Why do the Christmas of John the Baptist and the feast of John Kupala fall on the same day: what should the Orthodox consider

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John of Kupala and Christmas of John the Baptist (Christmas of John the Baptist) are two important holidays that are celebrated in Ukraine on the same day, 24 June They have different origins and symbols, but are united in folk tradition.

What is the difference between Ivan Kupala and the Christmas of Ivan the Baptist

Ukrainians celebrate two different holidays on the same day, which really have nothing in common.

The Nativity of John the Baptist is a Christian holiday that marks the birth of one of the most important saints in Christianity. John the Baptist, known as John the Forerunner, played an important role in the New Testament, predicting the coming of Jesus Christ and baptizing people in the Jordan River. According to the Christian calendar, this holiday is celebrated on June 24.

Ivana Kupala is a pagan holiday associated with astronomical phenomena. Mass festivities, games by the fire, night bathing are ritual elements of the holiday, characteristic of the Slavs of pagan times.

This holiday has been known since the 4th century AD. Since this holiday has taken root in the Ukrainian tradition, the church decided to “legitimize” it, and it was on this day that the church holiday of the Nativity of John the Baptist appeared. In its pagan origins, the holiday had the name Kupala, and the name Ivan was added as a result of Christianization.

The Christmas of John the Baptist is celebrated as a church holiday dedicated to an important figure in Christianity, while Ivan Kupala has preserved many elements of the ancient pagan celebration, connected with natural cycles and folk rites.

Why do the holidays coincide

The coincidence of these holidays is connected with the combination of pagan and Christian traditions that took place in the process of Christianization of Kievan Rus.

When Christianity came to our lands, the church often tried to integrate pagan holidays into the Christian calendar, giving them a new meaning. Thus, the pagan holiday of Ivan Kupala was combined with the Christmas of John the Baptist, which allowed to preserve old traditions in a new religious context.

Modern celebration of July 7combines elements of both holidays. People perform rites associated with water and fire, which have cleansing and protective powers, and at the same time pay homage to John the Baptist, remembering his life and deeds. ancient folk beliefs and Christian traditions, making this holiday unique and multifaceted.

Folk rites for the feast of Ivan Kupala

The feast of Ivan Kupala has been celebrated since ancient times. In the 18th century, the church even tried to ban it. By the beginning of the 20th century, many pagan rites began to disappear, but some traditions remained. In particular, it is the weaving of wreaths and launching them into the water, jumping over the fire and bathing, which gave the holiday its name.

Kupala Night still has a special meaning for Ukrainians. Among the main rites is the making of stuffed animals of Kupala and Marena, which are specially prepared for the holiday.

An obligatory element of the celebration is a large bonfire around which people gather. Then the girls drop wreaths on the water, divination on their future love.