaves of their loved ones on the fly, acquiring a new status in this way - the betrothed. And of the owners of the wreaths that fell into the fire, the one whose burns first will marry first.

According to customs, guessing at a wish, they throw a small pebble into a river or a basin of water. After that, divergent circles are counted: an even number is a positive answer, an odd number is an undesirable development of events. Similarly, they tell fortunes on a maple leaf. It is only important to choose a tree of this particular species. Think about the innermost and raise the leaf you like. An even number of sharp corners symbolizes the fulfillment of desire, and vice versa.

The next simple fortune-telling is on two daisies. The girls cut off the stems, and give the flowers names (their own and the beloved), let them into the river. Daisies floating nearby promise a joint future for the couple, diverging - to a quarrel.

The easiest way to guess for the fulfillment of desires is by a ripe dandelion: you need to pick a flower and blow it. If the whole white hat flies away, the plan will come true soon, half - the result is positive, but not fast, but if most of the seeds remain, alas, the outcome is unfavorable.

Horses participate in an interesting fortune-telling for Ivan Kupala. You need to think about the future, looking at the animal, and then follow its behavior for a while:

lowers his head - problems in a love relationship;
wave from left to right - there is a deceitful person in life;
hit with a hoof - the wish will come true;
crosses from foot to foot - it's time to get ready to go.

Yes, the holiday of Ivan Kupala has lost its former meaning and beauty. But in the villages and villages, they still follow traditions: they kindle bonfires, jump over them, arrange round dances, and throw wreaths on the water.

Everyone's favorite summer folk holiday, Ivan Kupala, takes its origins from paganism. It is believed that we owe the origin of the holiday of Ivan Kupala to the Eastern and Western Slavs. According to an old tradition, as in our days, the holiday of Ivan Kupala is celebrated by almost all of Europe, including Russia (in Old Russian: Kolosok, Kres, Kupala), Belarus (Kupala, Ivan Vedmatsky, Ivan Koldunsky, the Holiday of the Sun and Love), Ukraine (Sun Cres , First mowing, Bartholomew and Barbara, Ivan the herbalist), the Baltic states (Festival of Dew - lit., Jan Day, Voditsa Day, Spirit Day - Bulgarian), etc., even despite the fact that the holiday comes from paganism. Although at present in many countries the feast of Ivan Kupala is both a church holiday and a national one. In the old days, even before the advent of Christianity, people associated the holiday of Ivan Kupala with the summer solstice, which, according to the old calendar style, fell on June 20-21. With the adoption of Christianity, people did not reject the holiday of Ivan Kupala, but rather timed this day to coincide with the day of John the Baptist, which falls on June 24 according to the old style. But according to the new style of the calendar, the day of John the Baptist falls on the 7th of July. Having undergone changes after many years, the feast of Ivan Kupala lost its true astronomical time, which originally falls on the summer solstice. The very origin of the holiday of Ivan Kupala is still unknown, it is known that the holiday has a national origin. Presumably, Ivan Kupala originated from pagan rituals of purification, washing, which took place in rivers and lakes on the day of the summer solstice. Later, with the advent of Christianity, the celebration of Ivan Kupala was symbolized on the day of John the Baptist (translated from Greek as a diver, bather) -.

Rites for the feast of Ivan Kupala

On the night of Ivan Kupala, in the old days, people performed many different rites and rituals. Kupala night to this day is one of the most "powerful" nights, which is filled with healing and magical properties. The main forces on this night are: water, fire and herbs. Also on the night of Ivan Kupala, fortune-telling with wreaths was common.

