Dance and Revelry

No norms or limitations were observed in ancient times during pagan rituals. It was believed that the ghosts of the dead and demons possess the bodies of young people and increase their readiness to love, breed and give birth. Kupalnocka could easily become a time of orgies: when dancing, singing and heavy-drinking young men often kidnapped the girls they had chosen before and took them into the forest; traditionally the custom allowed for free lovemaking. According to legend, virgins were advised against taking part in Midsummer rituals. They were warned not to approach bonfires burning in adoration of Kupała. In Christian times the rituals were connected with the cult of John the Baptist and gradually softened (also by the intervention of the church).


Barbara Błońska (monthly 'Karnet')