Musings of an Ukraine Traveler

Ivana Kupala Day

An ancient pagan holiday of beauty and youth is celebrated in most regions of Ukraine and Korostyshiv was no exception. Dancing, singing, games and fire-jumping, said to cleanse and bring good luck, mark the annual summer solstice celebration, the triumph of light over darkness. In accordance with ancient Ukrainian folk traditions, flower wreaths are ceremoniously tossed into the river. If they float, the following year will bring prosperity and marriage.* Also whoever is lucky enough to find the legendary scarlet fern, said to blossom for only seconds on the magical night will enjoy life-long happiness.

*The rainy day didn't dampen the crowd's pleasure at the amphitheater which was filled with flowers and willow branches*	*Dressed in traditional attire, older women lead the parade of youth into the park.*
*The women sing of love and youth, acopella. I love the way men and women will gather on a street corner or a park and begin singing in their rich voices.*	*Here come the young men and women, all crowned with beautiful flower wreaths.*
*The fire is lit, the dancing begins. Even the rain didn't dampen spirits.*	*Everyone starts jumping through the flame and I don't think fire retardant cloth is a part of Ukrainian products.*
The dancing is over and the kids put on a melodrama about Neptune wanting to marry off his daughter--the boy dressed as a girl. Members of the audience are pulled in for various scenes--silly and fun.	**The celebration of Ivana Kupala Day in Korostyshiv no longer includes throwing wreaths into the water from boats. About 12 years ago during the floating of the wreaths, the bridge just above this spot collapsed because of the great number of people on it. Over 20 people drowned in spite of a very brave man who lost his life after saving about 9 children.