Rituals on Ivan Kupala associated with water

In the old days, people believed that starting from the day of Ivan Kupala, until Ilyin's day, all evil spirits left the waters of lakes, rivers and reservoirs, therefore it was allowed to swim during this period of time. The most important custom on Kupala night is the obligatory bathing in the water. In addition, on this night, it was the water that was considered healing and had magical powers that helped to cleanse itself of all evil, heal and gain good health. If there was no open reservoir near the village, then people heated baths, in which they steamed from the heart and washed off evil spirits, and Kupala brooms were used in the future until the next day of Ivan Kupala. Also very popular in ancient times was bathing in holy springs on the night of Ivan Kupala. According to popular belief, it was at this time that water enters into a sacred union with fire, and this was considered a huge natural force, the symbol of which was Kupala bonfires, which, to this day, are kindled along the shores of lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Rites on Ivan Kupala associated with fire

Fire on Kupala night, like water, also has great magical power. A bonfire lit on the night of Ivan Kupala has a cleansing property, namely fire has these magical powers. According to an old tradition, bonfires were lit on the banks of rivers and lakes, while bonfires should not be small. People led round dances, danced, and of course, the most favorite pastime of young boys and girls on Kupala night is jumping over the fire. It was believed that whoever jumps higher and does not touch the flame will be happy. When the youth finished their festivities with bonfires, the older generation spent their livestock between the Kupala bonfires so that death and illness would not befall them. Mothers burned linen, shirts and clothes that were taken from sick children in bonfires so that more illnesses would not stick to the child. According to the beliefs of ancient people, it was impossible to sleep on the Kupala night, since it was on this night that all evil spirits come out of their "dark" places (werewolves, water, etc.). The most active on this night are the witches, who could steal milk from a cow and spoil the harvest in the fields. And only Kupala bonfires that night could protect people from all evil spirits. It was also very popular to set fire to wooden wheels or tar barrels, which were subsequently rolled down the mountain or carried on long poles, symbolizing the solstice.

Rituals for Ivan Kupala associated with herbs

There are many rituals associated with picking up herbs and flowers on Ivan Kupala, it is on this night that herbs and flowers are filled with magic, i.e. healing and healing power. Only herbs and flowers collected before dawn on the Bathing Night can have magical powers. Herbs and flowers collected on Midsummer's Day were placed under the bathing dew, then dried and stored until needed. Such dried herbs were used to fumigate the premises and sick people, helped fight evil spirits, were used in various magical rites and just household needs. But the main flower on Ivan Kupala was and still is Fern. According to legend, treasures were associated with this flower, which could be seen if on the night of Ivan Kupala a person could find a fern flower that blooms for a very short time on Kupala Night.

One of the most common was and will remain fortune-telling with the help of wreaths that curled from burdock, bear's ear, Bogorodsk grass or Ivan da Marya. Lighted small splinter or candles were inserted into woven wreaths of herbs, after which the wreaths were lowered into the water. Everyone carefully monitors his wreath:

if the wreath began to quickly sail away from the shore, then this meant a happy and long life, or a good marriage;
if the wreath swam further than others, then this meant that that person would be happier than others;
if a candle or a splinter in a wreath burns out longer than others, then this meant that the person would live a very long life;
if the wreath sank, then this meant that the girl would not marry this year, or the betrothed would fall out of love with her.

Folk beliefs on Ivan Kupala

On the Bathing Night, the witches became very active, and therefore caused a lot of harm to people, livestock, and crops in the fields. On the night of Ivan's Day, people protected themselves from witches' encroachments with nettles, which were laid out on the threshold of the house and on the windowsills.

Horses were especially vulnerable that night, the witches hunted for them in order to ride them to Bald Mountain, but to which the horses no longer returned alive. People have always locked their horses on Kupala night.

On Bathing Night, people searched for anthills and collected ant oil, which, according to legend, was endowed with great healing properties that night.

Plucked into the night, Ivan da Marya's bathing flowers had to be put into all corners of his hut, it was believed that the thief would never climb in, as he would hear voices in the house. According to legend, the Ivan da Marya flower is a brother and sister who fell in love with themselves, and were punished for this and turned into a flower. Brother and sister will talk, and this will scare away the thieves.

