FESTIVAL Ivan Kupala Day. The letter-essay.

Dear Nancy!

Thank you for your message , I have just received it. You ask me to help with your project. Of course, I'll do it. First of all I should say that there are a lot of festivals in Ukraine and I want to tell you about one of them – Ivan Kupala Day.

This festival is considered to be the oldest and brightest in our country. It is an enigmatic holiday in honour of the “God of the Sun” (Dazhbog) Ivan Kupala Day is celebrated on the 6-th of July. I think this festival is the important event of the national culture of Ukraine.

It is believed at this day the Sun's power became the strongest and it meant the light and kindness won the dark forces. People celebrated this holiday gathering plants and herbs and decorated their head then began to jump over fire. Such tradition symbolizes the cleaning from illnesses and bad things. Also young girls were sure if they jumped with their man together they would be happy in the future. At the end of festival all people sing the songs, dances and girls throw their wreath with candles on the river. And if this beautiful wreath sank, the heart of young lady would be broken.

Besides at midnight the bravest people started to find the fern plants in the forest. If they did it they could understand the language of animals and plants – the wise people said so. It's very interesting tradition that shows the character of the person. As for me I like this festival of merry and happy atmosphere, having a chance to try myself and to communicate with people.

Now I am waiting your interesting story about your culture and traditions.

Best wishes, Alice.