One of the most ancient holidays is the day of Ivan Kupala, which is usually celebrated on July 7. Despite the fact that he has pagan roots, on this day and in the church a celebration in honor of John the Baptist (Forerunner) is held. Up to now, various national features have been received on July 7, as well as various traditions and rituals. The most important ritual of this holiday is bathing in a pond. It is believed that in this way a person gets rid of all diseases. In ancient times, people believed that those who do not enter the water are sorcerers.
Signs of the Birth of John the Baptist for July 7
Traditionally on this day it is customary to hold large-scale celebrations, which are necessarily accompanied by jumping through the fire. It is important during this, from the heart, to make a wish that will certainly come true. Another obligatory tradition is the weaving of wreaths, which it is customary to launch on water. The main symbol of this holiday is the flower of the fern, which according to the legends is blown out on the night of 6 to 7 July and there is a sign that if a person can see the plant's flowers, then all the riches will open before him and he will be able to see the hidden treasures.
It is also believed that on this day the evil spirits are gathering, which suits the coven. To protect themselves from witches, woodpeckers and sorcerers, people necessarily hung on Ivan Kupala's windows and doors of the nettle branch. After the celebration in the morning, people went to the field to collect dew, as it was considered healing. A well-known omen for the Orthodox holiday on July 7 concerns that if Ivan Kupala is raining, then haymaking will be spoiled. In addition, this change of weather means that the sun in the sky in the coming days will not be able to see.
Another famous sign on July 7 is due to the fact that if there are a lot of stars in the sky, then there will be a lot of mushrooms in the forest, and you can count on good fish biting.
July 7, people necessarily went to the field and the forest to collect medicinal herbs, because it was believed that on that day their healing power was increased several times. Strong fragrance of flowers is usually considered a harbinger of rain. Another ancient sign on Ivan Kupala - if you burn the clothes of a sick person in a fire at night, it means that soon he will recover.