On the night of Ivan Kupala, it is believed that trees can move from one place to another, talking to each other with the rustle of leaves. This also applied to grass and flowers. Even animals, according to legend, talk to each other on this night.

Summer night is full of secrets and mystical mysteries. Our ancestors believed that a particularly strong time comes when a fern blooms in the forest for one day. The holiday of Ivan Kupala in Rus' was celebrated noisily and cheerfully. They jumped over fires, made wishes, learned the name of the future husband or wife. Some ancient rituals have survived to this day in their original form, others have undergone changes. In 2018, Ivan Kupala is celebrated on July 7, but in ancient times the celebration fell on the period from June 22 to 24.

In this article

The history of the holiday of Ivan Kupala

The holiday of Ivan Kupala is a celebration dedicated to summer, warmth, and the sun. In pre-Christian times, it was celebrated merrily and noisily throughout Rus'. On this day, they praised the beauty of nature, rejoiced at the hot long days and short warm nights. In fact, the holiday is timed to coincide with the summer solstice (according to the old calendar style).

Ancestors endowed the night from July 6 to July 7 with mystical properties. It is generally accepted that it is at this moment that Mother Earth reveals secrets to a person, helps to see the future, get rid of diseases, start a new life, find love.

During the summer equinox (June 21-22), astronomical summer begins. Days are equal to nights, and then the clear time of day gradually decreases. First by seconds, then by minutes. And by August 2, the day of Elijah the Prophet, the bright part is reduced by 2 hours.

Initially, the holiday of Ivan Kupala personifies the victory of the light side over the dark forces. His symbol is a huge bonfire. Tongues of flame reach the night sky and pierce the darkness. With the adoption of Christianity, the day of Kupala began to be considered the time when the forces of evil rule on earth. The villagers did not go to bed that night, believing that dark entities were out hunting for souls.

In the Orthodox tradition, the holiday coincides with the day of John the Baptist, who, according to legend, was beheaded. It is customary to pray to this saint to get rid of headaches.

There are many versions and legends about the origin of the name of the holiday and the deity to whom it is dedicated. There was no such god Kupala in the Slavic pantheon. Most likely, the name arose as a result of an error during the rewriting and deciphering of ancient documents. Judging by the rites associated with fire, then, most likely, this is the day of the Sun.

The Slavs were hunters, tillers and cattle breeders. The holiday is a tribute that they paid to the deities of agricultural activities. This conclusion can be reached by studying the calendar of the Slavic farmers. The traditions of spring holidays that have survived to this day, associated with nature dying and resurrecting in spring, confirm this theory.

In this video you will find detailed information about the history of Ivan Kupala and the rites that are performed on this day:

The original name of the solemn night has not been preserved. The modern interpretation of the holiday of Ivan Kupala represents a symbiosis of Christian and pagan traditions and beliefs.

In the modern occult tradition, the holiday received a rebirth. On this day, you can guess, tell fortunes, perform rituals on your loved one, find out the future and change fate.

According to legend, ferns bloom on this night.

Protective rite on Ivan Kupala

On the night of Ivan Kupala, it is customary to perform rituals for health and protection from the encroachments of dark forces. In our time, these rituals do not lose their relevance: a person is exposed to a powerful negative impact of external factors, loses energy, gets sick.

The dark forces have learned to adapt to modern life, they have changed their name and appearance, but not their essence. Stress, depression, chronic fatigue - these are the consequences of their attacks.

The protective rite for Ivan Kupala can be group and individual. Collective rituals are more powerful: they concentrate the energy of like-minded people.

What you need for the ritual:

Find in advance a secluded place in the bosom of nature, by the river, where no one can interfere with the conduct of witchcraft.
Early in the morning weave wreaths from birch branches. The number of wreaths is equal to the number of people involved in the protective rite.
Buy three candles for each participant in the magical action. Never accept change for purchasing a magical attribute.
At the ritual site, tie candles to wreaths like a triangle.
Make a fire and stand in front of the fire.
Say the words of the spell.

