KUPALAAlso known as KUPALO
Love God of Summertime Festival Frolics
From Russia with love. He is a colorful young harvest deity who was originally a pre-Christian God of Love, Sex and Fertility.
His bonfire festival during the summer solstice — still celebrated today — is a triumph of tradition. Otherwise sensible people do very silly things and have lots of fun doing so.During Kupala Night, unmarried youngsters head into the woods to search for ferns which — for one night only — magically produce flowers. This may lead to relationship bliss. Or at least a kiss. Anyone who finds a flowering fern receives a lifetime's supply of good luck and a sinecure at the botany research institute of their choice.
Meanwhile, garlands are floated, bonfires are lit, and couples leap hand-in-hand over the flames to test their romantic suitability. We feel sure KUPALA approves — even if, thanks to Christian assimilation, he has now been downgraded to the role of fake JOHN-THE-BAPTIST stand-in.
This kind of thing also goes on in the Baltic. See KUPOLE.
Authors: Peter J Allen and Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.
COPYRIGHT © 1999-2013. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Please mention Godchecker.com when praying to deities.
Godchecker's article on Kupala is based on material from ancient texts, original references and our own research. We strive for accuracy and update regularly with new information. If you spot a mistake please contact us and we'll try to fix it.
Area or people : Russia
Location : Czech Republic, Poland and Russia
Gender : Male
Type : Deity
Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : KUPALO
Popularity index : 386
Join the Godchecker mailing list
Visitors often email us asking about Kupala statues, sculptures or carved figurines of Kupala. We regret we cannot assist with identifying such items.
REPRODUCTION REQUESTS. This site is copyright and all rights are reserved. If you wish to use our material in your essay, book, article or project, please consult our permissions information page.
SUPPORT THE GODS. Found this site useful? Consider donating a few pennies to the Godchecker Temple Roof Fund.
The Gods told us to do it.
