The most mysterious night in the year - Ivan Kupala Night was celebrated over the night on July 7

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Kupala Night, celebrated in Ukraine on the night of July 6-7, is known for its traditions – swimming, jumping over fire, divination and searches for a bloomy fern.

Kupala Night is an ancient holiday. After all these years, it is still popular among youth thanks to its fascinating customs.

For instance, according to the holiday’s traditions, one should not sleep at night as different evil spirits – witches, snakes, merman, mermaids and turnskins.

The key symbols of Kupala Night are water, fire and grass.

Another interesting thing about this holiday is a well-known legend which says that a fern blooms only once in a year, at Kupala Night. And the one who finds it gets special power and capabilities.

Speaking of the name of this holiday, the pre-Christian name is still unknown. Ivan Kupala name itself has a folk-Christian origin. It is a Slavic variant of the name John the Baptist.