I, a slave (name), born by a mother, baptized by a holy church, put a talisman on myself and the servants (slave) of God (God) (names of those present). Kupala fire! In the name of the bright John the Baptist, bless us and protect us from enemies and opponents, from a sword and a gun, from ailments and sorrows, from internal pains. I conjure by Christ God an indestructible barrier for one year. In the name of father and son and holy spirit.

Jump over the flames. Visualize how a bright cocoon of golden or red color is forming around. It symbolizes the protection that the fire of the Kupala bonfire puts.

Bathe after cleansing. Imagine that the waters of the river wash away negative energy from the soul and body. Going ashore, read the second part of the spell.

As the Lord was baptized in the Jordan, so I, the servant of God (name), was cleansed of hardship and twigs. Amen.

They bathe in the pond all together, but they read the words-amulets separately.

After saying the spell, light the candles attached to the wreaths, release them downstream the river.

Looking at the floating lights, say:

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. As the wreath goes into the water, so my amulet will save me. Amen.

It is believed that the protection set on this day will be valid for exactly a year - until the next magical night.

Pay attention to the text, it clearly traces Christian traditions. Judging by the semantics, this is a late, free interpretation of the ancient Slavic incantations. In the pre-Christian faith, people did not consider themselves slaves of God, but were called his children. This interpretation is more correct - the ancestors identified man with nature, bowed before it, but did not grovel.

Popular fortune-telling on the night of Ivan Kupala

On the night of July 6-7, it is customary to guess, tell fortunes and ask about the future. Since this is a holiday dedicated to unity with nature and the worship of the spirits of rivers, forests and fire, most of the rituals are performed outdoors. But home witchcraft is not forbidden either. On this day, our ancestors put protection on their homes, made amulets for animals, guessed and told fortunes that good luck would contribute in all endeavors.

Ritual for well-being in the house

The magical properties of herbs and flowers are used to cleanse the house of evil spirits, strengthen material well-being, and harmonize family relationships. How to perform the ceremony:

before the holiday, pick the leaves of wild rose, nettle, thistle and other plants with sharp thorns and burning leaves;
burn them in earthenware;
sprinkle the threshold of a house or apartment with the resulting ashes;
do not forget about the window sills - treat them with ashes too.

This ritual will neutralize the negative energy that has accumulated over the year in the house and will help improve family relationships.

Divination for a cherished desire

The method is suitable for those who believe in the power of herbs and plants. Gather a bouquet of wild flowers on Midsummer's Day: daisies, cornflowers, bluebells. Do not forget about wormwood - its tart bitter aroma repels spirits and purifies the air.

When composing a flower arrangement, completely immerse yourself in your thoughts. Turn the process of collecting herbs into meditation: do not think about anything other than the cherished desire that you made. Do not count the flowers in the bouquet, pick them automatically.

On the night of July 7, put them under your pillow. When you wake up in the morning, count the flowers. There should be 12 of them. If the number matches, the wish will come true within a year.

Ritual for prosperity and wealth in the house

Before going to bed, carefully count the cash that you find in the house. Do not forget about a single penny or ruble - this is important! Examine purses, pockets and secluded places. All money should be counted - of any denomination, including currency.

When you go to bed, put all the money you have next to the bed: on the bedside table or near the pillow. Imagine that you are ALREADY fabulously rich: the house has everything your heart desires and wealth grows every hour.

In the morning, when you wake up, take coins and banknotes in your hands, count them. If you go astray, it's okay, the process of counting cash is important.

Never make wishes with the word "was." For example: "I want to have money." It is not right. The universe will perceive the wish as a fait accompli. Ask and visualize only in the present tense.

