Slavic-Rituals

Jumping over the bonfire
Kupala Night is a holiday associated with the period of the summer solstice. It is celebrated on the night of July 7th. During this time, according to legends, many magical plants are growing; therefore, Ukrainians believe that whoever finds a blooming fern in the forest will be rich and happy for the rest of their life. Girls throw wreaths in the water, and whoever’s wreath travels the fastest will get married soon. Another important ritual is burning bonfires. The belief is that these fires have healing powers; you will be cleansed from sins and cured of illnesses.

The historic dożynki harvest festivals
The Gods were thanked for the harvest during this holiday, with prayers for better gatherings the following year. Huge wreaths were made and special cakes called kołacz were baked for the occasion. Traditionally, a priest placed the magnificent kołacz between himself and the people, asking if he could be seen from behind it. If he was able to hide, it was surely a sign of prosperity. The folk tradition of the harvest holiday withstood the test of time in the form of the dożynki holiday which is still celebrated today, usually on one of the Sundays in September, after all the crops have been gathered.