A week ago, we celebrated Kupala Night - a symbolic time of purification during the summer solstice. I've written about this celebration many times before, so today I'd like to focus on one of its most fascinating aspects: the purification of water.
According to old Slavic beliefs, lakes and rivers were inhabited by Rusalki and Topielice - water spirits that waited to lure people into their underwater realm. For this reason, people avoided swimming in natural bodies of water until Kupala Night. The festival marked a symbolic turning point, as it was believed that on this night all waters were cleansed of evil spirits, making it safe to bathe in rivers and lakes from that moment onward.
This belief is also reflected in one of the best-known Kupala Night traditions. On this night, young men would dive into the water to retrieve the wreaths cast by the women they admired. It is hard to imagine they would have done so if they had believed that dangerous spirits were still lurking beneath the water's surface.
These beliefs are also connected to the Rusalki Week, a period during which the Rusalki were thought to be at the height of their activity. People believed that they emerged from the water and wandered along the riverbanks, so it was considered wise not to disturb them. Certain types of work were avoided, as they were believed to trap the spirits in the world of the living, and offerings were made to gain their favor.
At the end of Rusalki Week came the ritual known as the "Farewell to the Rusalki," intended to help these spirits return to the otherworld. A young woman with long hair was chosen to represent a Rusalka. Bonfires were lit, and the "Rusalka" chased the village boys between the flames, who had to avoid being caught. Finally, the entire procession escorted her to a liminal place - such as the edge of a village, a riverbank, or another location believed to mark the boundary between the worlds.
Really hope you enjoyed this set of photos and a description. I wanted to make this post before Kupala Night - unfortunately I wasn't feeling great and didn't want to risk being sick during my favourite celebrations!
Please let me know which frame is your favourite - it will help me choose a photo to post on my social medias :)
Love, Erinthul.