From this video you will learn what rituals are useful to carry out on the night of Ivan Kupala:

Fortune telling on the betrothed to Ivan Kupala

The essence of the holiday lies in unity with nature and in the search for a soul mate, a person who will become a faithful companion, ally or lover. The magical July night will help you find happiness and peace. In Rus', girls and boys used this time to tell fortunes for a happy family life.

In a dream

Our ancestors paid special attention to dreams and their interpretation. They believed that at this moment the human soul travels far beyond the body. In a dream, you can see the future and determine fate.

Before you go to bed, ask your loved one to comb your hair.
Put the comb under your pillow and in the morning check how it is.
The subject remained in place - do not expect marriage this year. And if it is turned upside down or completely disappeared - the wedding is just around the corner.

Guessing can be done with playing cards.

To do this, take four kings from the deck, carefully place them under the pillow. In the morning, see how the pictures are mixed up.

on top lies the king of spades - the husband will be many years older;
clubs - means a rich and wealthy groom;
tambourine - marry for great love;
hearts - promises a young and beautiful life partner.

Divination on wax

The rite is suitable for those who attend church. Before the holiday, go to the temple, put a candle near the icon you like. Sincerely ask the Higher Powers to send love. Do not leave a candle, take it with you. At home, melt the wax, pour it into cold water.
Take a look at the resulting image:

ring - for an imminent wedding;
flower-shaped wax - to a new fan;
heart - an unexpected meeting and a love adventure.

The tradition of honoring saints and guardian angels originates in ancient pagan culture. In the pantheon of Slavic gods there were creatures responsible for the fulfillment of desires, patrons of the family and marriage. In the Orthodox faith, they pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for marriage. Nicholas the Wonderworker is asked for the fulfillment of cherished desires. Saints put candles or pray at home at the icons.

Fortune telling on a wreath

This fortune-telling is primordially Slavic. Its roots go back to the depths of centuries, when our pagan ancestors worshiped the forces of nature and placed their hopes on their patronage in matters of the heart.

An hour before the onset of magical night, weave a large wreath of wildflowers. It must contain at least seven different herbs and plants.

Before the sun sets below the horizon, release the wreath down the river:

the flower garland has sailed away - you will definitely meet your loved one this year;
the wreath returned or remained in place - do not think about marriage yet;
if the flowers are nailed to the other side of the river - the darling is somewhere far away and still needs to be found;
the wreath remained in the middle of the reservoir and did not float away - the year will be successful, but love will not appear on the horizon in the near future.

Divination at the Kupala bonfire

Fire is the main symbol of the night holiday. Slavic fire-worshippers revered and idolized the element of flame. Hence the many rites and rituals associated with the magic of the fire.

Fire jumping

An important condition for the fulfillment of a desire is that you cannot tell anyone about it. Think of something and jump over the fire. It is believed that if the flame does not burn a person and there are no sparks, then the desire will certainly come true.

Pair jumps

Such jumps are the most difficult part of the ritual, partners must completely trust each other. Tune in to one wave, merge in a single impulse.

How to interpret the results:

If in the jump the girl and the young man did not open their fingers, they are guaranteed a quick engagement and wedding. The more sparks rose from the flame, the better.
There are few sparks - expect problems in preparation for the celebration.
The guy and the girl opened their hands - there will be no official marriage.
The higher the jump, the happier and more successful the year.

In all religions, fire is a symbol of purification. Jumping over a fire burns negative energy, cleanses the aura. The flame cuts off evil thoughts, relieves stress. Another meaning of fire is light and knowledge.

Simple fortune-telling for Ivan Kupala, available to everyone

Easy to perform and do not require special magical training. For a modern person, they are an outlet, a great opportunity to be alone with thoughts, sit in silence, indulge in meditation on water or candle fire.

Divination in circles on the water

This ritual of reading fate is usually carried out in nature. If this is not possible, stock up on clean spring water. Tap water is not suitable.

say a cherished desire for water;
throw a small pebble into a stream, river, lake or saucer;
the number of circles is odd - the desire will not come true;
if even - cherished thoughts are necessarily realized.

