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Kupalnitsya
Kupalnytsia is a mythical creature of Ukrainian demonology, associated with water and the holiday of Ivan Kupala. She is depicted as a beautiful woman with long flowing hair adorned with a wreath of wildflowers. She is dressed in light, almost transparent clothes that smoothly fall on the water, or completely naked, emphasizing her natural beauty. Bathers often appear near rivers, lakes and ponds on the night of Ivan Kupala, when the water acquires special magical properties.
Bathers are believed to be water spirits or the souls of young maidens who died in the water. They come ashore on the Kupala night to join in the festivities, sing, dance and lure young men with their enchanting singing. It is known that swimming pools can be both benevolent and dangerous. They can bless the water, making it healing, or drag unwary swimmers into the depths of the reservoir.
People, fearing to fall under the spell of bathing, tried to avoid bathing on the night of Ivan Kupala. To protect against their influence, charms were used, such as wormwood or St. John`s wort, which were carried with them or placed on windowsills. Some left offerings of bread, milk or flowers on the banks of the reservoir to appease the bathers and secure their favor.
Bathing suits symbolize the mystery and power of the water element, as well as the beauty and danger hidden in nocturnal nature. Their image reminds of the magic and charms that come to life on the night of Ivan Kupala, when the border between the worlds becomes thinner.
Bathers are believed to be water spirits or the souls of young maidens who died in the water. They come ashore on the Kupala night to join in the festivities, sing, dance and lure young men with their enchanting singing. It is known that swimming pools can be both benevolent and dangerous. They can bless the water, making it healing, or drag unwary swimmers into the depths of the reservoir.
People, fearing to fall under the spell of bathing, tried to avoid bathing on the night of Ivan Kupala. To protect against their influence, charms were used, such as wormwood or St. John`s wort, which were carried with them or placed on windowsills. Some left offerings of bread, milk or flowers on the banks of the reservoir to appease the bathers and secure their favor.
Bathing suits symbolize the mystery and power of the water element, as well as the beauty and danger hidden in nocturnal nature. Their image reminds of the magic and charms that come to life on the night of Ivan Kupala, when the border between the worlds becomes thinner.