Last weekend, July 8, in one of the most picturesque places of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve – on the shore of Lake Plavno – the oldest holiday of the Eastern Slavs, Kupalle, was celebrated.
Many amazing legends and mythological traditions are associated with Kupalle.
The people believed that ancient myths come to life on this July night.
On Kupalle night two life-giving elements – fire and water –merge in perfect harmony.
On the shore of the picturesque lake Plavno one could see the mysterious dances of mermaids, meet and take pictures with Bolotnik and other characters of Slavic mythology.
Balamuten, Vodyanik, Palyasya, Kikimora, the Witch and other mythological creatures came to the grand celebration.
This year, the festivities combined ancient traditions and rituals, fortune-telling and fun games, as well as weaving Kupala wreaths from ferns and wild flowers.
The main celebration of the middle of summer included traditional entertainment – a mysterious ritual of seeking happiness in the form of a mythical fern flower.
According to legend, the one who finds the flower will acquire extraordinary abilities: he will be able to understand the language of animals, birds and plants, hear what nature is whispering about, see treasures buried deep in the ground, open any locks, manage land and water.
Traditional treats were also prepared for the celebration. Everyone could try herbal tea and honey, taste fisherman's soup, barley porridge and barbecue, or just have a quick and tasty snack at the food court.
Guests could make an original face painting, ride a raft, a boat or a horse, as well as take some pictures in festive photo zones.
Throughout the holiday, a fortune-teller in a hut told their future to everyone, and while pulling wreaths onto the water, girls could guess at their future marriage.
And they watched in which direction the wreath floated away, because it’s believed that the betrothed is waiting there.
After all, if the wreath floats smoothly and far, then only positive events await.
The culmination of the event was a fire show performed by the ethnic and fantasy dance of “Ketri”.
The girls not only delighted the audience with a magical, alluring and bewitching dance, but also lit a large Kupala bonfire, which became the highlight of the evening.
It was believed that on the Kupalle night, fire acquires a special cleansing power.
Kupalle summer evening was filled with warmth, incredible energy and a truly magical atmosphere.
And all those who missed such a wonderful holiday this time, may not be worried since we’ll have something to surprise you with at Kupalle-2024.
We are waiting for you next year – it will be fun!