Fortune telling on fern leaves for a loved one

For this divination, pick the leaves of the fern according to the number of contenders for the hand and heart.

assign the name of a lover or potential admirer to each leaf;
mark them with colored threads so as not to get confused;
lower the fern into the water and press down to the bottom;
the leaf that comes up first is the future husband.

Fern leaves are easily recognizable by their characteristic shape.

Fortune telling on a wish on a dandelion

At midnight on Ivan Kupala, find a dandelion that has already faded. Make a wish and blow sharply on the flower. If the parachutes scatter, the plan will be fulfilled soon.

Make a wish and blow on a fluffy flower

Fortune telling on chamomile

Pick a couple of meadow chamomile flowers. Pour water into a plate and throw two inflorescences without stems. Flowers will sail away from each other - you are not destined to be together. If on the contrary, then lovers will have a long and happy life.

Fortune telling on a maple

On the night of Ivan Kupala, find a fallen leaf under the maple. Count the number of sharp corners. An even number - the wish will come true. Odd - alas, you have to part with the dream.

Divination on a birch

Pluck 7 leaves from the tree. Mix them up. Without looking, pull out the first leaf that comes across, carefully examine and examine. If it is smooth, even and beautiful, this will be life for the next year.

Love spells on Ivan Kupala

Summer love spells are no less effective than winter divination for Epiphany or Christmas. Nature itself helps sorcerers to bring their plans to life. Love spells on Ivan Kupala in Rus' were done by all the girls, on this day each became a witch.

Love spell on a fern

To implement your plan, retire to the night forest, find a fern bush and pick a few stems. An important condition: you need to do this all alone, away from prying eyes. Then sit with your back to the aspen and lightly whip yourself with these leaves on your body, holding the fern in your right hand.

At the same time, shout out these words:

As the grass dries, as it fades, so you, my dear (man's name), will dry until you are with me.

Say the spell three times. Then tie the leaves to the tree. Leave the place of divination without looking back. Not a word can be said before dawn, then the magic will work.

Fern is a plant that never blooms. But according to legend, if you see his flowers on the night of Ivan Kupala, it means that a treasure is buried in this place. The mystical properties of the fern are also described in fiction. The story of N.V. Gogol "Evening on the Eve of Ivan Kupala" tells about the search for treasure on a magical night.

Real love potion

The love potion is not a myth. You can cook a magic potion in modern conditions.

Recipe 1

The tradition of brewing a love potion exists in all esoteric practices. Similar magical rituals already existed in Ancient Egypt and, with the light hand of Queen Cleopatra, they spread around the world:

pick 13 different herbs that will appeal to the field;
on the way home, pick up the same number of small pebbles on the road;
put stones and grass in a deep bowl and fill with clean water;
put on fire and let the broth boil.

Read the words:

Dawns in the ninth heaven sent you (name of men) to me. If I brew a witch's potion, then I will attract any handsome man to me. 13 herbs, 13 stones, bring 13 devils to me. Hey, damn brothers, come here. See how my magic water boils. 13 devils, 13 brothers, come and serve me (your name). As the water is hot, as the stones are strong, so will my words be hot and sculpting. Appear, stand before me, go to my betrothed and until then do not leave him until he is with me. As she said, it will happen. Amen.

While the potion is bubbling, stir it thirteen times in a clockwise direction. Pour the broth where the beloved most often passes. Now this person will not go anywhere - your paths-roads are forever intertwined.

Recipe 2

Another simple and effective recipe for a love potion that can be made on Ivan Kupala:

pluck clover, cuckoo's tears grass and thistles;
place the plants in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

As soon as the water with herbs boils, say:

As my potion boils and boils, so in your heart your feelings for me will now boil (name). As all people love meadows and fields, so (name) love me immensely. My potion, take away the herbal dope, take all the delight from the fields, collect the meadow fog. As I say, it will happen. Amen.

