Ivana Kupala: Ukraine celebrates its pagan past with flowers and frills

People attend a celebration on the traditional Ivana Kupala (Ivan the Bather) holiday in Kiev, Ukraine. (REUTERS)

Updated on: Jul 09, 2016 5:48 PM IST

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People attend a celebration on the traditional Ivana Kupala (Ivan the Bather) holiday in Kiev, Ukraine. (REUTERS)

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The ancient tradition, originating from pagan times, is usually marked with grand overnight festivities during which people sing and dance around campfires, believing it will purge them of their sins and make them healthier. (REUTERS)

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The festival is celebrated in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Russia currently on the night of 6/7 July in the Gregorian calendar. (REUTERS)

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Kupala also represents an ancient fertility ritual. (REUTERS)

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Inspite of pagan origins, the festival was eventually accepted into the Orthodox Christian calendar. (REUTERS)

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Kupala, the Slavic word for bathing has, over the years, come to be reintrepreted as John’s baptizing people. (REUTERS)

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On Kupala day, young people jump over the flames of bonfires in a ritual test of bravery and faith. (REUTERS)

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The ancient Kupala rites, are connected with the role of water in fertility and ritual purification. (REUTERS)

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Children take part in a celebration on the traditional Ivana Kupala. (REUTERS)

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Women make wreaths during Ivana Kupala. (REUTERS)

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People jump over a camp fire during the celebration. (REUTERS)