Give the resulting liquid to drink to your loved one (groom or husband). It was believed that after a man tasted the drug, he would become kind, caring, sensitive and gentle. Change will not even be thought of.

Rite with Kupala dew

The dew collected in the morning is filled with healing and magical properties. Our great-grandmothers used morning moisture to rejuvenate, bring happiness and female attractiveness into life.

Get up with the first rays of the sun.
Shake fresh moisture from the herb into a vessel. Do not use a bowl or bowl for household purposes. It must be new.
Turn your face to the east and wash yourself with the collected dew. Rinse your hands in it.

Say the words:

I am speaking (name). As dew will dry in the sun, so let (name) dry without me. Let him sigh, remember me all the time. I wash my face with dew, I call love into my life. From now on I will be (name) with (name) forever and endlessly, as long as there is dew in the world, no one will separate our bodies. Key, lock, tongue. Amen.

Give the rest of the water to drink to the man you want to bewitch. Legend has it that the bonds created with Bathing Dew cannot be broken.

Witches who practice plant magic say that dew fights wrinkles. For this purpose, moisture collected on a plant called common cuff is suitable.

This is how the leaves of the plant cuff ordinary look

The video tells about the practices that are carried out on the day of the summer solstice and on Ivan Kupala:

What is forbidden to do on Ivan Kupala

In the esoteric tradition of the Slavs, there were rules prohibiting certain actions. Violation of the law led to misfortune, disease and poverty.

You can’t offend pets and any cattle on Ivan Kupala. Even cows were not chased with twigs that day. It was believed that the nurse would not give much milk.
You can not pick up anything that lies on the road, including money. Ancestors believed that evil spirits deliberately throw things in order to influence a person through them and take him to the other world.
On a magical night, you must be in full view of the people. A person who bypassed the Kupala bonfire was considered a dark witcher who was afraid of the sacred flame.
On this day, any transactions are prohibited. Money cannot be taken or given away. Violation of tradition threatened poverty.
Swimming before the holiday is prohibited. Ancestors believed that in the rivers and lakes the water was playing pranks. He could drag a man to the depths and drown him. Poor health people: children, old people and pregnant women also avoided water on the eve of Kupala. According to beliefs, spirits take advantage of infirmity and penetrate the body.

Some beliefs are still alive, but it is up to everyone to follow them or not. It is important to observe the rule of the golden mean and not go to extremes. As for the ban on the physical or moral punishment of animals, adhere to it not only on magical days. Smaller brothers cannot respond to insult, therefore beating them is considered a sin in all religions of the world.

Beliefs on Ivan Kupala

The mystical night of Ivan Kupala is filled with secrets that are reflected in the beliefs of the Slavs. In later rites and beliefs, the influence of Christian mythology is clearly traced. The pagan Slavs in the pre-Christian era did not perceive nature as hostile: they were friends with the spirits, cajoled them, tried to find a common language. The opinion that evil spirits frolic in the forests and fields on a June night became widespread precisely with the adoption of Christianity. Until now, the beliefs of the Slavs are closely intertwined in the popular consciousness with the myths born of the new religion.

Most of the rites that have survived to this day have been transformed under the influence of Christianity. Thanks to the mutual penetration of two religious cultures, we are witnessing the birth of new sacraments and rituals, which are sometimes far from the original sources.

The main rule that the Slavs adhered to, is not to come into contact once again with the subtle world inhabited by different creatures. Only the chosen ones - the magicians - could speak with the spirits.

In modern terms, a secret portal to another world opens on Ivan Kupala, secret knowledge becomes available to a simple layman. The main thing is to stop in time and block the flow of powerful energy. And if you do not own magic, then it is better to protect yourself and loved ones from the invasion of the Force.

To protect the house from the encroachments of dark forces, in Rus' they collected wormwood, periwinkle, nettle, hemp and willow. They made bunches and brooms out of them, which were hung on the fence of the house and in the barn.

The Ivan da Marya flower is an effective remedy against evil spirits - this is what the ancestors believed. The same plant, spread around the perimeter of the house, protected from nosy taty (thieves).
Stinging nettle is the best remedy for witches, as the ancestors believed. Bunches of plants in the house did not give the witch a chance for dark divination.
On the night of Ivan Kupala, cattle were driven into the barn as early as possible.
According to legend, ant poison acquired special properties at that time. It was collected on Ivan Kupala and used to treat body diseases.
Wormwood is still used in plant magic as a talisman against hostile entities. Its pungent smell repels evil spirits. In everyday life, the plant is used to repel mosquitoes and flies. And a bunch of wormwood, put in a bed, will save the owners from the neighborhood with bedbugs.

Don't sleep through the magical night. Even if you are far from esoteric, spend this day in nature. Feel how the forces of the Earth help to get rid of the burden of problems, relieve fatigue and restore peace of mind. Do not miss the opportunity to join the mysteries of the ancestors.

A little about the author:

Evgeny Tukubaev The right words and your faith are the keys to success in a perfect ritual. I will provide you with the information, but its implementation directly depends on you. But do not worry, a little practice and you will succeed!

One of the holidays that has come down to us since ancient times is Ivan Kupala. And we are wondering when the holiday of Ivan Kupala is celebrated? This takes place on the night of July 6-7. Ivan Kupala is a mysterious and mystical holiday, but at the same time wild, lively and cheerful. Previously, it was noted by the entire Slavic population living from the Carpathian Mountains to Northern Rus'. The holiday of Ivan Kupala is associated with many rituals and customs. For example, bathing on this day is a folk custom, but still the ancient pagan peoples thought that bathing could be very dangerous. After all, Ivan Kupala is a water birthday man who gets very angry when uninvited guests enter his water kingdom, and he is able to drown anyone who disturbs his peace. One of the most important moments in this night is considered to be the bonfires of purification, through which people jump to become happier and more successful. There was a time when people not only jumped themselves, but also drove their herds away to protect them from all sorts of diseases and ailments. Children and youth considered it obligatory to play burners.

Traditions of the holiday of Ivan Kupala

In ancient Rus' there was a belief that on the smallest night of the year (from July 6th to July 7th) you can’t sleep. People believed that then all otherworldly forces come to life: werewolves and witches, snakes and mermaids, goblin and water, brownies and sorcerers. Many legends and traditions of the holiday of Ivan Kupala are closely connected with the world of plants. Herbs and flowers collected on this day are endowed with special healing and magical properties, they heal the sick, wounded people and animals, cast out demons, kindle the flame of love. Earlier, before the revolution, the holiday of Ivan Kupala was considered the most important and revered by all. It can even be said that each person must have been present, because many rules and rituals could not be implemented without the active participation of everyone. The rituals on this day were in the nature of cleansing from all evil spirits with the help of fire and water. Therefore, on the eve of the holiday, special traditional actions were carried out. With their help, as people believed and said, they were cleansed of all impure, evil forces.

Other customs

According to other customs, on the night of July 6th to 7th, on the feast of Ivan Kupala, all young people came to the water. The guys kindled fires, and the girls decorated a living branch with wreaths, ribbons, beads and called the Kupala tree Madder. They wove wreaths of fresh flowers and herbs and floated them with candles on the water. The girls believed that in this way they would be able to know their fate. If the wreaths come together, then this year the girl will find a husband for herself and play a wedding. And if not, you will need to wait until next year to repeat fortune-telling again. At the same time, everyone who was present at this holiday watched the wreaths. There was an opinion that where the wreath of fate would sail, from there it would be expected. Very often the guys tried to cheat. They knocked out the wreath of the girl they loved with small stones in their direction. In turn, the parents found out the social circle of their children and guessed from whom to expect matchmakers. This is such an interesting holiday.

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